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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
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pacmi03's avatar
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pacmi03
19 posts
 
90 db and 80 to 200 watts?  Is this a 4 ohm speaker? 
ddemilto3 OP
2 posts
 
Thank you for your responses. Yes, it’s the Monitor Audio silver series with 4 ohms impedance.
willemj
1,036 posts
 
I know many here disagree with me, but I am a strong advocate of powerful amplifiers for much better dynamics and less distortion on music peaks. It does depend on the size of the room, of course.
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hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@willemj  +1  My experience agrees with your's.  The old audio axiom that you can't have too powerful of an amplifier is true.  Your system can find itself in peril when it is underpowered and the sine wave is being clipped on musical peaks.  The only way an amp can be too powerful is if your two year old grabs your preamp volume knob and decides to engage in a lesson on clockwise turning!👶
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