Is powerfull Amps only for low sensitivity speakes?


Dear Friends,
The general amp advice for the speakers 92+ db sensitivity speakers are mostly low power amps and mainly set or pp tube devices. I wonder if you have any experience with a setup of high sensitivity speaker with 100+ watt amplifier. 
My speaker is va sarastro 2 and at the moment driving it with accuphase a60 power amp. I've an opportunuty to buy Arc Gs150 amp with a good deal.
thanks for your comments
128x128obatu

Showing 2 responses by georgehifi

I am running Wilson Maxx 3 speakers (91db) using D’Agostino Progression.
The learning curve was quick as I found out that volume levels were not the same as when using a borrowed pair of ARC Ref 250 SE amps.
I am amazed when listening to classical discs. The dynamics at peaks are amazing. Every note is clean and in its proper space in the recording.

It’s not about the wattage ratings of both, that’s because the D’Ago’s have far better/more current delivery into low impedance’s than the ARC could give, which will give you the full dynamic impact of transients, also giving you more "space" between the notes, the ARC would sag a little and sound a little compressed with these transients compared to the Ago’s.

Not a good impedance curve for tubes, this speakers needs current. but because it’s a very nice 90db efficient an amp around 150w or more will do, but as I say one that can deliver current!
https://www.stereophile.com/images/archivesart/909WM3fig1.jpg

Cheers George
obatu
Is powerfull Amps only for low sensitivity speakers?
Obatu, don't just get caught up in the amount of wattage needed for the sensitivity. Yes this is important, but only half of the question/answer. As you have impedance also to deal with as well as negative phase angle. These mean how much current is going to be drawn from the amp, not just the wattage.
EG: As you can have a pair of speaker like Wilson Alexia which will be driven to sound far better with a 25w ML2 monoblock than a 1000w amp that has not much current ability.  

Cheers George