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Speaker power handling

I'm currently demoing some Dynaudio Focus 140 speakers rated at 200 watts rms/iec @ 4ohms.
With my older PSE amp rated at 195 w@ 4ohms the sound is good.

Now my concern is to try my Classe CA400 that is rated at 800w @4ohms without having an expensive repair bill. I do at times listen at higher volume settings with peaks around 95+db.

Should I resist temptations trying the Classe?
yagimax
weseixas
519 posts
 
Rrog,
Please explain your position...

I will stand behind mine that i have never encountered a speaker that did not sound better on a bigger amplifier. I'm also not from the school of small amp sounds better than a big un ! never experienced that before after trying many, many over the years ...

i guess first we need to define what is considered a small amplifier..

regards,
yagimax OP
21 posts
 
These ATC speakers look interesting. Is there a dealer that carries them in the U.S. or Canada?
Vandersteen 2ci's since sold, were in my system for over 15 years. I'm not if the newer signature versions are more alive sounding as my 2ci's were a touch boring but polite.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Better watts......are better.
Better may mean better for a particular speaker. Some amps do not like hi phase angle loads....impedance being secondary. Some amps of the 'bulletproof' variety can thrive on weird loads.
I'd rather have 100 bulletproof watts than 500 wimpy watts.
nolitan
865 posts
 
The Classe is a bit overkill for the Dyna140 although it would sound superb.
If you are willing to invest that much in the amp, suggest you consider as what others have pointed out, a pair of ATC SCM19 or the SCM40. These speakers can play really loud without strain & paired with that classe , you should be happy!
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Weseixas, With all things being equal it takes a lot more parts to make a more powerful amplifier. Higher parts count equals lower fidelity. This is why audiophiles are attracted to the sound of SET amplifiers. There is something special about the sound of these simple designs. The Naim Nait has always been a big hit for its sound quality even at 25 watts per channel. Whenever two amplifiers are designed the same the lower powered sibling has the preferred sound. If you have a power hungry speaker then you have no choice, but I hardling think this little Dynaudio Focus 140 needs 800 watts per channel. Totem has used these little Dynaudio drivers for years and a high quality 100 watt amplifier is a good match.

Wnat more slam? Getting a bigger amplifier. Want more of everything else? Keep it simple.

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