integrated watts or amp watts

I tend to agree that at the $1500 range an integrated amp would provide a greater return on $$ in most cases. That said, there are cases where the flexibility of separates may need be considered.

As Zd states, power ratings vary widely between companies. Ratings for 4 and 2 ohms helps when comparing the ability of amps to drive speakers.

It seems to me that there are more integrated amps that lack phonostages than possess them. Not that I have surveyed this discreetly.

Given that I have followed and responded to your other thread, I would like to ask if are you now rethinking your system. Are you?

+1. A compilation of the points made by Zd, Jmc, and Arnett regarding rating philosophy, design type, sound pressure/power relation. They all affect the value of a wattage rating regarding an amps ability to drive speakers. Room size and room dampening affect the the perceived loudness at the listening position relative to the sound pressure developed at the speakers.

A true 8 ohm speaker (not dropping much below 4 ohm across the frequency range) with a benign phase angle, with a sensitivity of 90+ ( which is moderately high by my assessment) should be well controlled by a 50 watt amp for use in home environment listening room.

Though I tend to agree with those who declare that one can’t have too much power for a speaker, I also agree that one can pay for too much power when considering amp quality characteristics and total system budget.

I own a BEL 1001 MK5. It is rated at 50 wpc into 8ohms, 100 wpc into 4 ohms and 200 wpc into 2 ohms. Though I know there are a few other 50 wpc amps on the market that are better at driving speakers, I believe there are far more 100 wpc amps that are inferior in this regard.

I read Sterophile and TAS and enjoy the reviews for entertainment. I have used them to steer me towards products to audition. Much is provided about regarding amplifier and speaker specifications. I have never bought a product without listening to it, unless I knew I could return it or sell it at little loss (the usual case for me as i often buy used).

If I was building a system based on a $1500 budget for amplification, I would search out a 50-100 wpc( close to 2x that into 4 ohm) integrated amp and 6 - 8 ohm speakers of 87db or better sensitivity. I would chose the combination that most satisfied my listening preferences. For many starting out in this hobby, knowing what it is about the sonic experience that is most important to them is not yet known.

Thanks, Rlwainwright. However,as i tried to indicate, most of my post was a follow-up to previous advisees.

Yes Wolf, paying for excess power at the expense of quality is not a good trade off.

Sorry, I meant advisors, not advisees.