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How much power needed to drive 91db speakers?

Sonus Farber lists the sensitivity of my speakers at 91 db SPL@ 1 meter @4 ohms.  They also say I should use  50-450 watts of power. My PS Audio amps pump out 500 watts @4ohms, so the max isn’t a problem, but if I switched to something 15-50 class A watts, would that be more than enough power?  
 

Thanks in advance.

curiousjim
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim OP
5,243 posts
 

@ghdprentice 

George,  I knew when I mentioned the Ref 80s that you’d chime in.😁

Do you have an older Amati model?  The G5 ( which I have) is 91 db, so that makes me agree with you even more about 70 watts being more than enough.  
Now to start working on the wife.

 Wish me luck.🤞🏻🤞🏻

ghdprentice
7,822 posts
 

Older ones. 
 

Buy your wife a really extravagant, heart felt gift before casually mentioning it. Mention in the afterglow. 

ericba's avatar
ericba
68 posts
 

Agree with @ghdprentice . My Pass XA25 pure class A can drive my 91 db Dynaudio at 4 ohms.  Room size will be a factor to consider however. Mine is 10x 19 . 

audiorev9
5 posts
 

in most cases a high quality 15-50 watt Class A amplifier will be enough to drive your speakers, it wil definitely be more efficient. Here's a snippet of power delivery and relationship: https://sw1xad.co.uk/technology_post/power-delivery-relationship-between-speakers-and-power-amplifiers/
Your PS Audio has power headroom, but you rarely use even 50W unless you're cranking it very loud or have a huge room.

freediver
1,347 posts
 

@curiousjim ,I have a small Chinese made Pure Class A integrated amplifier that is based on the original Sugden A21..Puts out 15wpc.@8 ohms & can drive a 4 ohm speaker...
 I would be willing to let you borrow it any time as it's just sitting in it's box..You pay round trip shipping...Cheaper than buying & trying...

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