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.
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.
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Most top model home theater products (and audio products) during that time ('83 maybe) needed THX certification, which were standards developed by George Lucas and his team, which if memory serves me, included Tomlinson Holman (the APT guy). Much of it were speakers and room set up, but distortions of all sorts, from electronics, needed to be specifically lowered/eliminated/designed to meet the mark. I am not a home theater guy to the extent of my 2 channel listening but have heard/seen some excellent home theater installs. Enjoy today! MrD. |
