2. misc-audio
  3. 135264-88409

I have question about frequency response and power issues

My current system is a Son of Ampzilla 2 and Mirage M1 speakers. I am using a Yaqin tube CD player and a Lexicon MC8 in bypass mode for a preamp. My question is basically this. My M1s have frequency response from 20 hz to 20K Hz. My amp has the same specs as does my CD player. My low end is phenomenal , I really am happy with it. I think I may be pushing my amp too hard as the M1s are rated at 250 watts but the amp is only 220. I am thinking about a Macintosh MC302 which is 300 watts output which I think will be perfect for my speakers. I am considering some B&W speakers but the frequency response ratings seem to all put the low end at around 35 Hz. Also the power requirements for the B&Ws seem to be very minimal. I don’t want to lose ANY of the belly buzz characteristics , so am I looking in the wrong direction as far as speakers go? Thanks in advance!


jamesfokes

Showing 5 responses by jamesfokes

jamesfokes's avatar
jamesfokes OP
30 posts
 
I am not clipping but the amp will get hot and shut itself off. Previously I was using the Bryston 4Bs and they seemed to have a lot of punch, the sound I have now seems thin and I don't hear ANYTHING until I am cranked up to about 2/3 volume. Nothing at all at low volume.
jamesfokes's avatar
jamesfokes OP
30 posts
 
I did have two Bryston 4B amps, bi-amping, but I got a little too happy with the volume and fried my tweeters. I had to send them to a guy in Canada that bought all the old Mirage M1 stuff. He rebuilt them and replaced the ferro-fluid. They are basically brand new, he did a great job. The preamp thing is interesting. Are you saying that my Lexicon is not powered? The way I understood it the Lexicon in bypass mode was a very good preamp. I did have a Bryston BP1 preamp that sounded very good but the Lexicon seems to have better imaging. The Bryston bit the dust, that is why I bought the Lexicon.

jamesfokes's avatar
jamesfokes OP
30 posts
 
Thank you all so much for these responses! I am rearranging my whole system. Particularly Jond for the words about the default setting on the MC8. You are exactly correct< if I had a hat it would be off to you and all the other responders. You probably saved me fifteen thousand bucks! I was seriously considering the MC302 and some B&W speakers. I can't thank you guys enough!

jamesfokes's avatar
jamesfokes OP
30 posts
 
PS, I was told by the repair guy at Audio Advice in Raleigh that the M1s were good for 250 RMS with 500 watt peaks, but biamping was giving me 500 RMS and one thousand watt peaks, he said that was what cooked my tweeters.
jamesfokes's avatar
jamesfokes OP
30 posts
 
I haven't ever experienced clipping with this amp but I have had it shut down because of overheating. I did install a cooling fan behind the amp and it seems to have made a difference. I do have a tendency to "enjoy" high volumes. If I play track 5 on Emmylou Harris' Spyboy CD the bass will absolutely cause your skin to vibrate and actually affects your vision. I can't help but believe that speakers with a sensitivity to 20hz have something to do with that. 20hz is supposedly the lowest frequency humans can hear. maybe I am wrong but the specs I have read on the B&W speakers list fairly low watt ratings and fairly high bottom end crossover numbers. If all those number are meaningless then why use them? On low end I am not talking about boom box car noise, I am talking about clean tight precise lows without any distortion..
More to discover