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What speakers work with low wattage class A amps

Hi everyone. I am setting up a system and have been really impressed by some low volume listening I was able to do through a class A amp. Class A amps usually have lower watts in a given price range, and are not as practical for big power. What speakers have sensitivity that would make sense for an amp with 25 Watts or less (eg some of the entry level class A options from Pass Labs)?  Are we limited to horn speakers? The speakers I have are said to require “high current amps”. Is this a factor as well? Thanks for your help. 

arhgef
dogberry
771 posts
 

I've used both 90dB/Watt and 86dB/Watt speakers with 15W amps perfectly well. Unless you want to destroy your hearing, you don't have to find ultra-sensitive speakers to enjoy low wattage amps.

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,955 posts
 

@arhgef Wrote:

Maybe I should turn the question on its head and ask: What class A amp that is between 5K and 10K or so can drive speakers like the Celestion 700se. or Harbeth 30.2. I guess that is like asking what are some good higher watt Class A amps in that price range. I wonder if those two speakers are comparable, but I guess that is a question for another thread, comparing vintage to modern british speakers.

A Pass Labs XA25 amp will drive them.

Mike

@steveashe +1

 

z32kerber
153 posts
 

My 90 dB Chapman T7s work very well with my Pass Labs XA30.8.

coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor
382 posts
 

I have the First Watt SiT-3 with Klipsch Cornwall lV’s and this combination is my favorite over my Pass XA 25 and Golden Tube audio 300b…I put a 25 ohm resistor on the terminals of the Cornwalls… seemed to tighten things up just a touch. Sounds good!

I don’t know much the Heretics are, but I’d trust Herb’s ears. Bet they’d sound good with any of the amps listed above.

wolf_garcia
6,761 posts
 

I'd try a pair of Atmasphere's Class D monos to see if he's right, but I guess that will involve buying them and sending 'em back if they don't satisfy my class A needs. Not likely to happen...I need to make friends with Ralph...who, by the way, is not only smart but really good looking...wonder if this is gonna work...

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