2. amps-preamps
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Correct amp for Dynaudio Audience 42?

I stupidly bought a pair of Dynaudio Audience 42s for $275 without thinking, let alone auditioning. Now I'm wondering if my decade old Marantz PM7000 (which claims to put out 155 watts with 4 ohm speakers) and SA8001 SACD player will actually get the best from these 150W 4 ohm speakers.

Anyone know?

If my amp comes up short, would I be better off waving goodbye to it and buying a new Marantz PM5004, even though it puts out fewer watts? (It seems like some amps with fewer watts are actually superior, but I don't understand why or how.)

My priority is to have an affordable compact system to play jazz greats, 70s funk records, and, occasionally, the melancholy MP3s of contemporary singer songwriters.

Thanks in advance for any help.

~Eric
emhans

Showing 2 responses by detredwings

detredwings
162 posts
 
Eric I haven't used these particular Dynaudio's but I have owned two different models in the past. They do need a good quality power source to really shine.

The watts doesn't determine the amps ability to drive speakers actually. It's the amps ability to provide the speakers a good current source. That doesn't mean a good quality amp can't have high wattage and high current. Actually some of the good ones provide both.

You may want to move into something outside the Marantz line. Their old tube gear was great and some of their old receivers have a good following but I think you could do better. Check the forums for amps to match the Dynaudio's and look at your budget. Good luck
detredwings
162 posts
 
You won't actually look at the specifications for an amp and be able to determine it's ability to drive speakers that like power. From my experience it's trial and reading others comments. As well as the manufacturers reputation.

I used Krell, Bryston and Aaragon at different times to drive mine and they all worked well. NAD may be a good match as well. They are certainly more affordable. I put Adcom in the same class.

One thing I do look at is the ability to drive a 8 ohm load and a 4 ohm load. If the amp is rated at 100 watts into 8 ohms and 200 watts or close to it into 4 ohms. It has a power supply and be able to do the job you want. If it produces 100 watts into 8 ohms and 140 watts into 4 ohms I would personally not want that for speakers that need power.

This is just my experience and others may have different opinions. Hope this helps.
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