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More power for moderate listening levels?

Hi,

I can't seem to find good information regarding the effect of relatively high powered amps on low to moderate listening levels. I have a low powered class A amp that sounds wonderful at moderate volumes but not surprisingly shows signs of strain when cranked up. I am contemplating an upgrade that would bring much more power to solve this problem. However, since I don't play music really loud that often I'm wondering if the upgrade is really all that necessary. It would be worth it if the reserve power of the new amplifier improved sound quality at all levels.     

Thanks for your help,

Brian
brianbiehs
brianbiehs OP
23 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. 
The assumption is that the lower powered amplifier drives the speakers just fine at moderate listening levels. My listening says yes.
At the SAME volume, will a higher powered amp improve the sound quality?
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,513 posts
 
OP  That WAS your question (In your second post). I fail to see any progress towards an answer being made by yammerng about "it "
turnbowm
353 posts
 

brianbiehs OP6 posts11-03-2020 10:51am
"...."At the SAME volume, will a higher powered amp improve the sound quality?"

Always nice to have extra power (headroom) on tap to handle the dynamics and the INT-250 @ 250wpc would certainly do the job, as Pass indicated. The INT-25 @ 25wpc, however, is Class A vs INT-250's Class A/B, and the sound quality at moderate power levels may be better on the smaller amp. The only way to find out is to A/B the two in your system.
brianbiehs OP
23 posts
 
turnbowm 

Thanks for answering my question 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
There have been several threads of late on amps to drive Harbeths.  Short summary: there is no easy answer.  Take a look.  That being said, you would probably have been better off with the 30.8 for a bit more oomph.
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