2. amps-preamps
  3. 194206-203505

Matching a amplifier to speakers

Hello.

I had a thread a while back on picking a amp for my system.

It was suggested that I pick my speakers first as to not make a costly error.

I ’am back now that I have bought a set of speakers.

Just to reiterate my currant modest system is as follows,

Auralic Vega g1 streamer/dac

Rega p6 turntable with exact cartridge

Nackimichi CD player

McIntosh MX110 tuner/preamp

Adcom GFA-545 power amp

My currant speakers are Polk M10’s

The new to me speakers are Dynaudio Focus 360’s

I listen to 70% rock,pop,and blues and 30% jazz and classical

My listening space is 13x20 

My budget is 5000 or less.

I have read that these speakers need a lot of currant and a good amount of watts to sound there best.

I would like to go ss if possible,as my preamp is fairly warm sounding,but I’am open to suggestions.

Since I have been looking at audio gear and buying a couple new items,I have tried to re-evaluate my listing habits and goals.

I have a general habit of starting each listening session with a known favorite at modest volume,and see where that takes me.

Sometimes I do get inspired to crank some loud rock for maybe 20 minutes,and then return to regular programming.

Since getting tidal and a streamer,I have rediscovered the joy’s of exploring unfamiliar territories.

I say this to try to express my need to have a amplifier that can do rock,yet have the ability to check out new styles with clarity,and accuracy required.

I know it would be a good idea to go to a bunch of audio shops and shows ,but I'am probably not going to do that .

I will most likely narrow it down to a couple,then go check them out.

Thank you.

 

 

 

twangy57
twangy57 OP
221 posts
 
westcoastaudiophile

470 posts

 

Four output KTs are driven pretty hard to produce 180W of power, thus lifespan will not be great, likely below 2000h. 

 

I guess it all depends on one's listing habits .

I don't think I listen more than 10 hr's per week,so 2000 would be approx 4 years for me.

Thanks

twangy57 OP
221 posts
 

displayname's avatar

displayname

160 posts

 

Musical Fidelity pair well with Dynaudio.

I agree with that. 

Another good option would be Norma. https://tmraudio.com/components/power-amplifiers/norma-audio-revo-pa-150-stereo-power-amplifier-1/
That specific unit looks like an excellent deal. 

I looked at the specs and it appears to have a input impedance of 47k.

I'am trying to find a amp with a input impedance near 100k,to work with my mx110 preamp/tuner, as recommended by Mcintosh.

thanks

twangy57 OP
221 posts
 
mrdecibel

3,103 posts

 

@twangy57, hello, and I hope you are well, as you seem to be. A few questions...Have you had your MX110 overhauled, or is it stock? Have you used the Adcom amp with the new speakers, and what do you think? What sq characteristics are you looking for with an amp, as what has been recommended to you so far has been all over the place, and I am not trying to sound negative. People will generally recommend what they own, or like, which is fine. What I would also like to ask, what is your room like, acoustically, and what wall are the speakers set up on, the short wall or the long wall? In the meantime, if you changed the power cord on your Adcom amp (have a technician do it, if you never have) to a 12 or 10 gauge cable, your Adcom amp will become a new amp, for the better.....I promise you this. I have my own ideas on power amplifiers...tubes vs ss, and brands / models (been around the block with this for a very long time). Take your time selecting a power amp. Keep in mind, this. The same exact system, down to the cables, will present differently to every listener, and this same system will sound different from one room to another. Something to think about. My best, MrD.

 

Thank you for the  thoughtful insights you have shared.

I have had the same system for over 30 years,and have had it set up in many different room sizes and types.

I have borrowed several other amps and preamps,and a couple other pairs of speakers as well.

I have come to the the conclusion that I just want something different.

The Adcom is ok,maybe it would be better with a upgraded power cord.

I have really liked my system,since switching to the Mcintosh mx110,

I now want to try a new power amp,and there are several I have heard over the years that I'am considering.

The new speakers I have are the Dynaudio Focus 360,.

All of the articles I have read have said they like a lot of power and a lot of currant.

Most of the owner reviews on here agree,that they sound better with more power.

The hitch,and something I didn't know is,the mx110 has a high output impedance  designed for tube amps vs solidstate.

From what I have found there are only a few SS amps with unbalanced input impedance over 100k.

I have found a couple that meet the specs and are under 5000.

We'll see .I 'am taking my time as to not regret my purchase.

Thanks

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twangy57 OP
knownothing
1,709 posts
 

@twangy57 gosh, higher input impedance, doubles power into 4 ohms.  I am thinking maybe this would work well with your pre and your speakers:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisba7i0-krell-duo-175-xd-stereo-power-amplifier-black-excellent-solid-state

Input Impedance-
Single-ended: 100 kΩ
Balanced: 200 kΩ

Other specifications:

Frequency response-
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0, -0.08 dB
0.5 Hz to 100 kHz +0, -3 dB

Signal-to-noise ratio-
>95 dB, wideband, unweighted, referred to full power output
>115 dB, “A”-weighted

Gain- 26.2 dB

Total harmonic distortion-
<0.03% at 1 kHz, at 175 W, 8 Ω
<0.13% at 20 kHz, at 175 W, 8 Ω

Input sensitivity- Single-ended or balanced: 1.84 V RMS

Output power-
175 W RMS at 8 Ω
350 W RMS at 4 Ω

Output voltage-
106 V peak-to-peak
37 V RMS

Output current- 13 A peak

Slew rate- 40 V/μs

Output impedance- <0.015Ω, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

Damping factor- >530, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, referred to 8 Ω

knownothing
1,709 posts
 

Here is a discussion on Agon about this model Krell comparing it to a Coda amp.  Both were complimented in the thread:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/krell-duo-175xd

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