I do like mcintosh with lots of power.the 462 has > 1k transients it would be a good match. Enjoy the trip. I like you have to drive far to listen.
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
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. |
I have a Mark Levinson 326S. Very happy with it. There is a great review on them of the 326s and 532H in this link. https://www.whathifi.com/mark-levinson/no326s532h/review Stereophile also did reviews on the 2 units separately. What really got me was another review, at a stereo show, where the reviewer was waiting for his interview at a ML booth or suite. While he was waiting, he was listening to this combination, not in a booth, but in the waiting room. Eventually he paid attention to combination, and was surprised to hear that the amp was home theatre rated, and the pre amp was last years model. After that, I found both units used at 2 different locations, a few months apart. I think I got lucky, as I really didn't appreciate how good they are. That reviewer commented that the combination was one of the best he heard at the show, and for the price, very hard to beat.
|
- 50 posts total