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Is there such a thing as too much power?

   I downgraded power from 300 watts per ch to 70 and I like the sound better! I always thought more power is a good thing, but could that be wrong?

Please enlighten me...
gongli3
gongli3 OP
92 posts
 
My 2 amps are Onkyo Integra pre and power 300 watts per ch., and the Marantz surround sound 7.1 70 watts per ch. 

I know this is not the level most of you all are used to but, it's my second system (my main is Krell). 

I am surprised at the amount of enjoyment I am getting from Paradigm Studio speakers connected to Marantz surround receiver - considerably more than I was with the Onkyo Integra separates...Marantz is not what it used to be but they still make listenable gears I guess.

The music sings more with less power - go figure that. 

Thank you for all those posted - you guys are a great source of info!

Stay safe and enjoy concerts at home...

jollygreenaudiophile2's avatar
jollygreenaudiophile2
275 posts
 
Hee hee, Sell me your Onkyo?
hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello,
I thought it was important to use at least 25% of the preamp. I had a marsh Sound Design A400s which is 200 WPC-push pull. I always thought is was a little under detailed unless you really turned it up. I switched to the 100 wpc version and it sings like a canary even at very low volume. My speakers are 89 efficiency. I had three of the A400s amps so I had three to test. I love all car’s so I understand the examples. I really love Ferrari’s and Mustangs. I wish Mustangs could get that horsepower to the wheels. For some reason the 350 was always faster than the 500. Lighter and more control on the throttle I don’t know. I truly love my system now. Sorry, no one was talking about the preamp or maybe using a TT with it as a source which I thought was important. 
larryi
4,252 posts
 
Many years ago, I went to a dealer to audition amplifiers to use with my Acoustat 1+1 speakers.  The dealer, who had sold me my pair, had a big Rowland amp hooked up to his 1+1 speakers.  It sounded okay, but it didn't really quite do it for me.  He then switched in a smaller Rowland amp that was built on a similar design, used the same type of transistors, but, only put out something like 50 watts.  I actually liked the smaller amp more--it seemed more lively.  I admit that I am not a deep bass freak and the Acoustats would not be able to deliver deep bass anyway, but, in other respects, the lower wattage version of the particular design worked better for me.
oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,119 posts
 
Sure more power is better , for some speakers.  I have begun to gravitate towards higher sensitivity speakers along with higher quality electronics.   That recipe has worked well.  I have been using the same 40 w PP mono amps for five years with several pairs of speakers that are easy to drive . I love those amps and swap speakers out every now and then

I subscribe to the “First Watt” school of thought .   
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