More than likely it is a combination of a little bit of all of those things. Detail and resolution are not just the ability to make sound fast, they are equally the ability to end sound fast. Every single component in the chain contributes in some way or other.
How many watts??
If I have a 80 watt stereo amp and I normally listen at quarter volume and never play at levels higher than this. Do I really need 80 watts could I use a 15 watt amp at half volume?
My next question if I have speakers that my mfg states needs min 50 watts to really make them sound good with my current amp rated at 80 watts but played at qtr volume does that mean I am not really getting the best from these speakers. If I play at half volume this is too loud, do I need a bigger room. Sorry if I did not explain clearly enough.
My next question if I have speakers that my mfg states needs min 50 watts to really make them sound good with my current amp rated at 80 watts but played at qtr volume does that mean I am not really getting the best from these speakers. If I play at half volume this is too loud, do I need a bigger room. Sorry if I did not explain clearly enough.
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Many amp designers say amps tend to work at their most linearity at around 20% of their full rated output. As has previously been posted, volume increases require logarithmic power output. Having an additional 80% of total power output for headroom is prudent. Running out of power; can lead to clipping; clipping can lead to speaker damage. Speaker sensitivity, room considerations and desired volume levels will ultimately determine how much power one needs. There used to be an oft repeated audiophile general rule of thumb; "double the manufacturers minimum power recommendation". |
Hello, I usually listen at modest volumes. Probably 60-70db and even a lot lower at sometimes. I was never impressed by playing loud. I am more impressed by how low you can play the volume and still hear the full dynamic range. One way to cheat this is add a subwoofer so you can still hear that deeper bass. I will tell you the preamp or preamp portion of an integrated amp is most important. More important than 80 watts or even 1000 watts. The amplifier is amplifying what the preamp sends it. Garbage in, garbage out. If you hear a his, hum, or distortion why would you want to amplify that. I have seen a 10w per channel integrated tube amp rock out. You should try it. But it’s the preamp, not the amp doing that. Your system is amplifying garbage from the preamp. If you can hook up a good preamp to your system you will understand what I am saying. If you are in the Chicagoland area borrow a Rogue preamp from this store to hear how good your system can sound. https://holmaudio.com they let you demo in your home before you buy. No more buyers remorse. |
Watts are only one small part of the overall equation of how much power an amp has. Too many people get hung up on watts and db’s. Yes numbers can be a good starting point but never stop there. Example 1 watt from a class A amp is nowhere close to 1 watt from a class D amp. Its like comparing the horse power of a lawn mower to a motor cycle. The number can be the same on paper but the end product is nothin alike. |
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