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.
Why do speakers improve with more powerful amps?
So, if I have a solid state amp that more than adequately powers a speaker, why do people recommend a larger more powerful amplifier to improve things?
Why do more powerful amplifiers impact speaker sound quality in a favorable way? Is it because more power is reaching the speakers? Mid and Tweeter drivers I was told receive a reduced signal versus bass drivers which receive relatively more power via crossovers. All for the purpose of balancing a signal going to the various drivers.
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@akg_ca has it right. |
They don’t. Not always anyway. Several things should be considered. In example: 1. Amplifier power rating vs. speaker sensitivity 2. How does an amplifier handle impedance dips that some speakers present as a challenge to the amplifier. Some speakers with nominal 4ohm impedance may dip below 2ohms and not all amplifiers can or will handle it gracefully. 3. The size of a listening room and listening levels preference Quality vs. quantity of watts and a proper matching based on the speakers you’re driving and size of your room are the most important considerations. |
The OP has just been presented with the reality that opinions vary widely on this subject. And, there are a ton of variables to consider -- the speakers involved, their sensitivity and the load they present; the listener's desired volume; the size of the room being used; the performance capabilities of the amp involved; and so on. For my two systems, I've found that I don't need a lot of power. I use a 20 watt/ch Aegir in my main system that I prefer to the much higher power amps I previously had. In my sunroom system, I'm using a 10 watt/ch Gjallarhorn. Both sound wonderful and provide all the volume I desire with no sign of stress or lack of dynamics. And, no, I do not have high sensitivity speakers. But I'm also not a headbanger when it comes to volume. We circle round to the main point -- figure out what you enjoy and go with it. Attempting to impress others or change their minds results in meaningless debate and frustration, both a waste of your time. |
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