2. amps-preamps
  3. 125502-84830

solid state amp power

Currently I have an LFD Mark IV (60 watts) driving a pair of Harbeth C7ES-3. I've caught upgrade-itis. I'm thinking about going to the Super HL5-Plus and if I do that I'm going to replace my whole system. The reason being that I want to use a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC as the source, in which case I no longer need an integrated amp. I want to try running the DAC directly to an amp. My question is then, which amp to get?

I want to use a solid state amp but I'm finding it diffictult to find an interesting amp that is not integrated and produces less than 100 WPC. Additionally, I don't want an amp that runs hot at idle. Currently I never turn my LFD over 30% volume unless I'm listening to it from the next room so, even 60 WPC is far more than I need. 

If I can't find an amp I like under 100 WPC, I may try the Classé CA-D200, which is 200 WPC. Is this powerful amp going to be too loud for me at even the lowest settings?

Any advice is welcome.
e91811

Showing 1 response by mesch

mesch
3,530 posts
 
I would be more concerned about the nature of the gain provided by the Direct Stream DAC than the wattage of the amplifier. I would think one would want to drive an amp using 30- 70% range on volume control of the DS DAC. Other may chime in on my thinking on this.

I think that by considering 50-100wpc amplifiers one opens up far greater possibilities. That wattage would not be over-kill for your speakers.  
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