2. amps-preamps
  3. 161325-143713

More power for moderate listening levels?

Hi,

I can't seem to find good information regarding the effect of relatively high powered amps on low to moderate listening levels. I have a low powered class A amp that sounds wonderful at moderate volumes but not surprisingly shows signs of strain when cranked up. I am contemplating an upgrade that would bring much more power to solve this problem. However, since I don't play music really loud that often I'm wondering if the upgrade is really all that necessary. It would be worth it if the reserve power of the new amplifier improved sound quality at all levels.     

Thanks for your help,

Brian
brianbiehs

Showing 2 responses by noble100

noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello atmasphere,

     Awesome post.  I feel like I just went to a graduate level class, learned a lot and enjoyed it all very much.  Just excellent and I friggin mean it!

Thank you,
   Tim
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello brianbiehs,

     You didn't mention which main speakers you're utilizing but, based on your user profile thread participation details, it seems like you're using Harbeth super HL5+ main speakers.  If this is correct, these are very high quality 6 ohm speakers that are 86 db/@ 1 watt/1 meter efficient with no large impedance dips, which a low powered class A amp should have no problem driving to moderate volume levels. 
     I just read a 6 Moons review of your speakers, linked to below, in which the reviewer was very impressed by these speakers, stating "the Super works well with tube, solid-state class A/B or class D amplification, whether it puts out 8 or 800 watts".  

http://6moons.com/audioreviews2/harbeth/1.html

     If the reviewer can drive your speakers well using an 8 wpc Coincident Dynamo SET tube amp, it suggests to me that your issue may be better explained by a poor preamp to amp impedance match rather than just your amp.
    Exactly which brand and model preamp and amp are you using?  For optimum performance, the rated input impedance of your amp should ideally be about 10X the rated output impedance of your preamp.
     I suggest you start by gathering the facts on your gear, you can either do it yourself or give me the details on your amp and preamp brand/models and I could check it out for you.

 Tim       
More to discover