Can you provide context on First Watt?

Each First Watt amp has a somewhat idiosyncratic sound, and all are low power - they are great amps but your choice of speakers for each model is limited...many/most amps are designed to work with a wide variety of speakers, First Watt's are not...

Yes, and I get that. Of the First Watt amps, the J2 seems to be the biggest crowd pleaser, or the "least offensive," as Nelson Pass described it. I live in a small apartment and typically listen to music at 60-70 db. In fact, that’s why I originally landed on the Zu DWXs. Reportedly they sound great at low volumes. Surely I can find a speaker that will sound sweet with this amp. Unlike a lot of you, I just need one set of speakers that makes me smile when I play music. My understanding is that Zu Audio and Omega offer in house trial periods, so I may need to try a few before I settle, but that’s part of the journey.

agree,  there are lots of good speakers for your setup...and the journey is a big part of the fun...

@surlydale , I also don’t listen very loud. Loud for me is about 85db peaks.(Using an iPhone app). I occasionally run a pair of Graham Chartwell LS3/5 using my J2. These are not very sensitive speakers at 83db,however are a pretty easy 9ohm. The J2 has no issues driving these to the higher end of the volume I listen.  The easier the load the better. I am currently running a pair of Nola Boxer II’s, 90db sensitivity, and an 8ohm load without the J2 breaking a sweat.

        The one piece of advice I’ll give is, let this amp breath it definitely runs hot. I don’t recommend putting it in a rack.  Other than the heat,I don’t find any negatives for the J2. Like others have stated,synergy with speakers and your listening habits mean everything.  Enjoy!

    Ray 

I think you’re on the right track with high-sensitivity speakers for low-volume listening. Whenever I hear a speaker with a cone tweeter I like it’s often a highly efficient speaker, like a DeVore Orangutan. Also, you sound like a careful listener, so don’t scrimp on your source. FYI, The Music Room in Boulder is advertising a good stock of the PS Audio Directstream DAC, which was recently replaced by an updated version. For $2,000 it’s an outstanding choice. Enjoy.

DIYaudio is a great place to ask about FirstWatt products, since it is essentially a kit.
 

that is completely false, they are finished products just like all Pass  products

There’s absolutely nothing “kit” about a FW amplifier

nothing