What's the difference between


I own a pair of Platinum Audio Solo's (which are VERY inefficient - 84db) and I'm looking for an amp that can drive them. I just purchased a Classe DR9 which is only rated at 100WPC but is supposed to be high current. It seems to do a good job at driving them at low levels, but tends to lose its' finesse at moderate to high levels. I talked to the shop that I bought it from (Jeff's Sound Values - great people, by the way) and asked for a recommendation. They told me that the DR9 should do a good job because it's a "high current" amp. I asked about a couple of other products that they had in stock (Counterpoint Solid 2A - 200WPC, Aragon 8008ST - 200WPC, etc., and was told that they wouldn't really do any better job because they're not as "high current" as the Classe, even though they're rated at TWICE the wattage.

So now I'm more confused than ever. Somebody please explain to me this VERY confusing difference. Are they just as confused as I am? Can any of you suggest a good amp to drive these inefficient speakers that would sell for $1200-1500 dollars in the used market? When I originally auditioned the speakers, they were being driven by the Sunfire 300WPC amp (can't remember the name). It did a VERY good job. Is it becuase it's 300wpc or becuase it's "high current"??

Thanks in advance for your clarification and enlightenment. Happy listening.
danheather

Showing 1 response by bob_bundus

Another amp that can really pump a lot of power, although a bit more $, is the Perreaux 350. At 8 ohms it peaks around 550w/ch & of course way more at lower impedances. This is one amp that I'll never drive into clipping no matter what.