Seeking speakers under $3K for 10x12 ft room and driven by 20wpc tube amp

@ristretto Yeah I kinda thot you'd be overwhelmed so that's why I asked :). Too many choices sometimes. My setup: I have a Jolida - precursor to Black Ice - either 10 or 14 WPC and I'm in a room a little bigger than yours. Currently running a pair of Omega Junior Alnico 6 XRS with it and a REL T5 downfiring sub - (I replaced my Paradigm Mini Monitors v.6 stand-mounted speakers). Nice sound overall w/ the Omegas. Definitely depends on the quality of the source material. Nothing sounds bad but some recordings, like Johnny Cash American Recordings, Musica Nuda, vocals focused stuff sound great! Other recordings just OK but that's mostly true of any good speaker. I may look for a new amp, bit more power to see if it further improves the sound.

Point being - the Paradigms are 91db sensitivity and sounded really really good. Because I couldn't audition used Omegas, I just bought them. Happy but not sure they're $1500 better... maybe. I've run those Paradigms w/ the little Jolida tube amp, Rotel integrated and a MF M6Si and they sounded great (although needed a sub to round 'em out.) Check out Paradigm used ones if you can. Mine new cost $500. Paradigm designed around the midrange and let the top and bottom end go where they go. They can play loud and didn't break up. I found 91db Paradigms to be great w/ the little tube amp with your kind of music. Way less than $3K also. PS- I'm in SoCal too so keep in touch...

Hi, I listen exclusively to small combo jazz and vocals using KEF R5 floorstanding speakers. I have a slightly larger room than your 15 x 27. Love the KEF sound. This is my second pair of KEF floor standing. The new Meta series offer excellnet sound in floor standing for a reason price. In my setup, my speakers have great sound stage, warm presentation, surprising tight bass with the vocal clarity that I like. Give them a listen. Tubes should be good with them. My electronics are solid state. Joseph    

For $3k, you could build a set of SEAS Thor loudspeakers.  Get the kit from Madisound.  Theyʻre roughly equivalent to the Joseph Audio Perspective ($14k).  Designed by Joe DʻAppolito.

GoldenEar Tritons

I’m listening to Fritz Carrera 7 BE’s with a Pimaluna Evo300 amp and it’s a great match. Highly recommended for your situation. Can usually find these used for under $3k.