2. amps-preamps
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SET amps and speaker sensitivity.

Hi there. Just for the aspect of learning and future knowledge, can a host of folks explain how to match SET amps like for example, the Lamm ML2.1's to speaker sensitivity.

We can even get away from the Lamms, really any SET amp. How do you match those to speaker sensitivity and what is the relationship between the two? What dB level is considered "sensitive."

Just curious and always wanting to learn!

Cheers,
Peter
mariasplunge

Showing 2 responses by pauly

pauly
1,012 posts
 
Most importantly is to select a speaker that has a benign impedance curve across the frequency range. This is true for any tube amplifier, not just SET amps.

Then depending on the rated output of an amp, you can look at the sensitivity number of the speaker. I use speaker with an 88db per meter sensitivity on a 12wpc rated amp. Most folks will recommend a slightly higher output amp, but I find it more than adequate.

Note, if your speaker does not have a benign impedance curve, no tube amplifier will drive them properly. Amplifier watts will not mask a bad speaker choice.

Regards
Paul
pauly
1,012 posts
 
Maria

Forget bi-amping. The more simple a SET setup is, the better it is. SETs fall in the less-is-better genre.

I disagree with larryi in the sense that one needs to match speaker to an amp - select a SET amp and then find the speakers that will work with them.

Regards
Paul
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