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Why do people say low power amps should be good for bookshelf speakers?

I was in a BB Magnolia recently and they had a McIntosh MHA150 integrated headphone amp that can also do 50 watts per channel to speakers. The sales rep said it "should be good for small bookshelves but its not enough power for towers". 
I've never understood this line of reasoning.  Towers are typically more sensitive than bookshelves. Is there an actual reason a small amp like this couldn't do just fine for towers that are equally or more sensitive than similar bookshelves?
roberthz
jond's avatar
jond
5,893 posts
 
Definitely an ignorant comment or as Larry says a salesperson with an agenda. And my eyes must be playing tricks I thought I saw a post by @viridian talk about pleasant surprises!
smrex13
645 posts
 
I've seen a number of online reviews in which the reviewer states something like "the amp worked well on my small monitors, but it probably wouldn't have enough power for large tower speakers."  Total ignorance of the basics of speaker sensitivity.   
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
The only reason I can think of for saying low power amps work well with bookshelf speakers is low power amps tend to be small and light enough to fit on the bookshelf.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,907 posts
 
The other reason could be that bookshelf speakers tend to be used in a lower volume type of setting.
tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,108 posts
 
1. Some salespeople will say anything to make a sale.
2. Some salespeople are totally ignorant of the products they sell.
3. Some salespeople are alien agents looking to weaken our social network.
Take your pick.

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