2. speakers
  3. 136713-101923

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
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
The first thing that I will mention is you have a large space to fill. So, you are going to need power and most likely should section off a listening area in your loft. Those 15 ft. ceilings will make it tough to control the soundstage from your system.
You’ll need to get higher SPL’s from the speakers than in your other space.

I didn’t check any of your specs, but under ideal circumstances the 40 watt amp might be enough, but the size of your space is going to require higher power.
mamifero OP
9 posts
 
Thanks Lowrider. You are right, high power amps and large speakers are needed. However, my budget is only $4000 for new speakers and amplification, so it's not enough for more power and size. On the other hand, coming from the 705 monitors to a new pair of tower speakers should improve things.

trelja
3,223 posts
 
@mamifero to get higher power from a tube amp, you need to move from 2 tubes to 4 tubes per channel.  There aren't a lot of choices when it comes to such integrateds.  Especially, at your target price.  You could think of the Cayin A100 or Jolida JD1000
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,742 posts
 
mamifero,

Why not get the set of speakers first, and see if you even need a different amp. As far as the 15' ceiling,  that's  tough.  I have a vaulted ceiling that's about 15', and after trying for years to "get it right" and pissing off my wife, I finally  made a room in the basement.

All the best.

JD
More to discover