Power amp output wattages - The more the merrier!

polkatese

Not until recently, I was under the impressions that power amp/receiver/integrated output wattage need to be matched and within the range of speakers' input requirements. NOT ANYMORE! As a matter a fact, within reason, I would say the rule of thumbs should have been a multiplier of the speakers requirements, such as 1.5x to 2.5x! Ever since I replaced my B&K av125.7 with Gemstone Blue Diamond, what I've done is to roughly 2.1x the power output of the amp (from 185watts to 400watts @4 ohms, high current in both cases). At the same (typical) listening level of -50 to -45 on the B&K REF50S2 scale, I get more of everything (i.e. details, low, high, mid, clarity of imaging.) Both amps are cleary pumping out brute force in any case, but it goes without saying that doubling the output wattage is NOT make it twice louder, but rather, it pumps high current and juice to the point that it flawlessly transfer the energy from the source/media to the speakers. I've been listening to my system from my home-office when I am at home (a lot more lately than in the past). With the system in the living room, I could actually enjoyed the details (albeit not ideal) of the music.

Anyways, ranting is off now, but I am interested to hear your experience on the same subject. Down the road, given the means, space, and opportunity, I won't have any hesitation to snag a 1000watts monobolock to power ANY front speakers that I own at that time.

Skynut

I just bought the Sherbourn in my sig. to take the load off the Onkyo in my sig.
I noticed that it sounds much more powerfull now but it also sounds like I could explode my speakers if I went over reference level too far.
I don't know if I am getting distortion from somewhere or if the amp is just powerfull enough to blow my speakers.
Either way I don't want to try.
This is my first seprate amp just for the HT so I don't know how it compares to others out there but it sure seems like it has enough juice for my application.

polkatese

distortion? could it be from the Onkyo DVD or Receiver? Unless the amp is malfunctioning, that is one hell of an amp. I reviewed and auditioned it a couple years ago, 7x monoblock design, dual power cords. It's a heater-amplifier, for those chilli morning but I digress. Other than slight hiss from the tweeter, if you put your ears against it, it should be dead silence.

Skynut

It is dead silent with exception to the slight hiss.
I had to ground everything in my system to get it that way.
I don't know I am getting any distortion, I was trying to say that I don't know how much more power my 250wpc RT3000's can handle. When I crank it up I need to leave the room or it will cause hearing damage from the volume. The sound is good but it really feels like if I put a little more to them they will give up the fight.
I would like to try a 300 wpc amp someday but I don't think the speakers want to.

polkatese

I got you. Definitely your ears will give up first, before your speakers. With the Sherbourn, your next upgrade will be your source (DVD player) and speakers, and perhaps sell your receiver and get a preamp. Not that anything you own today need to be upgraded, it's just what I would have done. In the end, let your ears be the judge.

Skynut

I really want to build a 2 channel system soon. I am real happy with the HT rig for now.
I do want to replace the receiver next so the Onkyo can go into the bedroom.
There is always an upgrade somewhere so I try not to look too hard or I gat a case of the wants.

venomclan

High powered amps can make a capable speaker sing. But be careful to not go too overboard. I just blew 1 of my B&W's with my Krell watching War of the Worlds. When the speakers dip in ohms the amp power typically doub;es if it is a good amp. Thats a lot of power.
Venom

polkatese

sorry to hear that, Venom. Good point, though. My tolerance of loud systems is low, so, for both music and HT, I tend to listening relatively low to moderate level.

venomclan

I was playing with the idea of bridging my main amp to mono mode as it has that capability. It will create 2000 watts at 8ohms, I have since decided not too. Plus I do not want to have to run a seperate outlet for each amp. I like lower voume music with high detail. A nice powered amp can do it.
Venom