Looking for suggestions for a new (to me) pair of high efficiency monitors

((((I fail to understand how a separate preamplifier can improve the sound)))
 I strongly disagree
A real preamp allows the clarity of dynamics to swell as in life or the way we hear.

(((By all means, use an LS3/5a type speaker in a small room like this. However, the modern Harbeth P3ESR is much better))

 I disagree with you again I do agree its a very nice small speaker,
 I know you mean well here but his 60 WPC tube amps are not at their best for driving this small type design for best coherence in that room.
 Best JohnnyR 

Could you explain why the e.g. 2.0 V out of a source becomes a different kind of 2.0 V when it leaves the pre amp?
I agree that anaemic tube amps are never a good idea. However, this room is only 10x12 feet. I use a 2x100 watt rms at 8 Ohm Quad 405-2 into my P3ESRs (i.e. some 130 watt into their 6 Ohm), in an 18 sq m room, and that is fine. It will not bring down the walls, but no small speaker ever will.

((( I use a 2x100 watt rms at 8 Ohm Quad 405-2 into my P3ESRs (i.e. some 130 watt into their 6 Ohm), in an 18 sq m room, and that is fine. It will not bring down the walls, but no small speaker ever will.)))

 That's a fine match with Quad SS agree
  its the tube amps that lays down with the small Harbeths

((Could you explain why the e.g. 2.0 V out of a source becomes a different kind of 2.0 V when it leaves the pre amp?))


 For sure
  A 50 cent integrated circuit PC add in a microprocessor with a compromised power supply sounds more like the screaming weasel
  vs a real Preamp
  Quicksilver line stage with a 12 AT7 real power supply and much better Volume control wins the hart of the music lover every time.
 Do the experiment
 
  Cheers ,
 JohnnyR

http://images.klipsch.com/RB81IIcutsheet_635042118979170000.pdf

"Not to disparage low cost speakers but always thought of this line as mass market HT stuff? How do they sound compared to traditional Klipsch Heritage Series Heresy III?"

Of course the RB-81II's are not going to be able to run with the big Heritage Klipsch(Khorns, La Scalas, Cornwalls, Belles) but they can hold there own against the Heresy models and dig a bit deeper.  Not as refined but pretty darn good for "mass market"  

Below is my response to another thread.

"The RB-81II's are pretty big sounding for "bookshelf" speakers and can be driven pretty well with 60w/ch. Before you pull the trigger on those, look on the used market for a pair of RB-75's. They will command a higher price but you will get real wood veneer, a 1.75" titanium true compression driver, and a solid cabinet at 32lbs each. Though my pair sounded awesome with great low frequency extension(nearing 40Hz) in my room, I did add a nice sub to fill in the bottom."

Bill