Why do speakers improve with more powerful amps?

@carlsbad2 

+1!!! My listening experiences and progression through the years mirror what you have described. Without question it depends upon the specific speakers utilized. Certain designs do require/ benefit from higher power output and current capability.

If the speaker is appropriate I find that I prefer the presentation and sound quality provided with high quality low power amplifiers (Particularly DHT tubes).  There are numerous ways to achieve very satisfying sound quality via one’s audio system. Higher powered amplifiers as the better option by default is not a position I agree with. It depends on the specifics of the circumstances one faces.

Charles 

The answer is very common: " It depends. " An inefficient speaker with a low impedance is not going to work very well with a 2W SET amp. Thats a fact. Paired properly, an amp/ speaker combo CAN sound wonderful with just a few watts. It all comes down to proper matching.... There is certainly a need for power in many applications.

Two points,

(1) The philosophy is clear. An affordable speaker with decent amplification (and source) makes more sense than an expensive speaker with a cheap amp (and source).

(2) Amplifier power ratings: Watts per channel specs alone are useless . It is high current delivery (amps) that needs to be examined. Although it’s less of an issue now compared with the Jurassic era days (70’s) of valve amplification, if your speakers are demanding to drive, you’ll need a suitably muscular / beefy amplifier to support them.

Don’t look only at the headline power figure - see what happens when the impedance drops to four ohms. If the number nearly doubles, then your amplifier has good current delivery and will be capable of driving more demanding speakers.

https://youtu.be/th8CxTk22pY

https://youtu.be/Rtx2pYOS-dg

@akg_ca has it right.