2. speakers
  3. 167670-128813

Duntech PCL-3 on-wall will xover at 80hz make easier to drive

If you crossover a "hard to drive" speaker, does it really make that much easier to drive if your amp is underpowered?

I picked up a sweet pair of Duntech PCL-3 on-wall speakers. They’re probably 30 years old but sound so dang good! However, I’m going to put them in the bedroom where I only watch tv on 2 channel with a little Marantz receiver at 50 wpm. These are pretty hard to push and 50wpc just isn’t enough.. But, if I add a sub and crossover the speakers at 80hz, how much does that ease the amp strain?

Keep in mind - this is not intended to be an audiophile setup.. The little marantz is perfect because it’s small and has HDMI ARC which is a must have for my tv watching.

Thoughts?
dtximages
5 responses Add your response
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
Don't worry about a DMM, I just wondered if you could measure the impedance of the Duntech PLC-3's.
I believe imhififan has the correct solution; Set speakers to small and add a subwoofer. +1 imhififan. 
imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,181 posts
 
if I add a sub and crossover the speakers at 80hz, how much does that ease the amp strain?
Yes, it definitely helps, in your case, simply set the front speakers to "small" on your Marantz NR1510.

dtximages OP
365 posts
 
@fiesta75 I don't know what a DMM is.  It's a  Marantz NR1510.  I wanted it for it's small form and HDMI ARC capabilities which is hugely lacking in the 2ch world for people who want to watch tv and not use a 3rd party remote like the dreadful Harmony.  

This allows me to use my Sony tv's RF remote like it's intended but that's a different subject.
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
What is the model of the Marantz? It could have a DSP built in.
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
I can't imagine these speakers are "hard to drive". Do you have a DMM and can you measure the dc resistance. To me 50 watts should be plenty. If you are expecting these to produce deep bass, well they won't. Yes a sub will improve the sound, but you will need to limit the low frequencies going to these speakers to save power from the receiver and reduce distortion. I believe these were designed and sold with an active crossover. I'm guessing you don't have the crossover?
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Sonus Faber Sonetto III
80x80
Dynaudio Special Anniversary 40 Grey Birch high Gloss
80x80
Wilson Audio Alexia 2