@OP. Put simply, take the manufacturer's nominal impedance for the loudspeaker and, on a precautionary principle basis, assume that it is optimistic - because they frequently are. Check the specifications for efficiency as well and also assume that they are optimistic, but most speakers are around 87dB unless they are minimonitors or specifically designed to be driven by low powered, mostly tube, amps. Check the amp manufacturer's specifications and check out reviews as well - look for amplifiers that will double their power from an eight ohm to four ohm load - if they are solid state amplifiers. That approach should avoid the most obvious mismatches. After that its a question of budget, where you sit in the room and how much bandwidth, volume and dynamics you want. Maybe there will be more choice/listening opportunities in the area you are planning to build the second house?
Determining compatibility with amps
I have a pairing that has been wonderful to me and I may also be looking to set up another similar price-point system (streaming only, larger room) in another house we may build as snow-birds. While very happy now, I want to know more about how to pick speaker and amp pairs to make them more compatible and not ill-advised. No, I don't get to audition equipment (I live in Alaska). There is not a club here. Heck, there's only BestBuy with a Magnolia room. Just "let your ears be your guide" isn't a big help. Help me understand how I can narrow the search for "kinds" of speakers and topologies of amps for my possible upcoming build. I have gathered that using speaker plots, it's the areas where the phase drops below zero (capacitive), coinciding with low impedance that are to to be avoided. I've looked at several sets and can see for example, why series XOs might be desirable. I guess I'm asking is, what values/relationships constitute "be careful" or "avoid"? And if there technically are real issues, what are the audible affects, or kinds of audible distortions one might expect? While I'm not married to tube amps, switching to this one was a very large improvement. I love the voicing/timbre, imaging, and they definitely disappear. It's almost scary.
I'll ask to avoid making pairing suggestions but instead try to help me understand, "these (kinds) are good for this kind of amp because"... My virtual system is up and I've included my speakers' plots as an example by which to comment or use as an example. I welcome using them as a discussion point. FWIW, my amp has an 80hz hi-pass that I use. One reason I like it, as mid-sized stand mounts seem to be what I lean towards, is this aids with integrating subs. Maybe the best answer is to duplicate it all! I may be traveling soon so I may not post often but will read everything for sure! I've got a technical background (the reason I ask) but not in EE so be gently. Curious minds just want to know.
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OP, Your description of journey from details and slam to musical is exactly like mine… but I am slow, it too me over forty years… over ten years with season tickets to the symphony in ideal seats and countless a acoustic concerts. For speakers you need to listen to Sonus Faber. I have honestly never heard more natural sounding, musically compelling speakers (which also image incredibly well). For electronics Audio Research (mine is an all ARC system), Conrad Johnson, VAC, and Cary. |
As has been mentioned one needs to start with speaker selection. Which tends to be a personal preference. And clearly efficiency will impact your amp selection. For example I have Magnepan 20.7s which are probably one of the most realistic sounding speakers where the performers appear in your room and to my personal taste, and I think would more than energize your room. However their efficiency is low 86 db so you need lots of power to bring them to life. In my experience greater than 250 watts in 8 ohm, 500 wt into 4ohm. Mine are 350 into 8 and 700 into 4. Point being cost can becomes a factor with speaker section. Suggest attending a major show or vendor for narrowing down your selection after some homework on reviews. Enjoy the journey |
@ghdprentice in fact I did drop into a high-end dealer in AZ and heard some expensive Sonus speakers. Indeed they impressed me but were $$$ and large floor standers. While full range I suspect I feel that subs away from front speakers can add space to the presentation. @salc Maggie's also another I really want to hear. Never have, any model. FWIW new place will be in rural VA. Can get into Roanoke easy enough. It'll be a fun yet a tad stressful process. |
for your room size the Maggie 20.7s would be great. The 3.7s which I also owned and loved don't go down as much but still have the Maggie resolution and midrange magic and would also be an option. I probably wouldn't go down to the lower models not because of their performance but just due to your room size depending on seat arrangement. I would check with their reps or Wendel at magnepan. Good luck
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