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Amplifier recommendations for 86 dB Sensitivity Speakers

Hi,

I’m considering a pair of Technics SB-G90M2, they have good specifications on paper; however, my only concern would be their 86 dB sensitivity. 

My current amplifier is Cayin A100t, which according to its specs, outputs 70 watts into 8ohms. the Technics are 4 Ohms; so, I assume my Amp could deliver 100-140 Watts into 4 Ohms. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find more accurate information about my amplifier, and it only shows the output power at 8 Ohms equipped with KT-88 output tubes (mine came with EL-34s), therefore, it’s unclear what the real output powerat 4 ohms is.

Wondering if this tube amplifier would be a good match for these more demanding 86 dB speakers? I’m aware of impendence fluctuations and I know the Amp can drive them just fine, but I am not sure if 100 watt per channel -assuming that’s what my Amp can deliver into 4 Ohms- would be enough for these speakers to make them sound as intended, meaning, good sound quality.

(I don’t nor am planning to listen at high volume but have a larger room with high ceilings).

Below are the specs.

Many thanks,

 

Technics SB-G90M2 Speakers 

  • Type: 3-way floorstanding speaker with bass reflex
  • Woofer: 2 x 16 cm
  • Midrange: 16 cm
  • Tweeter: 2.5 cm
  • Sensitivity: 86 dB
  • Impedance: 4 ohms
  • Frequency range: 33 Hz – 90 kHz (-10 dB)
  • Crossover frequencies: 500 Hz, 3400 Hz
  • Maximum power handling: 200 W
  • Recommended amplifier power: 40-200 W
  • Dimensions and weight: 111.4 x 29.2 x 36.6 cm / 35 kg

 

Cayin A100T Integrated Tube Amplifier 

Power output: 70 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency response: 10Hz to 65kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 1%

Input sensitivity: 480mV (line)

Signal to noise ratio: 89dB (line)

Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 8Ω

Valve complement: 8 x KT88, 2 x 12AU7, 2 x 6CG7, 1 x 12AX7

Dimensions: 440 x 210 x 397mm

Weight: 29kg

mamifero

Showing 3 responses by mamifero

mamifero OP
12 posts
 

Thanks everyone for your really helpful comments.

Indeed, the Cayin A100T has 8 and 4 Ohm taps, and I’m sure it can drive 86 dB speakers, however, since I couldn’t find information regarding its 4 Ohm output, I am not sure if it would have enough power to make those sound good and as were designed for; probably when they engineered these they had in mind those really advanced and powerful Technics amplifiers, or something similar. 

As a reference, I remember testing my old B&W 705 monitors with two different tube amplifiers. One was a 40 watt per channel and the other was this Cayin (70 watt per channel), and at the same volume level, the more powerful amplifier made a significant difference, it made the 705s sound more defined, in particular the bass was much better. So, I believe it might be the same with these Technics speakers, the Cayin will be able to output adequate power but I might be missing out their full potential. 

 

mamifero OP
12 posts
 

I knew tube amps perform differently when compared to SS, but I didn’t know there wasn’t any increase in the power output when using the 4 ohms tab.

Haven’t heard these speakers but they look really well-built and seem to have the type of sound I would prefer. Unfortunately, they are big and heavy, and wanted to make sure before committing to this purchase.

mamifero OP
12 posts
 

Thank you all for the information, it's very helpful.

Indeed, these Technicns speakers seemed promising, but they might be too demanding for a 75 Watt per channel tube amplifier. Down the road, I will get a solid state or one of those nice Technics integrated (which are not class D, they have their own thing -pretty neat). But for now, I'll look into 89-90 dB efficiency range.

My current speakers are 4 ohm, 90 dB efficient and this Cayin Tube amplifier drives them pretty well, however, I can notice how the sound profile changes when connected to the 4 or 8 ohm tabs, one is a little softer, detailed and linear, while the other tab gives you more dynamics and a V curve sound.

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