WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH WATTS?


I'm considering acquiring a new (for me) integrated, under $2k, to drive my KEF full range speakers. They are very efficient (93db) , 4ohm and rated for 50 - 200 watts.  It seems that a good amp with 80 or 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms will take these speakers to any volume I'd want to experience in my medium sized living room.  So what advantage/benefit in sound am I going to get with 150 -200 watts, or more, per channel? Is it worth spending more for extra power that will never really be demanded?  
larstusor

Showing 1 response by willland

I would say the benefit of more(quality) watts would be headroom.  Some specifics like how loud you listen and how large/small your room is should determine if you "need" more watts than 80/100 watts.

I have a Yamaha A-S1000 integrated amp with "only" 90w/ch and let me tell you it is the most potent 90w/ch I have ever heard/owned.  This thing is a beast at 48.5 pounds and it does not even break a sweat driving my Klipsch RB-75's(97dB) at ear bleeding levels in my 5000ft3 room.  I know the 75's are bookshelf speakers instead of full range but they do bottom out in the mid 40Hz region.

Bill