The actual amount of power being used is much smaller than you might think if your speakers are relatively efficient. Having reserve power for gigantic crescendos or that DJ Bass thing the kids like is fine, but I think the general quality and specific tone generated by an amp is where the mojo is, and buying extra watts can be a waste. I have a friend who owns a pair of mondo Pass Labs amps and damn if that V.U. needle ever moves. Great amps anyway…in a interview with Nelson Pass it was noted that during listening to one of his First Watt things that was hooked up to some sort of output metering device, the interviewer noted the amp barely did more than a few watts at fairly loud levels. I like that sort of thing.
Too Much Power?
I have a question that relates to the maximum power output of new Bel Canto Ref 600M monoblocks, which I am considering to replace the Audio Research 150.2 SS amp I am currently using in my main system. (Yes I am another of the "lunatic fringe" who enjoys the results of good quality Class D.)
The Ref 600Ms are based on a Hypex Ncore module, and are stated to produce a maximum power output each of 300W into 8 ohms. My question is whether this can prove to be a problem in powering my Focal Alto Utopia Be speakers, which are stated to have a "maximum" power handling capacity of 250W each (their nominal impedance being 8 ohms).
I listen to mostly classical instrumental and vocal music and other acoustic instrumental music, and do not listen at particularly loud levels: the ARC 150.2 is rated at 150W per channel into 8 ohms and it has never in 10 years appeared to go even close to its limits; I rarely if ever turn up the volume control on my ARC LS-25 past the 11:00 o'clock position.
Should I be concerned about the Bel Cantos damaging the Utopias, given the speakers' 250W per channel maximum capacity and the 300W per channel output potential of these amps? The Be tweeter and other components of these speakers can be very expensive to have to repair, not to mention the inconvenience and aggravation which I really do not need.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts or advice on this.
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Hi Northernfox, as far as I know, the Merrill Thor monos are based on a form of Hypex UCD module, which from an architecture point of view sits below NCore. Having said the above, the power conversion module is but one factor in the performance of a class D amp. I have had no experience on Thor at all.... But if you have the opportunity, it might be worth while listening to them. You might want to contact Merrill and see if he can send you a pair to audition in your system. BTW, what is your allocated budget for this amp project? Saluti, Guido
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Giudo: With Bel Canto Ref 600Ms ( or with Merrill Thors) I am looking at around $4,500-$5,000 stated price per pair. I did briefly consider Merrill Veritas; but at the stated price of $12,000 per pair, I really doubt Veritas would provide enough upside difference for my situation to justify over double the cost. Steve |
Hi northernfox, At your budget you also may want to consider the D-Sonic M3-1500-M mono-blocks. Here's a rave review from 6Moons of the M2-1500-M which are the exact same amps as the M3 per D-Sonic owner Dennis Deacon. http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/dsonic/1.htmll The power may not be needed given your speakers but they also offer the M3-600-M which are 600/1,200 watts at 8/4 ohms. I own a pair of these and they're the best amps I've ever used on my older Magnepan 2.7qr speakers that are 4 ohms. Here's a comparison M3-1500-M ($1,375 each, $2,750/pr) 1,500 watts into 8 ohms M3-600-M ($1,075 each, $2,150/pr) 600 watts into 8 ohms Both offer 3 week in-home trials. Here's their website: http://www.d-sonic.net/products/mono/ Sorry, never heard the Bel Canto Ref 600 or the Merrill Thors so I can't compare to the D-Sonics. I do know the D-Sonics are high-end performance at reasonable prices. Good luck, Tim |
northernfoxAs I tried to outlined in my first post Steve, with these Utopia Be speakers, you need current more that watts, as they are 92db efficient 100watts at 8ohm will do. But with that 2 ohms and 3ohms in the bass you need current, so when it hits those loads you will have close to 400watts available, if you pick the right amp, KRELL like power, look for amps that almost double their 8ohm wattage to 4ohms and double again down to 2ohms Cheers George |
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