My understanding is that the most important amplifier parameter (apart from distortion, maximum power to avoid clipping which is not important at low volumes) is damping factor: with a high damping factor the response becomes tighter (less "bouncing"). Typically, high damping factor needs a high power amplfier (but it's not a 1:1 relationship!)
High power amp, does it matter at low volumes?
Hi, I am powering a pair of B&W 802 D2 speakers, and wonder about high wattage amps.
I have read that you need high power ratings, and preferably something the 'doubles down', ie 300 wpc at 8 ohms, 600 at 4 ohms etc.
Since most of the time I listen to my music at low volumes, nowhere near 1/2 power ( usually 17-20 on my preamp out of a possible 80 ), would I benefit from buying a more powerful amp?
I am using a ML 522H ( home theatre amp ) with 300 wpc at 8 ohms, unrated for anything lower.
To summarize the question, is there an advantage to buying an amp that A) is higher powered ( given my low volume listening levels) and B) that doubles down into 4 or even 2 ohms ( again, given my low volume listening levels ).
Thanks in advance, and looking forward to suggested amps as well.
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@carlosezarate Damping factor has little to do with the performance of an amplifier. |
@carlosezarate the speaker cables, the crossover, the wiring inside the speaker and the voice coils will swamp the output impedance of the amplifier by far. |
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