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For efficient speakers, how much difference does an amp really make?

I have ascend sierra RAAL tower speakers with 90-93db efficiency and 300W continuous power handling. I’m powering them with dual outlaw M2200 monoblock class AB/G amps rated at 200W into 8 ohms. It sounds good...but i can’t help but wondering if a different amp would provide greater clarity and low-end grunt.

I have been curious about an older adcom amp like the GFA-555 II or perhaps a parasound halo amp like the A23. 

To those who have had multiple amps in your setup, did you find significant sonic differences between amps, or is a subtle thing? I don’t want to start collecting amps, but I don’t want to deny myself the chance to improve my system further. Thoughts?
dtrandall
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,499 posts
 
amps make a huge difference.  don't obsess about power ratings.  I use 45w to drive speakers with an SPL of 84dB at trade shows (in 13 x 20 rooms) and at the end of the day my ears ring.  

Quality over quantity assuming you meet the minimum needs for the listening environment you are in. 
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Going lower power and/or tube amp is no assurance of superior sound quality. It is often an assurance of lesser macrodynamics and headroom, as arctikdeth pointed out.  

I have reviewed lower powered tube/SS amps, but for my personal systems I prefer more robust tube/SS amps, regardless of the efficiency of the speakers.   :) 



tuberist
951 posts
 
Mapman.....TechHiFi....boy that brings me back....

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,784 posts
 
Just to be clear, 90-93dB is a moderate efficiency.


The problem you run into with moderate to lower efficiency speakers (less than 89dB) is something called 'thermal compression'. This is the tendency for the voice coil to heat up dynamically on peaks, which limits power with many amplifiers. The more power you throw at it, the worse it gets. This is why efficiency speakers (+96dB) have greater dynamic punch.



mapman's avatar
mapman
22,172 posts
 
It’s true that listening at too high an SPL continuously beyond ~ the mid 80s causes hearing loss, so if one is armed and dangerous with an amp/speaker combo truly capable of delivering clean, dynamic peaks in the 90s or greater like one might hear at a live concert, be careful. There is only so much of that really good stuff the human ears can handle.

Soft clipping lower power tube amps are a good compromise from that perspective. Your ears are safe and as teh soft clipping kicks in rolling of the dynamic peaks, you will probably hear more of all the rest that is in the recording. That’s still a lot of good music.

Hate to make soft clipping amps sound similar to modern loudness wars recordings but the end result can be very similar.

Disclaimer: I like a lot of modern loudness wars CDs with good material done well otherwise, but only on a  good suitable powered setup capable of delivering the goods.
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