Paraneer,
Doesn't have to be a vintage speaker. I agree with your assessment in looking at 8ohm with high sensitivity. Ran my old 103's with a Pioneer SX-838 50wpc and while they could crank never blew a fuse. Also, the room this system will be in is only 12x15 so I don't need a huge speaker just one that will sound good with rock as well as jazz.