2. amps-preamps
  3. 142492-111094

Amp Selection for Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand

Preface:

I’ve got a situation where at almost any normal listening level, I get headaches. I’m somewhat prone to headaches from sound anyway, but this is unusual for me - the perceived loudness is around 80dB, but SPL meter at my listening position measures consistently 5-8dB higher than what I would "guess" (and my guesses are usually pretty good). I’ve never experienced an issue where the SPL was much higher than perceived volume.

Current Setup:

I have a pair of the VA-BCG speakers in a 2 channel setup. At present, they’re driven by two wyred4sound mAMPs, and sound great. They’re 4ohm speakers with 91dB sensitivity and these amps are rated 430w RMS for 4ohm. The room is 14x13, 9’ ceilings, and one wall completely open into the foyer. The speakers face that open wall.

The Actual Question:

So, my thought was, perhaps, that the speakers are receiving too much power. I could be completely wrong on this, but just in case I’m not, I was curious if there were any stereo amps along the lines of the Krell Duo 125XD that don’t push such high wattage at 4ohm.

I should note I have no issues with class D amps, I am open to anything that's a good fit for the speakers.


davidfells

Showing 1 response by kingrex

kingrex
107 posts
 
Distortion/noise usually causes discomfort (listener fatigue).  You have probably heard the saying, you don't know its there till its gone.  A lot of noise comes from the power in your wall feeding your gear and the front end (phono or digital equipment).  

As far as power, try getting rid of any silver or rhodium power cords, interconnects etc.  Just use good clean copper.

As far as the front end, if you stream  or play CD, you have to have something better than a laptop feeding a DAC.  The Power Supply is a noisy mess.   I can't help you much with Vinyl or CD.  I don't know much at all about them. 
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