2. amps-preamps
  3. 168468-111061

More watts or better power ?

Hello, I am currently running a PS Audio BHK Preamp, which has a tube input stage, to a Pass Labs XA25, Class A (50watts at 4 ohms) power Amp, into a pair of Sonus Faber Minima Amator II bookshelf speakers. My system sounds very good, and at 4ohms, I have 50 watts of power to my speakers, which is on the lower end of their rating.

What would be a better investment (most bang for the buck) into the system? Replace the XA25 with a higher watt amp (PS Audio BHK 250?), or spend the same money on a power conditioner (PS Audio Power Plant II?) Or upgrade the Minima Amator (which are sounding very good) to another set of speakers.

The system is in my bedroom, I have a very small house, hence the smaller Sonus Faber Speakers. I have beenplaying around with an SVS micro sub as well.

Other system parts, Clear Audio Concept/ Concept MC, Pass Labs XP15, Little Green Roon Server, Schitt Yiggi, and a Luxman MQ 88 Tube amp in rotation.

Appreciate your input
Mark O





128x128marktheshark
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
579 posts
 
I love the XA25. I own one.  If it already plays loud enough.....

So.  Cross the subs at 80 to 100 Hz.  Then you for sure have enough power.  The drivers in your speakers will vibrate less at lower volumes clearing up the sound, less IM distortion.  And the subs will increase dynamics.

Also, unless I missed it do you have your speakers isolated? I want to try this as well.  Supposed to clean up several things.  Soundstage for one.

If you want to try a different pre amp, a Don Sachs or Supratek are high quality for 2 to 3 k.
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
579 posts
 
Your amp plays loud enough so keep it.  Subs crossed at 80 Hz or so will take more load off the Xa25.  The speakers will sound better with less IM distortion.

Don Sachs and Supratech make excellent tube preamps if you want to try one.

Speaker isolatIon is another thing to consider if not done.
sgreg1
612 posts
 
Power power power!!! Watts are the result of power and work in concert of each other. It is like horse power and torque one works great if you want to pull a stump out of the ground and the other if you are racing in a straight line. 
jfuquay
109 posts
 
I wonder if given how good your system is now, a good power regenerator might not make sense. I got the same PS Audio email and as I recall one of their power regenerators has an offer on it. I personally bought a P5, their smallest unit, and noticed a blacker background and more articulate sound, which I attribute to lower noise. I’ve built some DIY Pass equipment and know his power supplies are great, but think there’s still an argument for clean power. Painless to try. You can just return it if you don’t like it.
jerryrocks's avatar
jerryrocks
63 posts
 
I disagree with the generalization that more power is better. My Marantz 1060 at 30 wpc sounds better than most amps with 100, 200, 300 etc. It is all about the sound. It drives my outdoor speakers and they can obtain concert level sound with excellent fidelity.

As you are exploring the SVS option, take a look at the B&W PV1D. I just added a DB3D to my Magicos and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
More to discover