So I recently inherited a pair of 1977 LS. I'm looking to create an above average 2 channel listening experience. I've been thinking about replacing the AA network with an ALK Universal instead of recapping the originals for $100. I'm also trying to figure out what to power them with. I've read good things about integrated HK x30 series amps. I think that I would like a tube amp but I'm not into Chinese knockoffs and would prefer newish or a rebuilt older but the combinations are mind boggling to someone coming into it with little knowledge and limited budget. I'm a 41 year old in the central Arkansas area with a family. I'm hoping some of you good people here can use this info to help me out. Very many thanks in advance for your taking time to read.
Room size 16x16 (decided to use spare room for listening)
Speaker placement - 10-12ft center to center
Listening distance - 10ish ft
Loudness - Mostly listening level but occasionally turn it up to hear in the back yard
Music genres - Rock (Black Crowes), Blues, Jazz and for my Mom, Neil Diamond
Source - Digital. An HTPC I put together. Output via auzentech dedicated sound card. All files were encoded FLAC from source cds by myself.
Possibly hook up a SW10 II to supplement bass
Preamp?
The ever important budget discussion. If I pick up the universals then that would leave around 1k for a power source and accoutrements. I'm just looking for a good, clean listening experience. I was thinking the universals would allow me to tailor the sound without having to recap for any xfrmr tap changes but when I got to powering them I became dizzy.