Is a Bryston 3B SST2 enough for Magnepan 3.7i or 20.7?

@maplegrovemusic

So you aren’t gonna answer the question?

And no, I specifically stated that 25W was enough for low level listening (90dB peaks). If one wanted 100dB peaks, that’s 10x the wattage, so 250W. 

Ok , Just get a 25 watt amp op . LOL

You obviously have no experience with Magnepan my friend . No need to chat about them further with you . 

While I couldn’t find measurements of the sensitivity of the three speakers that have been mentioned in the OP, I note that their sensitivity and impedance specs are identical. And I would assume that the sensitivity specs (86 db/2.83 volts/500 Hz) are based on a distance of 1 meter.

I would therefore expect that at reasonable listening distances (as opposed to 1 meter) the larger speakers would require **less** power to produce the same volume as the .7, not more. Large panel speakers tend to "throw" the sound forward to a greater degree than smaller panel speakers, since the height and width (especially the height) of the larger speaker will "subtend" a larger angle relative to a given listening position.

It is possible, of course, that like many speaker sensitivity specs the 86 db figure is somewhat optimistic (and I note that Stereophile’s measurement of the sensitivity of the 3.6/R was 83.5 db/2.83 volts, while that speaker also had an 86 db/2.83 volt spec). But as long as any inaccuracy in the specs is consistent among the three models what I said above would apply.

Also, I see that the 3BSST2 is specified as being able to supply 250 watts into 4 ohms. Keep in mind that even if you were to go to an amp rated at 500 watts into 4 ohms that would only be a difference of 3 db in maximum volume capability.

Good luck as you proceed. Regards,
-- Al

@maplegrovemusic

I feel you are not understanding at all what I’m saying. I’ll try to be more clear:

1) If you listen to music at soft levels, you aren’t using as many watts. This should be common sense.

2) If you aren’t using a lot of watts, you don’t need a lot of watts.

3) A SS 100W amp and a SS 200W amp will have the same amount of bass if outputting 100W or less (assuming all else is equal).

Your point of Maggie’s being one of the hardest to drive speakers has nothing to do with anything I’ve said regarding the rebuttal to your claim that a more power amp has more bass at low wattage than a less powerful amp. I’ve pressed you for an explanation for your claim, and you continually deny to give one.