Amp output versus Speaker imput


If I have an amplifier that is rated at 350 watts output - which I want to keep, does that limit me to speakers that have a recommended amplification of over 350 watts?

I'm in the market for new speakers and there are some I fancy but have a lower recommended amplification that what my amplifier is rated at. Do I discard these speakers or could I play them on my system but not turn up the volume too much. Or given the size of the room concentrate on high amplification speakers. I am budgeting about $16,000 to $20,000 for them.

My listening room is 31' by 10' for 14' then widens out to 15' for the remaining 17'. The speakers are placed in the narrow end of the room. I listen mainly to classical music.

Are there any recommendations that anyone might have on what speakers might be compatible?

Would truly appreciate anyone's input.

Thanks in advance
shiprepair
1 watt of distortion can do more damage than 500 watts of clean power. You can never have too much. Keep in mind though that some of the best sounding amps made are only 3-7 watts.
This is one heck of a pair of speakers which ever they are. I echo the thinking that low power will be likely to do more harm than much more than sufficient power. I would think in terms of something that can comfortably deliver 700-1000 watts.
There are not a lot of amps that do this but McIntosh does have one that makes 2,000 watts. I don't have any idea of what it sounds like or what it costs.
In theory since I have not heard one in action, you can add a Musical Fidelity "supercharger" with either 550 watts each or 750 watts each. I think Audio Advisor has the 550s for a very low $995 close out price. That is down from $1995.00 which was at a heavily discounted price already .

MSRP I think was about $3000. It would appear to be a inexpensive option. It supposely simply adds power only to the signal you deliver claiming to preserve the sonic of your amp.
Musical fidelity products come from either the UK or China . I don't know where they make these. The English MF I am familiar with because I once owed a MF 308 amp. It was a very serious piece of gear that was very solidly built. I only sold it because I needed a more warmish coloration for my analytic, detailed Speakers.
Thank you all for your information. I'm a listener in the 85db class so my choice of speakers has been extended.

Thanks again
Indeed the volume that a large output amp can acheive without distorting is what is critical. Your listening habits are on par with those, who like it a bit higher than the average audiogon member. I gather this from the numerous answers to how loud do you play> think I will post a "how loud" census for update.
Thus changing your speaker to play loudly with less power may be a good idea. BUT I seriously doubt it however. You like these speakers, finding one you like is a tough step to reach. You risk not liking the sound of higher sensitive speakers.
Many of the most sensitive are all range, others seem to have compression horns.* My average preferred level is in the low to mid 90s.
I would not accept defeat. Your budget is ample for used monster amps of very high repute.
Give a look at Higher Fi . com an advertiser here on the gon. They have very impressive high end gear. Much of it within your budget.

P.S.* (I own two pairs of klipsch I almost never play with a sesitivity of my original La Scalas of 104 Db/watt at 4 feet. 104 Db is not a comfortable sound anymore. I have also Heresys at a mere 98 and Hi FI ca. 1960 JBLs 2 pair with the bullet tweeter also compression at 102db. If you use tube amps your system has to have very carefully selected tubes for low noise and you can't have any hum SS or tube. Its all amplified to audible levels with such speakers.) Do I like it well yes I did at one time But not very much lately. I don't play them very often I keep them mainly for sentimental reasons.