2. amps-preamps
  3. 1284839589

How Important is Dynamic Headroom?

I recently bought a B&K Reference 200.2. I liked how it sounded at the store, and, in regard to specs, I was impressed with its high damping factor (450). Also, it has 225 wpc into 8 ohms (375 wpc into 4 ohms). Hence, everything seemed fine.

I read the owner's manual, and it lists the unit's dynamic headroom as 1.2 db. I did a brief search of other similarly priced units, and 1.2 db would seem to be about average (or perhaps on the low side?). Anyway, how significant is this?

Thanks.
gtortorella

Showing 3 responses by gtortorella

gtortorella OP
17 posts
 
Interesting...I have been an audiophile for a long time, and so I understand your analogies. The amp has four of the biggest capacitors I have ever seen ("beer can" types or perhaps a tad larger). Anyway, I cannot fathom this being the type of amp that would run out of steam during transients. We will soon see. I am waiting for my new preamp to arrive.

Thanks.
gtortorella OP
17 posts
 
I thank all for the responses. My preamp is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday. I cannot listen to the big B&K until the preamp is delivered (I have no other preamp). I put quite a bit of thought into the changes I have made in my system, and I am thinking it should be my best yet...

Unison Research Unico CDP-->Canary Audio CA-200-->B&K Reference 200.2-->Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1

I also have a pair of Opera Mezza loudspeakers. Comparing them to the Sierra-1s should be interesting. I have two sets of interconnects: Enigma Audio Apex and the Anti-ICs (by Paul Speltz). My speaker cable is also by Enigma Audio.
gtortorella OP
17 posts
 
I am also considering trying tubes in front of the B&K. The preamp I have picked out for this purpose is the Quicksilver Line Stage (non-remote version). My only concern is the issue of having too much gain. In fact, I will post another thread on this matter.
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