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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. 

 

 

robeffy
mrdecibel
3,307 posts
 

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.

gumbedamit
124 posts
 

Yes, High Power,  High Amperage amplifiers give mote dynamics and headroom at any volume. 

glenmschneider
99 posts
 

My 4.5wpc Triode Lab PSet outperforms my 200 wpc Sunfire across the spectrum in every category until I’m over the 90db range, which is just not how I listen.

in my scenario, I’ve got 100+ db large horns so I would not expect 4 watts to power B&Ws, but my point is that all watts are not the same. 
 

within the same line, I’d expect that more watts gives you other internal improvements that may be just as significant as the increased power.

Switching companies, you really should listen or at least do lots of research before you buy and not assume that more will be better.

just my thoughts.

robeffy's avatar
robeffy OP
84 posts
 

Well, I think we have a concensus.

1) more wattage does relate to more detail and dynamics, at all volumes

2) higher quality wattage beats low quality, every time ( I really didn't have to say this did I ! )

3) Most of the time I am listening to less than 2 watts ( being generous here -  most likely around 1 watt )

4) this discussion has had me turn up the volume a bit, and no one in the house cares, in fact, I think we are enjoying the slightly louder but better sound! Win already!

5) I am most likely going to take my sweet time about looking for an amp that does a fair bit of Class A power, maybe 10-15 wpc, with very high quality.

6) The speakers were a gift ( from my wife ) and replacing them does not seem to be an option... lol 

Frankly, I am quite happy with the sound at present, sometimes you just want to change it up a bit?  

Thank you all responders who shared your background and knowledge!  

larryi
4,597 posts
 

I have not heard any high powered solid state or tube amp that I liked as much as low-powered tube amps playing at modest levels.  Most solid state amps sound a bit lifeless and unengaging at lower volume levels and high powered tube amps sound a bit brittle and harsh to me.  It might well be the case that more power might help at very high listening levels, but I don’t listen at high levels do that is not s priority.

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