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Integrated amp/speaker matching

Hello all...

I am searching for the correct integrated amplifier and with too much pondering about all of the variables in the hobby, I found myself entirely tangle up and stuck.

I know there are give and take, up and down choices for all aspects of this hobby. I recently realized the true meaning of speaker/amplifier matching. That is, I discovered that to have extremely efficient speakers (Cerwin Vega D-8’s-101 db) coupled to a high-wattage amp (Yamaha M-70-200 wpc) is not the best of all possible choices. When I replace the allegedly high-end Yamaha amp with a modest entry level amp/receiver (Onkyo 8211-50 wpc), the sonic differences were apparent. It seemed that the amp could breathe a bit.

In looking for an integrated amp, I have run into spec issues that overwhelmed my sense of order. There are aspects of the good to better product line hierarchy that keeps me guessing and confused.

To be clear, I am not quite ready to move into the tube realm.  That certainly is another level that has many other considerations attached.

1) lower end amps wire their systems to color their sound...to sweeten the highs and bolster the lows to make up for the lack of detail.
2) higher-end amps choose to wire their systems to create detail, but in doing so cut the highs and lows to give it that "flat" sound.
3) Efficient speakers run better with lower wattage amps. I am wondering what that sweet-spot is wattage-wise for 101dp speakers?
4) The irony is that less efficient speakers have more bottom end, when driven by a higher wattage amp.

Since I have also recently learned about speaker placement and the incredible and wonderful sound changes I encountered, I have decided I want to keep my thumpy, bellowing and "big" Cerwin Vega D-8’s. Ok...I will concede, they do not have alot of detail...but, they do have a majestic tonal quality. I now want to defend them because they do have an individual sound that I enjoy. If i do replace my CV D-8’s i will seek out more high efficiency speakers, like ones in the Klipsch Heritage line, etc.

My point:
For traditional 2-channel, I have been looking at the Marantz PM 8006 w/ 70 wpc and a lower end PM 7000n w/ 60 wpc..I am also looking at Yamaha gear which are notorious for being too flat...hence the marketing term "Natural Sound". I see the Yamaha A-S301 at $549.00 60 wpc...and I am wondering if this model is just a disappointment waiting to happen. I am also looking at Denon gear...PMA 800NE at 50 wpc at $649.00 and the PMA 600NE at 45 wpc at $449.00.

Two sets of speakers to run simultaneously would be nice...but not a deal breaker.

I want to stay in the lower wattage range...because of my desire to stay with higher efficiency speakers. and $1500.00 is my limit.

As you can see, I am conflicted. i could go on and on...

I am looking at thoughts about wattage and amp / speaker matching and recommendations...and some insight that would talk me off the ledge. Maybe for my wants and criteria...my budget is too high?

Thank you.

What a hobby

vinylspin
vinylspin
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Hate to tell you, not one single thing you said is right. But the one thing you did get right is the most critical, to buy high efficiency speakers. So you are absolved.

In other words, the ONE specification that matters is speaker sensitivity. Get that one right- which you did!- and you can forget all the others. Any amp of any power will be fine, so you can forget all about watts and focus on the one thing left that matters: sound quality.

You drew the right conclusion but for all the wrong reasons. It is not that the amp gets tp "breathe" you can prove this with a glass jar, no amp ever made will suffocate and die. That's a joke, son. The reason those lower power amps sound better is simple. Anyone building anything to a price point has to make decisions where to put the money. Every dollar budgeted to high power is a dollar not budgeted to sound quality. It really is that simple.

Forget all specification. I am not kidding! Read reviewer and actual user comments. Find ones that describe the kind of sound you want and that is your amp. It really is that simple.


glupson
7,842 posts
 
"I see the Yamaha A-S301 at $549.00 60 wpc...and I am wondering if this model is just a disappointment waiting to happen."

I doubt it. I know A-S 701 and it is great.
vinylspin OP
24 posts
 
Thank you for all of the input within the responses.  

Ya know...humbly, I have to admit...  When disassembled, sometimes my opinions are basically conclusions based on assumptions, culled from points I have read, cobbled together from things that I suspect I know and believe.  I seek out this forum for this very reason.  I am glad that I was able to come up with something in my diatribe that resembled a truthism.  The details about wattage power and where the money goes is a solid point.

And...in other news...

I do realize that my thoughts and flagrant aspersion about the Yamaha AS 701 was a bit careless and I needed to make my point (albeit misguided) differently and in the form of a question: 

About my observation, I should have written: "When they apparently seem to be somewhat comparable units, I wonder why the Yamaha AS 701 costs half as much as the Marantz PM 8006"?   That is how I needed to pose that thought.

I so miss the days of stereo stores. Since we all cannot wander into a Cal Stereo, Rogers Sound Labs, Now Sound or Federated and all of the rest, anymore...to stand there to listen...I have found that I try to find answers and guidance in hastily gathered numbers...and as I seek control...I pore over the notes...I simply get tangled up in specs.

Thanks for the honesty and push back.  More reason to seek out this kind of forum and the seasoned knowledge within it. :)

Humbly,

vinylspin
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 
Seek out a quality integrated amp from a specialty equipment manufacturer and not from the mass consumer based manufacturer. Having a little spare power is a good thing don't cut yourself short. 
jafant
18,932 posts
 
vinylspin

I owned CV AT series back in the late 1980's to early 1990's.
My best friend at that time owned CV D-9 speakers. These loudspeakers are super-easy to drive from a amp's perspective. Concentrate on a quality Integrated (Ayre or Parasound). Have fun!

Happy Listening!
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