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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 1 response by oldaudiophile

oldaudiophile
354 posts
 

@mamifero There's a big difference between an amp's ability to simply drive a pair of speakers and its ability to make them sound as good as possible.  It's not about the watts.  It's about the current (i.e.  power supply).  I'm not familiar with your equipment.  However, here's an example of what this means based upon personal experience:

In a critical listening session (i.e.  shopping experience), a pair of truly outstanding Aerial Acoustics 6T (impedance 4 ohms, 3 ohms minimum, low reactance, 90 dB for 2.83 volts at 1 meter on axis) sounded absolutely sublime to my ears when fed by a truly outstanding McIntosh MC275 tube amp (75 Watts X 2 channels or 150 Watts X 1 channel).  Did the Aerial sound good, indeed very good, with a McIntosh MA5200 (100 Watts X 2 channel into 8 ohms)?  Yes.  However, my ears could hear, instantly (i.e.  no more than 3 or 4 seconds), that these speakers needed more current to perform at their best.

 

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