Upgrade my amp again


Hi. For some reason, I am not able to reply directly to the thread below. But in response:
Well this is all really interesting. (To Rich, no the row house system is distinct, and I will definitely use mini monitors there.). As for the PSB's in this other room, this is really interesting advice. I had never had floor standers, and was really seduced by the reviews, but maybe it isn't the right speaker for the space. (I am new to this.) To Phaelon, do you mean the Totem Model 1 Signature? What amp would you put with them? And is the general issue about right amp for a speaker about the ratio (ie double the watts at 4 ohms) or is there an absolute number? Ie: ideally you would like 80 watts for a 4 ohm speaker? Thanks again!
mcanaday
the Musical Fidelity M3i is 76 wpc, but that is 76 into 8 ohms and 137 into 4 ohms. My assumption is that this amp would be powerful enough (because of the 137 number.) Is this correct?
Margot, the MF M3i would definitely be much better than the Marantz pm5004, and it may be powerful enough with a 3db increase at 8 ohms and approximately a 4.5db increase at 4 ohms, however the required power is determined by a relationship between the peaks of listening volume, listening distance, and speaker sensitivity. As far as the 8 or 4 ohm rating, when a manufacturer recommends a power rating for a speaker, this is generally the 8 ohm rating. The 4 ohm rating for an amp helps determine how substantial the power supply is, and its ability to deliver the power into a demanding load the speaker may present as music is played.

Take a look at the owners’ manual for the PSB T6 here; section V- D. (Recommended Power),

http://www.psbspeakers.com/content/110616100531-PSB_OM-200ImageImagine_English_Manual.pdf

The manual even recommends a minimum of 50wpc for room filling volume. The MF M3i may be adequate for your needs, but the only way to know is try it, or get a SPL meter as Bob stated, measure maximum peaks in various music, and do the calculations. For more power in the price range you stated, the Creek Evolution 5350 and the NAD C 375BEE are good choices. Also, with more power, The Peachtree Nova125 would offer two choices in the character of sound by switching its’ tube buffer in and out. It also has digital inputs, but only one analog input.

Phaelon has brought up a very good point about how the speakers are coupled to the floor. Again, look at the owners’ manual in section I-B-2. (Molded Feet and Stabilizers). Are you using either the spikes for carpet, or rubber feet for a hardwood floor?
Hi Bob, Phaelon, and Tls49,
Thanks again for all your advice. Lots to consider here. As for floor treatment, I think I am probably okay. I have the speaker spikes in a berber carpet. That wouldn't pose an issue would it? And I will look into the meter and do some measurements. with thanks! Margot
I hate to add confusion, but the wattage ratings are only part of the story. I recently replaced a 150 watt amp with a different 150 amp (inefficient speakers in a bigger room). The difference was immense! The power delivery, control, and even volume was hugely increased. My point is only that the watt-per-channel number doesn't tell the whole story on whether an amp can drive your speakers properly, and the speakers MAY only be highlighting the amp deficiencies(?)
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