Matching Speakers to amp


I currently own a PSA Stellar 300 paired with Focal Aria 926. I just picked up a used pair of Quad S-5 and I will be comparing the sound. I am not good a using technical specs to compare so I could use some help if anyone has the time to take a look at the amp & speaker specs below and give me some feedback I would greatly appreciate.
The basic question is: from a specification standpoint which speaker pairs up with the Stellar 300 best?


Stellar 300
Gain30.5dB +/-0.5dB Sensitivity for rated output power1.01V Noise1kHz@300 Watts <-100dB Input impedance S300Unbalanced 50KΩ
Balanced 100KΩ Input impedance M700Unbalanced 50KΩ
Balanced 100KΩ Output Impedance50Hz, 2.8VRMS <0.007Ω Damping factor50Hz. 2.8VRMS
8Ω >1100
4Ω >550 Frequency Response@2.8VRMS
10Hz – 20KHz +/- 0.5dB
10Hz – 50KHz +0.1/-3.0dB
Output PowerBoth channels driven 120vac mains, 1kHz, 1% THD 8Ω140W minimum 4Ω300W minimum 2Ω Stable for musical transients

Quad S-5
General description 3-way floorstanding speaker
Enclosure type ABR
Transducer complement 3-way ABR 165mm x3 Bass driver 165mm Woven Carbon fibre Cone x2
Midrange driver 125mm Woven Carbon fibre Cone Treble driver 12 x 45 mm
True Ribbon Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m) 90dB
Recommended amplifier power 25-175W Peak SPL 112dB
Nominal impedance 6Ω
Minimum impedance 3.2Ω
Frequency response (+/-3dB) 42Hz ~ 23kHz Bass extension (-6dB) 35Hz Crossover frequency 570Hz & 3.2kHz

Focal 926
Speaker driversTwo 61/2" (16.5cm) Flax bass61/2" (16.5cm) Flax midrange1" (25mm) Al/Mg TNF inverted dome tweeterFrequency response (+/- 3dB)45Hz - 28kHzLow
frequency point - 6 dB37HzSensitivity (2.83V / 1m)91.5dBNominal impedance8 OhmsMinimum impedance2.9 OhmsRecommended amplifier power40 - 250WCrossover frequency290Hz / 2400Hz











jbuhl

Showing 1 response by glennewdick

you have more then enough power for either speaker. both are relatively efficient 90db, 91.5db. both seem to have similar specs but both dip to 3ohm load or slightly below but you have more then enough power for this load. so go for it see what sounds best to you.

your amps make 300w into a 4ohm load as your speakers are nominal 6-8 ohm dipping to 2.9 ohm and 3.2ohm  your good to go.

so for future ref. the speakers sensitivity is an indication on how loud they will play with usually 1w at 1 meter (2.83v @ 1m is an indication they are rating the speaker at 8ohm load)

the Quads are not as efficient as the Focals but not that much, you probably wont notice the difference.


probably the most relevant info you need.

Quad:   Sensitivity (2.83V @ 1m) 90dB ;

how much power you need for a given volume level, lower the number the more power you need generaly

            Nominal impedance 6Ω
            Minimum impedance 3.2Ω ;

 this tells you how hard they are to drive higher is easier lower is harder. lower impedance will require an amp that can drive that load SS amps are better at low loads then tubes for example.

            Frequency response (+/-3dB) 42Hz ~ 23kHz ;

 how much of the frequency your speakers will perform in the average room. humans can hear from 20hz to 20khz (well only children and woman can hear that high but you get the idea)


Focal:

Sensitivity (2.83V / 1m)91.5dB

Nominal impedance 8 Ohms

Minimum impedance 2.9 Ohms

tweeterFrequency response (+/- 3dB)45Hz - 28kHz


other will most likely chime in and add or correct if I missed something