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

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!  

 

Hey OP

as others have suggested, try to go to SS based amps, specifically GAN based amplifiers. they sound very analog, similar to tubes. also suggest you use a tube-based preamp to power up the Gan based power amps

my recommendations that you look into are

1) AGD

2) Laiv mono

3) Orchard Audio

4) ClassD Audio amp

the last one is the name of the company

this link:  2 Channel Stereo GaN Amps Archives - Class D Audio 

they seem to have good reviews for a more inexpensive Price

 

see if they have a 1-month trial

 

i suggest you put your gear together using your existing amp and see if there is something missing or will you have a "wow" moment. then decide from there

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.

@mamifero, Heat Dissipation and Power Compression in Loudspeakers see here. Sensitivity vs. Efficiency: See here page one section C. For in the what it's worth category, power compression in tweeters can start with as little as 10 watts of input. 

Mike

 

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.