2. amps-preamps
  3. 1162605047

amplifier power

can anyone advise whether a cayin a-88t tube int or the pathos classic ll int are powerful enough to handle inefficient (86db) speakers in a small (13x15) room.listen to mostly rock music at moderate to loud levels . if not could anyone advise a tube or hybid amp that does. budget around 2500 max.
panu21
nealhood
199 posts
 
A good all purpose hybrid amp is the Butler TBD 2250. The new cost is a little over your $2500 budget but, they are often available on the used market for less. They sound good and, they rock with the best of them. Heck, you can likely get a new one for $2500. Try Hometheaterdoc.com

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1166713573

http://www.hometheaterdoc.com/
aball
2,016 posts
 
I think the Pathos will probably have enough power - not sure about the Cayin but I have some doubts about it depending on what your definition of "loud" is.

For reference, my room is 14x13 and my speakers (measure) 89dB sensitive and my MC240 tube amp (rated 40W into 8 ohms but does more like 50) can do an average of 95dB at the listening position without clipping - even on the peaks, as far as I can tell. If your speakers are really 86dB, you will need double the power for that same volume level, assuming impedance stays the same.

I would suggest you take a look at the hybrid Unison Research Unico SE. It has 140W and you'll never have to worry about running out of juice. It is right in your price range too. Good luck! Arthur
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