Is there any truth to this question?


Will a lower powered amp that can drive your speakers, in your room, listening to the music you like sound better than using a powerful amp to avoid clipping?

Here's the scenario: Use a 50 w YBA amp to drive 86 db efficient Vandersteens in a 10 x 12 room, listening to jazz or

Will a 200 w Krell or such sound better and more effortless.

Some say buy all the power you can afford and others say the bigger amps have more component pairs ie) transistors to match and that can effect sound quality.
digepix

Showing 5 responses by charles1dad

"but the problem is that what is needed is often underestimated" and often over estimated also.People usally need 'better' quality and not always more watts.
Digepix,
If you`ve read previous threads covering this topic you know there`re multiple opinions and factions just like,SS vs tubes,digital vs analog silver vs copper etc.I believe(2 cents worth) that high quality built + simplicity is usually the route to take. A simple- minimalist signal path coupled with top level parts and strong power supply is much more important than merely counting watts. So much depends on the speaker load and efficiency(some speakers will sing with 5 watts, others will struggle with 300 watts) and preferred listening levels. In your example with the stated parameters, IMO the good quality but lower power amp(fewer parts and complexity) would be the path to better sound.I believe purer and more natural sound will be more likely. The less interaction on signal flow the better.
Digepix,
The general consensus from those who`ve heard or own the YBA amplifiers is they are very natural. Their strenghts are realistic tone,timbre with an organic and very 3 dimensional sound. The emphasis is on music rather than hifi pyrotechnics.They are considered exceptionally constructed with excellent transformers and parts.It seems a product built for music lovers above all else.

Gon member Defstathiou owned krell at one time but finds his YBA components much better. He found the Krell sound 'robotic and mechanical' lacking the fluidity and flow of the YBA gear, not as natural. Like you he listens to a lot of jazz but says it goes well with any type of music.With your room size and music preferences The YBA would seem more to your liking.
Best of Luck,
Digepix.
When I posted above about my opinion and Defstathiou`s experience I did`nt know you had the larger Krell amp already.I guess I`ve been preaching to the choir.
Your conclusion is the same as his.Forget your well meaning friends and just trust what'you' hear. YBA must be very good equitment(I`ve never heard them).
Al,
Thank you, I`m quite flattered.I most certainly feel the same about your many educational high level contributions to this site.
Best Regards,