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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
 
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,
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Weseixas, The speakers power handling capability will be exceeded with 300 watts. Honestly, I do not believe speakers with a midrange size woofer are intended for this kind of abuse.

It is true tweeters can easily be damaged with too little power, but woofers can be damaged with too much.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Yagimax, Do yourself a favor and contact Dynaudio. I believe using an amplifier with 800 watts into 4 ohms is risky business with your little speakers.

Its obvious I got mixed up in a solid state crowd.
yagimax OP
21 posts
 
The Classe has been sitting idle since the sale of the Magnepans thus the temptation to try it.

My last audition was a single driver speaker with an 18w set amp. The midrange was fantastic but lacked dynamics.

I'm hoping to try something different this weekend after another visit to the dealer.
weseixas
519 posts
 
Rrog,

Not a SS crowd, it's more a sounding like live music crowd. -)

Not because an amp has 800 watts mean he will be using it all, nor will yagimax be using 300 watts rms, most likely 300 watts music peak and only if he decides to go crazy with the volume, if not i don't expect any issues...

Guarantee it will be the best he has ever heard those dynaudio's..

Regards,
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