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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 2 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,997 posts
 

I am in agreement with and will now defer to the AI summary provided above which summarizes things very practically,  I would say.

For absolute best results, you want to throw the kitchen sink at those speakers amp-wise.   Class D will help keep things manageable.

 

In similar situation with my big Ohm F5 speakers, I chose Bel Canto ref1000m (500w/ch 8 ohm, doubles to 4 ohm) as the "kitchen sink" I threw at them about a dozen or so years back  (search my old posts for more info).

This year I moved to latest Class D technology with 200w/ch Class D Audio GanFET amp.   Beefy enough and better performance overall, in particular with the high end and overall detail and dynamics.

Cheers and good luck!  

 

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,997 posts
 

More of an issue than efficiency actually: Those are 4 ohm nominal impedance speakers, a bad match for a tube amp. 
 

Options for best performance including ability to go loud unfettered:

1)  Higher power Class a/b SS amp with high current delivery capability.   That will be larger, heavier, consume more power to operate and likely cost more.  You might even go class A which magnifies all of the above to achieve a particular SPL. 

 

2)  Class D amp with similar power capabilities.   Stability down to 2 ohm impedance is desirable (in any case for 4 ohm nominal).  Smaller, lighter and more  energy efficient.    These are all I have used now for the last 10 years or so.

 

Tube amps can be a fun alternative but only with the right speakers.   8 ohm nominal impedance or higher.   Sensitivity then comes into play mainly to determine how loud you can go.  
 

Note that tube amps and Class D amps in general tend to soft clip, which is a desirable feature in general.  

 

 

 

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