Pass XA 30.5 with Revel F 208 ?

Don_c55 and Charles1dad, I do agree that an excessive high level of AVERAGE SPL is for idiots, however there can be a very wide margin between average SPL and peak SPL with some music, especially classical. The SPL numbers to be used in the calculator I provided in the link are peak, not average. Also, this same calculator is found in many places on the web, as it factors in using a pair of speakers, room gain, and listening distance.

So how high can the peak SPL actually be at the listening position with a normal average SPL? Then please read the comments by Almarg, a well respected contributor to this forum, in this thread, especially the last paragraph of his 2nd post.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?htech&1348838898&openusid&zzAlmarg&4&5#Almarg

Here is another paper worth reading about power needed and peak SPL in a "good hi-fi system",

http://www.daedalusaudio.com/images/loudspeaker%20sensitivity.pdf

Depending on the type music and quality of recording, it is very possible at the listening position to have a peak SPL of a 105db, while the average SPL is only 75db.

Bottom line is the required power is not for average SPL, but for that peak SPL, which is much higher than a lot of people think, even though it is only for a split second. Having less power than required for the peak SPL will restrict the dynamic range, and clip the amp for that split second.

You might want to consider Focal they are very good with the pass xa series of amps and are 90db + efficiency with 4 to 8 ohm nominal impedance depending on model.

Hi Tls49,
I understand your point and priorities. I don't desire or seek those high peak levels, and I've heard systems capable of reaching 105-110db levels. That doesn't impress me and isn't an important personal criteria. But of course that's just me and I'm in no way critical of your preferences. We all aspire to achieve the sound/audio systems that fulfill our particular goals. I wish you the best in your sonic endeavors. I'm a confirmed fan of Almarg's many quality contributions.
Charles,

I wish you the best in your sonic endeavors.

Charles1dad, thanks, and the same to you. Sorry for getting on the soapbox, but when I read this statement in Almarg's post,

For instance, I have many classical recordings on labels such as Telarc, Sheffield, Reference Recordings, etc. that at my listening position reach peaks that I've measured at around 105 db, although the average level during those recordings is perhaps in the low 70's.

it just fueled my fire.

No doubt everyone's goals and desires are different, however when matching amp to speaker, IMHO, too many people make choices that result in being underpowered.

BTW, your system, extremely nice, and such an appropriate name, I can only imagine.

Tls49,
I appreciate your kind comments very much.
Charles,