2. amps-preamps
  3. 1321764184

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

Showing 2 responses by eniac26

eniac26 OP
97 posts
 
I guess I probably should have better explained what I meant by saving a few bucks and what type of amplification I am interested in.

First, I am most interested this time around in a full Class A amp verses the A/B amp that I have now.

Second, When I mean save a few bucks I am speaking in the context of lower wattage Class A amps verses higher wattage Class A or Class/AB styles. As an example I was initially leaning towards either a Pass Labs x 350.5 or bigger since my mindset at the time was bigger is better. An amp of that size and caliber can easily run $6-10K on the used market

After thinking more about it I began to realize that I am not even using the amount of power I already have on tap so why am I looking at an X 350.5 or bigger amp.

Instead maybe what I should be looking at is a lower wattage all Class A unit. Something like a used XA30.5 or XA60.5 for example which show up on the Gon fairly often for less money then the big dog amps.

My only reservation is if these will be enough to reproduce the same perceived level of effortless power and SPL that the x250 does now. It is my understanding that an all Class A unit does tend to sound very powerful even though the max output in terms of watts tend to be less.

Hopefully this makes more sense and thanks for your responses
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.
More to discover