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Help Me Save A Few Bucks On New Amp Purchase

Hello,

I have been considering a new amp purchase lately but I can't seem to get past the idea of needing allot of WATTS despite having a very small listening space (12x9 now but maybe 12x15 in the future).

Currently I own a Pass Labs X250 and a pair of B&W 803 Diamond series speakers that tend to dip into the 2ohm region on occasion. Using an App on my iphone, the loudest listening session that I normally expose myself to is no more than 100db.

My speakers are rated at 90db efficiency and don't even blink during my loudest listening sessions to date, nor does the amp.

So here is my question. Given the above information how many Watts do I really need to reproduce the same SPL in my room that I currently enjoy? Part of me would like to believe that I have never used more then 30 watts RMS but I can't be sure.

My goal is to increase the SQ via the purchase of a higher end amplifier but at the same time save myself a few bucks by picking an amp that is a better match for my normal listening habits.

In the past I have always stuck to the idea that more is always better but in this game more tends to cost the same or more than a used car. In times like these sometimes a guy needs a swift kick of reality in order to save a few bucks.

Please share your ideas and thanks for any help you can provide.
eniac26
rok2id's avatar
rok2id
7,859 posts
 
How many CDs or LPs do you own? You like Music or equip? If music, you don't need anything. My room is larger than yours and my Harman Kardon receiver never gets close to max volume.(150wpc 4ohms). If equip, it does not matter what you buy, it won't be there long.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Pass amps make come in 'watts' but the website lists max output voltage. Simple math will give Caperd the current.....

But, the real issue is the B&W speakers which while rated at a certain sensitivity, certainly are also a bad load. At least the typical B&W speaker has large phase angles coupled with the low impedance dips. This, IMO, is the real issue, to find an amp which will work into large reactive loads at low impedance. Think 'Power Factor'.

The HK, ref'd above and the PASS INT-150 are both rated at 150x2 into 8, both into resistors. The difference will come when you connect to a real world load and find out that while the HK is good, the Pass is really good.

Look at Elvicks numbers. If you are running 16x2 @99db, 109db peaks will be 160x2 peak.....well within the x250s capability. Until you start subtracting power due to power factor considerations and attenuation that comes from listening distance.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Casperd,
I agree, whuch is why if improved SQ is the objective the XA30.5(high current design) is better than chasing excessive watts. Of course this topic of quality vs quantity never ends. There are many previous threads on audiogon.
eniac26 OP
97 posts
 
I want to thank everyone who provided a response. This information will help me narrow down which path to take during my next purchase.

I have always had more than a passing interest of the Pass Labs XA30.5 unit and they seem pretty easy to find here on the Gon for a decent price. I think this unit has the specs and potential to be a strong candidate. I guess if things don't work out with that unit I could always turn around and re-sell it for the same price I would pay for one.

The test Stereophile performed on the unit showed it was very underrated in terms of it's output abilities so things are looking good in that respect.
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