The Mc611's did create some dynamics at low volumes with my kef blades.
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.
- ...
- 50 posts total
Based on my listening wants, needs and desires, this amplifier will need to be dc coupled at the output, have a relatively high damping factor, biased to run in class A up to about 20 wpc, and a hefty power supply, as these design implementations sound best to me. If it is an older amp, many were designed using a hot-wired "lamp cord" power cord (non IEC inlet). Changing it out for a 12 or 10 gauge "significantly" allows the amplifier to strut its stuff. Hafler 500, Citation 16, Soundcraftsmen models (just a few examples), and SO many others, ridiculously came with thin cords. Ampzilla, SAE 2600 (just a few examples) were amps I owned that were wired with a heavy gauge appliance cord (he knew, rip, the importance). Many upgrade companies, such as Musical Concepts/Musical Design, retrofitted those design chassis with an IEC inlet. Greatest tweak for improving these older amps, ime, and of course in many cases, a re-cap. I call it "bottlenecking". Enjoy your meals, giving thanks for how lucky we all are. MrD. |
Well, guys. I decided to not do the drive... I feel mixed emotions about this. The weather was part of the equation, it was the advice of a few people on this forum who said that more power ( Quantity is not what I need, it is Quality ), it was the dubious salesman on the phone who kept pushing Anthem gear ( really? ). I am going to take my time on this. My wife is okay with me buying another system, for high efficiency, low volume, tube amp. I think she is just as curious as I am. To put things into perspective, my very, very first stereo was a Telefunken, 1 of 250 special commemorative units, called a V250 and I also bought the T250. I already had a M242 reel to reel. This way paid for with part time jobs, like delivering the morning newspaper ( Globe and Mail! ) in Kitchener, Ontario. Anyways, the V250 was Class A, 50 watts. Paired with Telefunken speakers, the sound was outstanding. I have always had a hankering for another 4 ohm, low power, high quality, high efficiency system. It's around 40 years since I last heard it. I am going to investigate this approach, and look for deals on used gear. Meanwhile, I have been playing the tunes a bit louder, into the sweet spot of the speakers.. Attached, a link to the Telefunken limited edition V250, T250, W250. https://bliss-shop.ch/en/produkt/3-component-hi-fi-stereo-system-telefunken-acusta-250-1968/
|
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. I had a very powerful Brand P amplifier that for some reason lacked energy and dynamics, especially at low volume. I also had the next version up Brand P amplifier and the thing was dynamic from the word go. Same speakers. Another amp I had from Brand PL was much lower in power than either yet was even more dynamic at lower volume levels. Power is not a good predictor for great sound at low volume levels. |
- 50 posts total