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Matching a amplifier to speakers

Hello.

I had a thread a while back on picking a amp for my system.

It was suggested that I pick my speakers first as to not make a costly error.

I ’am back now that I have bought a set of speakers.

Just to reiterate my currant modest system is as follows,

Auralic Vega g1 streamer/dac

Rega p6 turntable with exact cartridge

Nackimichi CD player

McIntosh MX110 tuner/preamp

Adcom GFA-545 power amp

My currant speakers are Polk M10’s

The new to me speakers are Dynaudio Focus 360’s

I listen to 70% rock,pop,and blues and 30% jazz and classical

My listening space is 13x20 

My budget is 5000 or less.

I have read that these speakers need a lot of currant and a good amount of watts to sound there best.

I would like to go ss if possible,as my preamp is fairly warm sounding,but I’am open to suggestions.

Since I have been looking at audio gear and buying a couple new items,I have tried to re-evaluate my listing habits and goals.

I have a general habit of starting each listening session with a known favorite at modest volume,and see where that takes me.

Sometimes I do get inspired to crank some loud rock for maybe 20 minutes,and then return to regular programming.

Since getting tidal and a streamer,I have rediscovered the joy’s of exploring unfamiliar territories.

I say this to try to express my need to have a amplifier that can do rock,yet have the ability to check out new styles with clarity,and accuracy required.

I know it would be a good idea to go to a bunch of audio shops and shows ,but I'am probably not going to do that .

I will most likely narrow it down to a couple,then go check them out.

Thank you.

 

 

 

twangy57
twangy57 OP
221 posts
 
emergingsoul

1,246 posts

 

Frankly very few people understand how to match amps and speakers. Most of the components these days get along pretty well.

 

Just make sure you’re speaker sensitivity makes sense when you buy amplifiers.  Highly sensitive speakers don’t need as much amp power rapidly ( can consider a low power tube amplifier which I think is something I wish I would’ve done earlier).  Also, Crossover design impacts Power usage within the speaker that’s a whole Nother issue.

Seek advice of the dealers selling the products and get their thoughts on how components match with each other. They have experience using the components and that’s the best source of info.

 

I thought I was doing that,but I was not aware of the impedance mismatch between some tube pre-amps and most solid state amps.

I new the speakers I was buying liked high currant and a lot of power,and I thought I would have no problem getting a amp to deliver that a reasonable (under 5000$) cost.

I’am sure I will find something that will fit the bill.

thanks

 

blackbag20's avatar
blackbag20
628 posts
 

 

@mike4597 Plus one ... Klaus is amazing.  I have the Kismet Amp and it's never leaving the house ... do yourself a favor and check this guy out!!

 

https://odysseyaudio.com/

 

 

 

twangy57 OP
221 posts
 
blackbag20

545 posts

 

 

@mike4597 Plus one ... Klaus is amazing.  I have the Kismet Amp and it's never leaving the house ... do yourself a favor and check this guy out!!

 

https://odysseyaudio.com/

 

They look nice ,and very reasonably priced,but I need a input impedance of around 100k to work with my Mcintoch mx110.

Thanks.

twangy57 OP
221 posts
 

I have found 2 amps I like,but both are older.

They both have the input impedance I need to get the best results from my Mcintosh mx110,(at least I think so).100k

First one is a Conrad Johnson 350sa -input impedance 100k

the second is a Audio Research 150m-input impedance 100k

I going to call around to make sure these can be repaired still if needed .

Would anybody not buy these because of their age?

My thinking is because they are solid state,they would be easier to maintain. 

The only other amp I have found so far that has a impedance close to what I need  is the Parasound Halo 21+

It;s impedance is 84k,close to the 100k Mcintosh recommends.

Thanks

twangy57 OP
221 posts
 

Update.

Upon talking to several audio shops,they tell me the 40k impedance of my preamp would work fine just about any amplifier,as long as I wasn't running speaker cables over 10 ft.

Sound right?

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