2. speakers
  3. 1283808291

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
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.

weseixas
519 posts
 
Hello Rrog,

If Yagimax wants to drive his speakers to 95 db 9 ft away he will need an amp with at least 300 watts /ch if not to have any clipping...

A bad power amp is just that, Bad, big or small. Speaking absolutely due to the dynamic power necessary to reproduce "live music" most if not all speakers will benefit from a big un, of course if this is not the goal and one has high efficiency speakers maybe some 25 watt deal could work at a moderate level.

regards,

weseixas
519 posts
 
Hello Yagimax,

I would go to the bigger and better amplifier first , you can upgrade the speakers later. You are most likely to damage your speakers clipping the lower powered PS audio than with the bigger amplifier.

regards,
More to discover