That is a low ceiling for that big of a room. I would go for speakers that are slanted back, i.e. time aligned (highs travel a speck faster than lows) or flat faced ones that you can improvise to slant them slightly, and toe them in, all to avoid reflections from parallel surfaces. Tweeters have narrower dispersion, so aim them at seated ear height.
Horns, more efficient, have wider dispersion, some horns are designed to restrict vertical dispersion (good for your 8' ceiling) and provide wide horizontal dispersion, another reason to toe horns in.
Try aggressive toe-in, you may be surprised, maintain great imaging with a wider center for 2 listeners, and even less reflections from side walls.
I always recommend efficient speakers to make it easier to try tube amps, and reduce cost of any amp in the future. smaller, lighter, less heat, more placement options all come from efficient speakers reduced power needs.
Horns, more efficient, have wider dispersion, some horns are designed to restrict vertical dispersion (good for your 8' ceiling) and provide wide horizontal dispersion, another reason to toe horns in.
Try aggressive toe-in, you may be surprised, maintain great imaging with a wider center for 2 listeners, and even less reflections from side walls.
I always recommend efficient speakers to make it easier to try tube amps, and reduce cost of any amp in the future. smaller, lighter, less heat, more placement options all come from efficient speakers reduced power needs.