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Speakers Nominal Power handling/Amplifier

My Canton k9  bookshelf speakers have a nominal power handling of 120/200 watts,  SPL of 87db my Technic integrated amp SU-G700 has 70 watts into 8 ohms,140 into 4 ohms.  As an aside, my source is a Marantzcd6006  CD player.
What does Nominal power mean for me in terms of music reproduction in my system? Specifically Will the speakers perform to there potential with my 70 watt amp? I read that nominal power relates to the power your amp should have to drive these speakers. So what am I missing with only 70 watts per channel besides playing louder? what would an amp with 120 to 200 watts give  the speakers that would improve the music? Am I placing my speakers at risk using less power then what the speakers can handle?
I'm a rookie with zip, zero, nada, listening experience to fall back on that is at all relevant so take this with a grain of salt I freakin love the sound detailed(decay of strings and brushes on symbols, fingers plucking guitar strings etc) soundstage( speakers vanish instruments are here there everywhere but not outside of speaker footprint and not real deep front to back )imaging ( instruments have there own place voices are in the center) not harsh or bright but detailed not warm sounding. How much better could it get with a more powerful amp? I can only imagine what a high-end system must sound like!
An observation no audio stores are within 50 miles, unless I count BestBuy so I sadly I must rely on reviews for the most part and what I read here. Regards Scott
scott22

Showing 5 responses by scott22

scott22 OP
241 posts
 
I'm still in the honeymoon phase lowrider give me a chance to get bored I've only been married a couple of months so she still looks and sounds sweet lol. 
scott22 OP
241 posts
 
Millercarbon, Lowrider 57, elliottbnewcombjr,
Thank you for your time and expertise. it was educational and insightful. The speakers could play a bit louder on occasion with certain recordings but on most of my listening, the sound level is fine. My integrated amp has analog meters called "wide range scale peak power meter" and at loud levels the needle at the -10db/10% with occasional spikes to 0db/100% which I assume means I'm at 100% of amps power which is 70 watts (I know the assumption makes asses etc.) I try to avoid any spikes going higher then that for fear of clipping and damaging my speakers and or amp. 
Since I just bought the speakers and amp and I am riveted by the music presentation noted above I won't be selling them anytime soon. I just do not want to damage my gear as it was a financial stretch. 
  • How should I hook up the sub-woofer? Paul McGowan PS Audio in his videos says to run speaker cables from your amps left and right channels to the subs left and right channels but I can't see that relieving the bass signal from the stand-mounted Cantons. There is an instruction in the amps manual that shows an illustration that says "preout right and left" to a sub's Audio in right and left". I assume( here I go again assuming) that by making that connection the amp somehow knows there is a sub and separates the signal to run the low frequencies to the sub and the mids and highs to the Cantons is this correct and would that be the proper set up in my situation?
 
scott22 OP
241 posts
 
The integrated amp has a   "pre out right and left"   it say in it's manual for hooking up a subwoofer however it does not mention the word high pass filter. 
 The Jamo c80 is a powered sub and has 1800 watts. It has the word  "Line"   and beneath the word "Line", it has  four  for lack of a better word interconnect attachments (you know a gold outside cover, white plastic interior and a hole in the center)one is marked  "Left/LFE"  next to it is a similar input marked "Right In". Directly below those two are two similar looking outputs marked "Left" and "Right Out".
  • So can my integrated amp and the sub be connected in a way to relieve the Cantons of their bass responsibilities? 
  • If I can what should I ask for to connect the two channels?
  • I know I'm sounding like a 74 yr old grade schooler but hey you got to start someplace.
Thanks for you help.

 
scott22 OP
241 posts
 
Good discussion and advise Thanks everyone for taking the time and interest to respond. 
 All "expensive" audio products(amps speakers in particular )I would hope have some form of clipping protection. In fact, I would think any manufacturer making expensive gear would do this on behalf of their consumers to do otherwise is to disrespect their consumer's investment. 
 As for me my entry system in my listening space plays reasonably loud on 90% of my music. However, on a poor recording like Led Zeppelin's (CDs) I do find myself pushing the volume up. I never really was concerned with playing loud but protection my gear and maximizing resolution. fyi I'm just 2 meters away from my speakers in a well damped room. 

scott22 OP
241 posts
 
Wow folks this turned into a very good discussion with good advice and insights with every post. Hilde 45 had posted an informative article on watts folks at my level need to read.rego got me to contact the manufacturer's Jamo now owned by Klipsch were accessible and helpful Technics now part of Panasonic not so much actually they suck. 
The pandemic lead me back to listening to music a  positive in these very dark times. You folks have also given me faith in my fellow man. I'm blown away by how willing everyone is to share their insights and time with me sorry if I keep repeating that but it is unique kinda like a fraternity. Well I'm gonna go play Dexter Gordon, and John Coltrain ballads and chill. Be safe be well     
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