More watts or better power ?


Hello, I am currently running a PS Audio BHK Preamp, which has a tube input stage, to a Pass Labs XA25, Class A (50watts at 4 ohms) power Amp, into a pair of Sonus Faber Minima Amator II bookshelf speakers. My system sounds very good, and at 4ohms, I have 50 watts of power to my speakers, which is on the lower end of their rating.

What would be a better investment (most bang for the buck) into the system? Replace the XA25 with a higher watt amp (PS Audio BHK 250?), or spend the same money on a power conditioner (PS Audio Power Plant II?) Or upgrade the Minima Amator (which are sounding very good) to another set of speakers.

The system is in my bedroom, I have a very small house, hence the smaller Sonus Faber Speakers. I have beenplaying around with an SVS micro sub as well.

Other system parts, Clear Audio Concept/ Concept MC, Pass Labs XP15, Little Green Roon Server, Schitt Yiggi, and a Luxman MQ 88 Tube amp in rotation.

Appreciate your input
Mark O





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Showing 1 response by speakermaster

The only reason to upgrade the amplifier is if you do not have enough volume level for the speakers otherwise you will be wasting your money buying better power cords/ speaker wire/ power conditioning will only improve the power you have they will not increase it. if you are happy with the sound and the volume this is the way to go, but if you notice volume limitations a bigger amplifier will help for sure but then you will probably reach the limit of the small speakers quickly, which means a larger pair of speakers. It all means that the problem of upgrading is complex and expensive, but if you buy a good used amplifier and speakers you can save a lot of money.