Minimum recommended amplification requirements and amplifier matching


If a speaker has a "recommended amplification requirement" between 80W-200W with a 90dB sensitivity what are the actual minimum amplification requirement? In particular, the Line Magnetic 211ia is rated at 15W triode and 32W ultralinear. Can smaller tube amplifiers provide enough wattage to drive speakers that require more than twice the recommended output?
ddemilto3

Showing 1 response by corelli

I once drove a pair of monitor audio silvers with EKCO  integrated.  This is a very good tube amp indeed but with this pairing in triode the bass was very bloated.  Much better in UL mode.  I really wonder if the MA silvers aren't better off with SS gear. (Having said that I sold this to a gentleman who was very happy with this amp paired with guess what--Monitor Audio!)  Just be aware the pairing is critical.  It's often not the power that's the issue as much as the complexity of the load a given speaker presents to a tube amp--especially in triode or SE designs.  UL with a bit of negative feedback will be more predictable.