@dridel Posts on how to 'fix' something, despite their validity and effectiveness, nearly always shine a spotlight on a fundamentally broken pairing.
The speaker and amp need to be considered as one. Get this right.
Underpowered?
Hi guys. Newbie here asking for advice.
I recently purchased a pair of B&W 702 Signature (8Ω, 30-300W, 90 dB) to replace my old faithful 683s (8Ω, 20-200W, 90 dB). I am running them with a McIntosh MA252 (100W into 8Ω, 160W into 4Ω). I purchased them thinking they would complete my end-game system. However, my excitement turned into disappointment when I realized the lows were somewhat lacking. For all their faults, the 683s had a great dynamic low kick (no sub) that I was looking to take one step further. Unsurprisingly, the highs and mids on the 702s were indeed more detailed and separation was clearer, but I couldn't get over the uninspiring lows. I found myself listening at higher volumes chasing for that bass oomph. Neither playing with the EQ at the source nor the amp was satisfactory. So, I did the research that perhaps I should've done before purchasing the 702s and found out they are quite power hungry despite the specs being similar to the 683s. I emailed B&W and McIntosh and they agreed the amp is probably underpowered for the 702s. B&W described the sound of an underpowered speaker as one lacking low response and details, which is spot on. McIntosh suggested the MA352 (200W into 8Ω, 320W into 4Ω).
Of note, I love the MA252 and really wish there was a way to make this work. I don't need a DAC/streamer/etc so I'm happy to put all my money on better sound vs tech features. But I also think the speakers sound amazing even when somewhat underpowered and I'm considering upgrading to a MA352, Michi X3, Hegel 390. Another option could be to get a sub? But I feel that would defeat the purpose of having a 3way standing speaker and then I might as well get a pair of bookshelf speakers (805 D4s, LS50 metas?).
So what do you guys think? Is it normal for a speaker that's rated 30-300W to be underpowered with a 100W amp?? What would you do:
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Sell the 702s and look for a better match for my MA252?
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Upgrade the MA252 (MA352? Michi X3? NAD 33?)?
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Get a subwoofer?
I would really appreciate your thoughts/advice!
Showing 4 responses by david_ten
Hmm... I must be highly immoral. The 3 watts of my amps are (at max power) 7.5% of maximum recommended power (40 watts), for my speakers. Or 15% of half power (20 watts).
Your story. Your morals. : ) Happy you’ve found a pairing to your liking and are enjoying it!!! |
+1 @jjss49 |
Because B&W cannot account for absolute pairings, given the diversity of the amplifier universe, vintage through cutting edge Class D, nor usage situations, nor user preferences. The question to ask yourself is: are you really in a position to come to a conclusion and a "morals of a story" statement after trying a single amp that works for you? Just to be clear, the above is meant to be helpful [read not critical]. Again, I'm glad and happy you've found a solution that works for you. At the end of the day, that's all that matters.
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