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 1 response by nordicnorm

nordicnorm
313 posts
 
More power allows you to hear more of the instruments at lower volumes (e.g. sound floor).

I have Martin Logan Spires which are nominally 4Ω, but can draw down to 1Ω on some loads. Yeah, they've been known to blow up underpowered amps.

I drive them with a pair of 900 W monoblocks (4Ω), fed by a tubed (6SN7) preamp. I also have tube monoblocks that put out 75 W. 

When listening with the tube amps, the sound floor doesn't reach as low as with the s/s amps.
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