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Speaker and amp pairing

Hi :)

Does this go here, in the amp sub, or does it not really matter?

I have been seeing a few threads here that mention the importance of pairing the speakers and amplifier.
So, I started doing some research, and came up with the following:

a) you want the correct impedance, as in the speakers should have a higher impedance and the amplifier a lower impedance
b) you want the proper amount of power; the wattage the amplifier puts out should match the speaker manufacturer’s recommended amplification levels
C) you want the speakers to have enough sensitivity so that the amplifier can effectively drive them

And that’s all I got :)

Is that about it - or is  there more to pairing than this?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
riffwraith

Showing 2 responses by lonemountain

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lonemountain
415 posts
 

If you aren't absorbed into the tube vs solid state thing, just buy a larger 100W to 150W per channel solid state amp from a reputable audio brand and you should be okay.  Even new NAD and Yamaha larger amps sound okay vs older amps from 20 years ago.  A good 100W/ch amp will drive even lower sensitivity speakers.  Class A/B generally sounds better for the money, due to the larger linear power supply.  Usually lots of used integrated amps (preamp + amp together) for sale here which often offer larger output than receivers which can focus on features you may not need (bluetooth, airplay, etc).  A $500 used integrated from the last few years would be much better sounding than a new $500 (entry level) denon receiver.  
Brad 
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lonemountain
415 posts
 
I'm with Henry. I don't get the obsession with sensitivity, especially when transducer engineers often deliberately choose a lower sensitivity driver set to get improved bandwidth performance.  It should be noted sensitivity is relevant only in passives.  Most actives can play as loud as you care to listen, leaving the efficiency argument behind.    
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