Extra power or cleaner power?


I'm putting a system together and am thinking through some of the factors which might contribute to the overall sound quality. I realize that testing things out as I go is the best way, so I'm asking this question not to get advice about what to do next but to understand how folks understand and weigh these factors.

Let's start with a predicted factor -- the speakers. From the speaker description:

Anticipated speakers: Salk SS 6M
Response +/- 3db — 35Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity — 90 db
Impedance — 8 ohms
Amplification — 50 watts (or 30wpc, tube amp)
Alignment — Front slot port
Dimensions — 9 W x 20 H x 14 D

Some (atma-sphere, decooney) have suggested on this forum that even a 60 wpc tube would be great for these speakers. So, here's my question —

Assume that I could get a very good 40 wpc tube amp to drive these speakers to sufficient listening levels (85 db at about 10 feet), for my kind of music (jazz, classical), and peaks in my (400 sq ft) listening space.

With these assumptions, the question becomes one of priorities. I could either spend additional dollars to (a) buy a more powerful amp or (b) spend that money on a power regenerator. Also assume that if I do *not* buy a regenerator, I'd still do *something* to improve the power (some kind of improvement but much less expense).

The question is: with those assumptions, what do you think would add more to the sound quality? More power or cleaner power?

Perhaps this is an impossible theoretical question to answer. If so, I'd like to know that, too!

Thanks!
128x128hilde45

Showing 2 responses by tablejockey

Audio as a hobby is wacky.
Naturally, we want to reference specs to ensure getting max performance. At the same time, there are so many instances  of what comes out of the speaker, your ear likes it, but it's "wrong" based on tech specs.

Anecdotal experience and "pro" reviews support this.
That being said, I use a  tube amp,turntable, tube phono amp, FM tube tuner, all thru an outdated, PS Audio  Power Plant(GASP!) without negative, audible performance.


Ancient, but I got it cheap here, 4 years ago. No problems.
https://www.stereophile.com/powerlineaccessories/ps_audio_power_plant_premier_ac_regenerator/index.h...
I believe PS Audio no longer supports these, so I will just buy a used P5 if it succumbs to the corona virus.


On movie nights, I have the Plasma on a roll away that I put between the speakers, and the Power Plant doesn't appear to mind. Beautiful picture.

YMMV as always.

brotw-
I don't have a dedicated space, I don't care for a TV in the room. The plasma/dvd player get wheeled in. Couple of connections...good to go! After the show, back in the closet.

TV between the speakers is a sonic killer anyhow.


I'm WAY behind the times. Just do over the air reception-with great results. Plenty of PBS and sub channels. Practically cable for free.