Bigger Amp?


I am considering an amp upgrade and would appreciate some (friendly) advice. I am currently using a McCormack DNA-125 to power a pair of Audio Physic Spark III's and although I really like the McCormack, I am looking to add a little more warmth and presence to my system. I have heard some say that a more powerful amp will add more presence, even at low volume. I prefer to stay with SS since I can't afford to buy/maintain a good tube amp. Can any of you big SS amp owners attest to what more power will get me (if anything) at low volume?

dburdick

Showing 2 responses by craigklomparens

Difficult to answer simply. A bigger amp will not necessarily add more warmth. The marketing of more and more "power" as watts is misleading. A bigger amp, IF WELL DESIGNED will sound more "warm" at lower levels because it will probably be able to push more current when the music requires it, transient response. This is a major reason a larger amp is needed and its often a matter of current, not watts. A solid state amp will clip and send a square wave through the system and this sounds rough. One reason a tube amp sounds warmer is that do to its design it does not clip in htis fashion when it is momentarily pushed to its limits. Other that this power does not translate directly or easily to sonic differences.

As you noted tubes are great for warmth and many of the SET amps have no more than a few watts.(of course they use effecient speakers too)

Don't buy into the power thing. Not that it cannot be a factor but it is more a matter of design. Quite frankly, the way wattage is advertised I think it is mostly a macho marketing devise more than anything else. If you like to read about this stuff there is a great article on SS power amplifier supply on the Chicago Audio Society's web page. I do not have the page handy but just do a search on that name to get it.

Also, have you done eveything you can as far as speaker placement?
Good luck listening.
A second thought on the never ending shuffle of equipment. You say you don't want tubes but me thinks its going to haunt you. You sound like me a few years back! (no insult intended and I apologize in advance.) I have found that the best soft dynamics I have ever heard have always been with well designed horn speakers. Oh Oh,- there goes the whole system! There is a discussion about this at audioasylum.com in the effecient speaker forum (dated 12-15-01) called "Higher effeciency=Better dynamic impact?". I think I agree with the general drift of the discussion there. Check it out and keep listening to some good high effecient horn speakers with tubes. God Damn the Pusher!
CK