2. amps-preamps
  3. 165028-98081

enough amplifier power

I am curious as to why so many people think that their amplifiers are powerful enough for their speakers. I use a Yamamoto A-08S--around 1.5 watts output. I use it with a Fostex F-106ESR. The combination is a little ragged at low volumes, but beautifully immediate. Distorts awfully at anything approaching a decent volume. I see people using 20-100 watt amplifiers with medium efficiency loudspeakers. I do not see how this can work any better. If you work out the math, most loudspeakers need 200-500 watts minimum. That is not even taking into account low impedance loudspeakers. Do people not know what distortion sounds like? Or, compression either, for that matter? Please enlighten me.
hedwigstheme
erik_squires
16,245 posts
 
If you work out the math, most loudspeakers need 200-500 watts minimum.

Um, what math exactly are you using?  I get along fine with half that using conventional 2-ways with a 3.7 Ohm minimum impedance.  Most of the time I barely use 10 watts.
tuberist
951 posts
 
Agree with Chuck 100% on owning efficient speakers as the way to go. Quality big wattage costs big dollars too.
elliottbnewcombjr
5,534 posts
 
I primarily encourage higher efficiency speakers to allow trying tubes.

A bigger SS amp is primarily a function of money. Weight, size, reduced placement options: potential torn meniscus or herniated disk hazards.

Smaller tube amp saves money, less heat, smaller size gives more placement options. 

If you don't like horns, or have the space horns need, that limits your choices.

If you don't like ports, or passive radiators, also less choices.

Smaller spaces leads to smaller speakers, leads often to less efficiency, often 4 ohms.

The smaller mains benefit most by either bi-amping, or self-powered subs. Stripping low bass only to subs, amp and less efficient mains handling upper bass, mids and lows only
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,633 posts
 
No question just a statement.
I got mine.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
MC225 25 wpc, Little valve amp.. I use that with Infinity RS4Bs, they are 93 or 4%. Wonderful. 150watt speakers. 5-10 watts normally.

Cary V12r 50-100 wpc. VMPS RM30s 92-3% speakers 300 watt speakers. 5-15 watts normally.

VTL 300 deluxe MB Valve amps or Class D Nords. VMPS RMx Elixirs 93%. WONDERFUL 500 watt speakers. 10-20 watts, sometimes 100-200 watts. That is LOUD 50" of ribbons X 2 look out.. 110 + db or 5 watts perfect for late night listening.

Both are cut at 300hz and below and MB columns 1000 watt speakers 12K class d amps, work perfect.. plenty of overhead. 1-18 ohms..

I had the Elixirs on 17.5 watt 300Bs.. very impressive.. 4-10 watts perfect.. BUT they ran out of gas just a little too quick for me..

Sure made the RS4b sing.. great pairing.. 300Bs GREAT bass.. too.

Respect
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