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Is 5 Watts enough for Horns ?

How much power is enough to drive a 107dB sensitivity Avantgarde ?
Is 5 Watts from A 300B SET enough?
Consider that the Subwoofer of the Avantgarde has its own high power amplifier (each woofer 500 Watts)so the work in the bass department is largely taken up by the subwoofer amp.
I have seen McIntosh MC501 power amps connected to 107dB sensitivity Avantgardes and seldom did hit the 5 Watt mark on the meters when cranking the volume up to hurting levels.
0.5 Watts was what the meters show at normal listening levels.
eljaro
t_bone
1,182 posts
 
Assuming the doubling of effective power per every 3db sensitivity increase (assuming both sensitivity and power are measured correctly), 5 watts at 107db is the same as 320 watts at 89db. For most 89db sensitive speakers, 320 watts would be considered fine and another 20% (5 to 6) would probably enough overhead.

I don't see a problem with 5 watts...
phd
1,307 posts
 
As long as it is tube watts and the speakers are efficient maybe 95 db and above, yours are extremely efficient at 107 db. From what I gather, 5 tube watts per channel are equal to about 15 watts of solid state power. I had a tube amp (push/pull) that was 8 watts per channel and my speakers have an efficiency of 110 db. I could drive my speakers to almost concert hall levels.
lonestarblues
25 posts
 
It should be enough in my opinion. I am running Welborne Labs SET 2A3 Moondogs-3.5 watts with a pair of 98.5db efficient 1981 Klipsch Cornwalls with upraded crossovers using Auricap capacitors.
The Moondogs will play plenty loud for me. Though I am not a metal headbanger.
gregm
3,404 posts
 
Lonestarblues: no doubt, 3,5W sound OK on yr COrnwalls. BUT, try 20W capability and listen to orchestral music -- and I think you'll be surprised.

You've modded those Cornwalls I assume (nice spkrs)?
duomike
76 posts
 
my buddy is using a 6 watt chip amp (forgot name of that amp) on his Omega DUOs and even in his small room I hear this thing sounds strained and clips quite fast.
I'm using a tact digital amp which putts out around 75 watts into the DUOs 16 ohm impedance and I love the headroom.
Sure I won't ever use all the watts but a more powerful amp is much more at ease when the going get tough compared to a 6 watts amp. JUST IMHO of course.
regards
Duomike
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