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solid state amp power

Currently I have an LFD Mark IV (60 watts) driving a pair of Harbeth C7ES-3. I've caught upgrade-itis. I'm thinking about going to the Super HL5-Plus and if I do that I'm going to replace my whole system. The reason being that I want to use a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC as the source, in which case I no longer need an integrated amp. I want to try running the DAC directly to an amp. My question is then, which amp to get?

I want to use a solid state amp but I'm finding it diffictult to find an interesting amp that is not integrated and produces less than 100 WPC. Additionally, I don't want an amp that runs hot at idle. Currently I never turn my LFD over 30% volume unless I'm listening to it from the next room so, even 60 WPC is far more than I need. 

If I can't find an amp I like under 100 WPC, I may try the Classé CA-D200, which is 200 WPC. Is this powerful amp going to be too loud for me at even the lowest settings?

Any advice is welcome.
e91811

Showing 1 response by smrex13

smrex13
645 posts
 
Just a couple of thoughts...

1.  You don't need to look for a lower wattage amp.  If you find something with several hundred watts, you'll still be fine.  

2.  Just because you don't turn the volume knob too far on the 60-watt LFD doesn't mean you're not using a fair amount of the gain available.  In other words, if the volume is set at 25%, that doesn't mean you're only using 15 watts.  It might be 40 watts depending on how the volume control is designed.  

3.  The LFD/Harbeth is a very special pairing.  I had the LFD with the Harbeth P3s, and I also had the C7s at a different time.  If you like the sound, you may find yourself disappointed using the DAC as a preamp into a different amp.  It will definitely sound different.  If it's financially feasible, I would hold on to the LFD while auditioning other amps.  You may find that you prefer it to the DAC-to-Amp set up.

In any event, enjoy the journey!
Scott   
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