2. amps-preamps
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SS amps. Why so much power?

I though that there was so much tube amp talk on this page lately, I'd put up a SS thread. Why do so many people buy the big SS amps that have 200,300,500 watts of power? Is it because the speaker you want is inefficient and you need lots of power, or do you need to play real loud? Or is it a status thing, like my amp's bigger than your amp, or what? Do you buy a big amp first, and then look for a speaker with high power handling? Or do you pick a low efficiency speaker you like and then look for a big amp to drive it? Do you subscribe to the idea that if you have alot of watts, the amp will sound better at lower volumes? I've noticed that the majority of AudiogoNers go with high power SS amps and low efficiency speakers. What gives?
twl

Showing 4 responses by david99

david99's avatar
david99
1,467 posts
 
I think the reason some use a high wpc amp is ego.
My d*&%k is bigger than yours type mentality.
I have a friend who has a 240wpc amp with 88dB speakers.
Mine is 30wpc with 92dB speakers.
His plays loud.Mine plays loud.Is his louder?? maybe a bit but who's going to listen that loud? Im a head banger.I get more than enough volume with my set up.
My amp sounds great at low volume or high.
It makes no sense to pay for watts you wont use.
Wanna go deaf? get a high wpc amp and blast it! Want music? get a low watt single ended amp and blast it or just enjoy it at a safe level.
david99's avatar
david99
1,467 posts
 
sean-get yourself a high current ~30 wpc amp.match with 92dB speaker.play some clean recordings in a 15x20x7 foot room THEN say "no headbanger would ever be satisfied with a 30wpc amp"
I listen at loud levels with room to spare.
I have excellent bass slam but with the midrange purity only a single ended amp can offer.
sorry if my remarks offend you.Its only a hobby ya know.
over and out....
david99's avatar
david99
1,467 posts
 
Lets see if AudiogoN will let this one in.
sean-enjoy your mega watt headbanging amp and I'll enjoy my low watt headbanging amp.
There,that should pass the moderators.
david99's avatar
david99
1,467 posts
 
Sean-Nice post.To clarify a bit more.I mentioned 2 Krell 600's and a pair of Grand Utopia's 93db?? This was in response to Sean e-mailing me stating I had given him the impression I was claiming to get "bone crushing,concert level" volume from my set up.
I 'shot back' it would take the Krell and Grand Utopia set up to achieve that(maybe)
I never claimed anything close to that kind of volume only that I get sufficient volume with head room for metal music.
Maybe what it comes down to is:
1) "loud" is in the ears of the beholder
2) Im a headbanger imposter
3) it does take 8000wpc to be a true headbanger
4) this is ridiculous
If I offended anyone wih my big D&%#K remark Im sorry.I can be crude at times.I know Sean was a little offended and I am sorry for that.
Sean- this is our first exchange here on the 'gon.
GLAD TO MEET YA!!

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