speakers for first watt j2

Reference 3A MM de Capo I or later, you will also need a good pair of stands.

I'd recommend taking a look at Tekton. These are high efficiency and an easy load to drive and I have heard the designer prefers SS amplification for his speakers as well.

I have also heard several accountings of good results with Ref 3A DeCapo and low wattage tube and SS amps, at least for moderate volume listening.

In general, if you want to listen louder and clear, you'll want higher efficiency speakers. Some common candidates for moderate cost would be tekton, Zu, Klipsch some Tannoy, and Coincident and maybe some Triangle or even Focal.

Then there are aplethora of more specialized expensive larger horn based hi efficiency designs. Of those, the ones I have heard that seemed to repesent the best value was Cathedral Speakears in Virginia.

I have a friend with the First Watt M2 amp driving a pair of Ref 3a reference L'integral with excellent results in a 20'X14' room. 25 watts which I believe is similar or the same as the J2. I second the above recommendation. He is bringing over his M2 to my place in the next week or two for evaluation. I expect very good results based on what I heard at his place although the J2 and M2 are a bit different in their output devices Jfets vs mosfets in the output stages. The Decapo BEs are just superb music makers but I AM prejudiced so take my words with a grain of salt or if for no other reason than to have you listen to them with that J2 if you get the chance. I do believe you will be pleasantly suprised.

Btw, I think you purchased a really excellent amplifier. Now just to find the right speaker. Read, research and listen to everything you can and be patient!