2. amps-preamps
  3. 195459-101923

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 onhwy61

onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,355 posts
 

Just because a loudspeaker will work better with a big solid state amplifier doesn't mean it won't work very well with your moderate power tube amp.  I am not familiar with either the loudspeaker you are considering or your current amplifier.  The Technics isn't an easy load, but it's also not difficult load.  It's honestly rated at 4 ohms.  With 4 KT88s per channel your amp should have enough to drive them.  Depending on how loud you listen, your room and your musical taste you could find the Technics/Cayin combo absolutely fabulous.

BTW, your conclusion to look at loudspeakers in the 89-90 dB efficiency range hints that you haven't grasped what people are telling you about matching loudspeakers to amplifiers.

onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,355 posts
 

@atmasphere, you basically restated what you said earlier in this thread and it's a very sound argument.  I just don't think you are allowing for individual, subjective taste.  We've both participated in this forum for a long time.  One of the things that has been revealed to me is that not everyone has the same goal(s) in assembling/setting up their systems.  It's not even an accuracy vs. musicality schism in that there's not a solid agreement as to what those terms mean.  (There's actually a lengthy thread trying to define "what if high end".  The responses are quite varied.)  Instead our music reproduction systems are more of a reflection/projection of ourselves as audiophiles.  Just look at the variety of systems people have.  As such our systems can be technically imperfect or non-optimal, yet the listener still is very happy with the sound.  If some people want to pair Magnepans with single ended triode amps, my response is go for it and tell us how it sounds.  You want to place big Wilsons in your 12' x 12' room?  It might not be something I would do, but go ahead an give it a shot.  So while I have an opinion about matching the Technics with the Cayin, I and nobody else in this thread can truly predict whether the the OP won't like the combination.

Let's not get all boring and start agreeing on everything.

More to discover