For efficient speakers, how much difference does an amp really make?


I have ascend sierra RAAL tower speakers with 90-93db efficiency and 300W continuous power handling. I’m powering them with dual outlaw M2200 monoblock class AB/G amps rated at 200W into 8 ohms. It sounds good...but i can’t help but wondering if a different amp would provide greater clarity and low-end grunt.

I have been curious about an older adcom amp like the GFA-555 II or perhaps a parasound halo amp like the A23. 

To those who have had multiple amps in your setup, did you find significant sonic differences between amps, or is a subtle thing? I don’t want to start collecting amps, but I don’t want to deny myself the chance to improve my system further. Thoughts?
dtrandall

Showing 1 response by nitrobob

I can answer your question. I mean I can REALLY answer your question. The reason I can answer it is, I had those exact speakers, with the same amp, and did the same thing your about to do. I had a set of Ascend Acoustics Sierra Towers with Raal , matching center ( Horizon Raal) and Sierra 2 surrounds. I had a Outlaw 7500 5 channel amp @ 200 per. I updated to the ATI Signature 6005 series @ 300 per. At idle, there was no change,. But turned up, especially on music, the change was impressive. Deeper, fuller, punchier. I loved that system, but you know us guys, we can’t leave well enough alone. I now have twice that much power with Legacy’s I*V5 amp and their speakers. But I liked that Raal tweeter so much it had a lot to do with me picking Legacy’s .

And those speakers will come to life with a couple nice subs. I started out with a pair of 8 inch push pull designs by Miller Kreisel. Then stepped up to 12 inch. I don’t think I would have had even close to the sound that system produced without the help of the subs .