Do low power amps sound better than more powerful ones?
- karatestu
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Re: Do low power amps sound better than more powerful ones?
Or howz about my A20 sounds better than your NAP250. And my dad can smack your dad.
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- Copperblue
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Re: Do low power amps sound better than more powerful ones?
I think Doc would have approved of the sentiment and the honest subjective assessment…….
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- karatestu (Sun Aug 14, 2022 9:37 am) • Shevans (Sun Aug 14, 2022 10:38 am) • Lindsayt (Sun Aug 14, 2022 10:52 am)
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- Shevans
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Re: Do low power amps sound better than more powerful ones?
If I had a larger room, or inefficient speakers then I would absolutely need more power!
Always fancied a Church conversation with a vaulted ceiling, humongous living room and some big JBL’s with enough oomph behind them to make the local think the organ is still working,
Always fancied a Church conversation with a vaulted ceiling, humongous living room and some big JBL’s with enough oomph behind them to make the local think the organ is still working,
- TheMadMick
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Re: Do low power amps sound better than more powerful ones?
Anthony Michaelson (whatever you may think of him) said that the first watt is the most important. Get that right and the rest follows. Mind you he did talk a lot of rubbish sometimes.
Blusound Vault 2, P50SA, A80's, BMU, TIS, LS7, MA PL200, Meridian 506 (18 bit).
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Re: Do low power amps sound better than more powerful ones?
How big a church and how big an amp do you think you would need?
I use a 150WPC amp and some efficient PA speakers in a church 40m long20 wide and 25 to 30 high. It can get VERY loud.
OK the Bose speakers that fill in add a bit but the main sound is via the 150 W amp, which by the way isn't turned up to full.
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Re: Do low power amps sound better than more powerful ones?
As usual, it's about what you're trying to achieve and what you're working with. Efficient, easy impedance speakers, average British living room, sensible listening levels - try an S80. I like the S80 with my Klipsch Heresys. We sold an SIP to a guy in Germany who is using it with 7 foot tall horn speakers. He wanted something solid state for the Summer!
Less efficient speakers, larger room, higher levels, more demanding music - the larger amps will do better. For example, the 3 Square Audio Ayals love power (and volume).
The other consideration which I've found does make a worthwhile difference is having dedicated power supplies for input and output stages The S80 case is not large enough for that.
Less efficient speakers, larger room, higher levels, more demanding music - the larger amps will do better. For example, the 3 Square Audio Ayals love power (and volume).
The other consideration which I've found does make a worthwhile difference is having dedicated power supplies for input and output stages The S80 case is not large enough for that.
- Shevans
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Re: Do low power amps sound better than more powerful ones?
Yeah… an amp capable of 150W per channel was exactly my ballpark thinking, I do however have these in mind… Start with one and add another in bridged mode as required.Geoff.R.G wrote: ↑Sun Aug 14, 2022 1:05 pmHow big a church and how big an amp do you think you would need?
I use a 150WPC amp and some efficient PA speakers in a church 40m long20 wide and 25 to 30 high. It can get VERY loud.
OK the Bose speakers that fill in add a bit but the main sound is via the 150 W amp, which by the way isn't turned up to full.
https://nadelectronics.com/product/c-26 ... amplifier/
Don’t have any money but it’s the though that counts.
- Lindsayt
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Re: Do low power amps sound better than more powerful ones?
My understanding is that bridged mode is likely to result in audible sonic compromises?
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Re: Do low power amps sound better than more powerful ones?
Yes, that would be the case but the current trend is class D amplification where high power is considered necessary. Personally I would rather have efficient speakers and a lower power amplifier. I try to avoid class D.
- r3xj0hn570n
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Re: Do low power amps sound better than more powerful ones?
I've never found a switching amp i'm happy with... Switchmode PSU in a linear amp - yes, other way around or <cringe> SMPSU & Class D, no thanks.
It's been my observation in the past that with the right speakers, a lower voltage rail _can_ result in a better subjective sound. I have a theory or 2 but they are probably just rubbish.
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