Hi Sam -
Without knowing your room size or how loud you play your music, the PL1 should drive most speakers in the price range that you are considering just fine, within reason.
I am just not sure why you would consider 'downgrading', so to speak, the speakers that you would be using. I am assuming that you are using this system for music, as opposed to movies. If it were for movies, the PL1 would be the wrong amp to use alone in the first place.
If it is purely for looks and the desire to have smaller footprint speakers, you may be underwhelmed as you would be giving up a 15" woofer.
I have had the PL2 and PL5 for the past 13 years. Both amps were originally used with Acoustic Research 302 (3 way, 10" woofer) speakers for 7 years and changed over to Opera Platea floor standers (2 way, 6" woofer). Both very good speakers, but I gave up the oomph when I went with the smaller woofer speakers.
I am now using Zu Audio Dirty Weekenders (not sure how you would feel about their looks). I enjoy them a lot and I have recaptured the fuller ballsier sound.
I would consider something like the Omega Super 7 MK2 speaker with the PL1. I have had Omega speakers in one form or another for 15 years. The 7 inch woofer on the Super 7 has real driving power and it pairs well with tube amps. You can also choose your speaker's finish.
https://omegaloudspeakers.com/collections/monitor-speakers/products/super-7-monitor-speaker?variant=...
Rich
Without knowing your room size or how loud you play your music, the PL1 should drive most speakers in the price range that you are considering just fine, within reason.
I am just not sure why you would consider 'downgrading', so to speak, the speakers that you would be using. I am assuming that you are using this system for music, as opposed to movies. If it were for movies, the PL1 would be the wrong amp to use alone in the first place.
If it is purely for looks and the desire to have smaller footprint speakers, you may be underwhelmed as you would be giving up a 15" woofer.
I have had the PL2 and PL5 for the past 13 years. Both amps were originally used with Acoustic Research 302 (3 way, 10" woofer) speakers for 7 years and changed over to Opera Platea floor standers (2 way, 6" woofer). Both very good speakers, but I gave up the oomph when I went with the smaller woofer speakers.
I am now using Zu Audio Dirty Weekenders (not sure how you would feel about their looks). I enjoy them a lot and I have recaptured the fuller ballsier sound.
I would consider something like the Omega Super 7 MK2 speaker with the PL1. I have had Omega speakers in one form or another for 15 years. The 7 inch woofer on the Super 7 has real driving power and it pairs well with tube amps. You can also choose your speaker's finish.
https://omegaloudspeakers.com/collections/monitor-speakers/products/super-7-monitor-speaker?variant=...
Rich