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Recommended amplification

I still don't get it.

I'm listening to a pair of Vandersteen 3A Signatures with a recommended amplification of 100-200 watts in a small, 13x14 listening room with a 10 watt Class A amp (SMSL VMV A1) and they sound just fine.  Plays as loud as I'd ever listen to with ease, has control of the bass, soundstages well and generally sounds pretty fantastic.

I guess maybe dynamics but the music I listen to doens't go from pppp to fffff very often, if ever at all.  I've found this to be the case with all of my speakers, regardless of their recommended amplification levels.  I'm probably only using a watt or two, if at that, for most of my music listening.  

So why do speaker manufacturers even list the recommended amplification numbers, does anyone know?

Thanks in advance.

audiodwebe

Showing 1 response by bjesien

bjesien
1,373 posts
 

Dynamics, size of stage and image can be sacrificed. It can be hard to know unless you try higher power.

Simple example I had a pair of Harbeth's with a 12 watt tube amp. Sounded great but really came alive with 80 watts or more. Missed that tube sound so it was either go big with tubes or stay with 12 wpc or be satisfied with the SS amp. Lots of options.

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