Keep in mind that every time you double the wattage, you go up 3db. It takes about 10db to double the perceived volume level. You won't notice much going from 18 to 30 watts. You probably will notice going to 60-80 watts. At lot depends on the amp design-some have a lot more headroom than others. Consider something like a Pass Labs, Threshold or Aragon that are class A rated. Some of them will be very warm for the first 10-20 watts but will have lots of power available after that for peaks.
My Final Choices For New Amp - Need Your Help
After countless hours of research, I've finally arrived at what I feel are my best options for a power amplifier for my system. Thanks to incredibly extensive reading here in the forums,and elsewhere, I think all are good choices. I have, however, had no opportunity to hear any of them. Your experiences and expertise would be of immense value. Thanks to many of you who have already helped with your previous posts in the archives here.
In review, here is my system, environment and budget:
Silverline 17.5 speakers (90db sensitivity, but that may be optimistic in real life)
Sources:
Meridian G02 preamp (this is optimized for balanced use)
Olive 4HD music server w/Bryston BDA-1 DAC
Meridian G08
The system is located in a small 10x10 den
This will be replacing an Almarro 318b SET, which is a lovely little amp (18wpc), but I am looking for an overall sound upgrade, and have recently been told by several people who also own 17.5's, that they will perform at another level entirely with at least 35-50 wpc. I also recently was able to hear Silverline 17's (the immediate predecessor to mine) with Atma-Sphere M60's and it was a revelation. The catch is, the M60's would overheat my small room to sauna like conditions. And the Atma-Sphere S30 is very rarely found for sale used, and likely wouldnt quite provide enough power. I am a dyed in wool tube guy but might consider a warm solid state amp if that was a better option.
Budget = $3,300.00 absolute limit, and I would be buying used to maximize achievable value.
Current final options for the power amplifier:
Moscode 401HR
Music Reference RM200
BAT VK55SE
PrimaLuna Dialogue 7 mono's
I would greatly appreciate any thoughts, comparisons or recommendations. I have not heard any of these, and have no access to do so. The only related amplifier I have auditioned was a BAT VK75 a few years ago and it sounded superb.
JC
In review, here is my system, environment and budget:
Silverline 17.5 speakers (90db sensitivity, but that may be optimistic in real life)
Sources:
Meridian G02 preamp (this is optimized for balanced use)
Olive 4HD music server w/Bryston BDA-1 DAC
Meridian G08
The system is located in a small 10x10 den
This will be replacing an Almarro 318b SET, which is a lovely little amp (18wpc), but I am looking for an overall sound upgrade, and have recently been told by several people who also own 17.5's, that they will perform at another level entirely with at least 35-50 wpc. I also recently was able to hear Silverline 17's (the immediate predecessor to mine) with Atma-Sphere M60's and it was a revelation. The catch is, the M60's would overheat my small room to sauna like conditions. And the Atma-Sphere S30 is very rarely found for sale used, and likely wouldnt quite provide enough power. I am a dyed in wool tube guy but might consider a warm solid state amp if that was a better option.
Budget = $3,300.00 absolute limit, and I would be buying used to maximize achievable value.
Current final options for the power amplifier:
Moscode 401HR
Music Reference RM200
BAT VK55SE
PrimaLuna Dialogue 7 mono's
I would greatly appreciate any thoughts, comparisons or recommendations. I have not heard any of these, and have no access to do so. The only related amplifier I have auditioned was a BAT VK75 a few years ago and it sounded superb.
JC