Integrated tube amplifier for large speakers


Hello,

Looking for some advice on Tubes and Floor standing Speakers.
Although I liked my system, now I am forced to upgrade my speakers (Bowers & Wilkins 705 monitors) and probably my Jolida JD 202 integrated tube amplifier due new room’s dimensions. I moved from a small space to a very large 950 sqft loft with 15 ft ceilings.
So I looked up for options within my budget and came across the following:

-Bowers & Wilkins CM9 (89 db Sesitivity) 8 Ohms Nominal Impedence. Recommended Amplifier:30-200w
-Focal Aria 926 (91.5 db Sesitivity) 8 Ohms Nominal Impedence. Recommended Amplifier: 40-250w
-Sonus Faber Venere 3.0 (90 db Sensitivity) 6 Ohms Nominal Impedence. Recommended Amplifier:40-300w

*I am aware that speakers’ impedance constantly fluctuates and that the newer B&W 700 series behaves more like 4 ohms, probably the CM series did to, but I am not sure how good small tube amps are at handling these impedences.

Jolida states that the JD 202 Integrate amp has a Rated Output Power of 40 W per channel at 8 ohms, 30Hz to 80KHz and a Maximum Power Output of 60 W per channel at 8 ohms, 1KHz.
Wrote Focal and they said it shouldn’t be a problem, but.....

Would this humble amp be able to run those speakers?
On paper it seems that it barely does.
I don’t listen to music at loud levels, however, I want to make sure I am not pushing the small amp to its limits.

How many watts per channel do you think are needed to power those large speakers and would you have any recommendations for integrated tube amplifier below $1500-2000 (used) ?

Your advise will be greatly appreciated,

Thank you,

Josep



mamifero

Showing 1 response by tomic601

I have a 14’ ceiling and it sounds freaking fantastic with Vandersteen 
Rudy Van Gelder had vaulted ceilings in his coveted and world famous recording studio !!!!!
anyway
always, always try out the various transformer taps for best sound....
trust your ears

unless you have a short ( emphasis on YOU ! ) between the headsets...

some fantastic tube values right now:
Rogue
VTL
Quicksilver
Atmasphere
ARC

and of course Bedini.