2. amps-preamps
  3. 181407-144057

Too much power?

I have a wonderful system with a great amplifier, and yet auditioned a more powerful version of the same amp. It indeed seemed to have more punch and drive, but at the expense of playing it a bit too loud. As my current system I rarely play over 70 db, since it’s perfect at low levels. I wonder other than bragging rights, what does more power get you? Since we aren’t here for PA style sound, is there a reasonable limit to how much you will benefit from higher power/ more expensive and? Especially since tire just using one watt most of the time?

dain
erik_squires
16,013 posts
 

So, were you motivated to turn the volume up because you weren't hearing the same level of detail?

tomcarr
1,486 posts
 

"I have a wonderful system with a great amplifier."

Stop. Do not pass go. You are there. Be happy. Peace...

dain OP
60 posts
 

Good point. I think level of detail was lacking, but also with more power you feel the need to stress it. If you own a sports car in the city, perhaps it gets tiresome to stick to 30 mph?

zlone
603 posts
 

Maybe. Looking at your system, assuming it is up to date, the Electrocompaniet 220 puts out 70 watts at 8 ohms, 120 at 4, into Maggie 1.7s. Seems like it might lack the depth needed for those speakers. Maggie owners, is this enough for mid-volume listening?

carlsbad's avatar
carlsbad
1,551 posts
 

I hate audio shows. They all turn up the volume too loud because the next room is so loud and they realize everyone's ears are ringing so they have to turn it up to get through that.  Thus the audition means nothing to me.

You are listening at 70 dB, even with insensitive speakers, that's less than one watt.  So the question is, is the first watt from the other amp better than the first watt from your amp?  Probably not.  

I think you are experiencing just want they wanted you too--at excessive volume the dynamics stood out.

Jerry

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