Upgrade my amp again


Hi. For some reason, I am not able to reply directly to the thread below. But in response:
Well this is all really interesting. (To Rich, no the row house system is distinct, and I will definitely use mini monitors there.). As for the PSB's in this other room, this is really interesting advice. I had never had floor standers, and was really seduced by the reviews, but maybe it isn't the right speaker for the space. (I am new to this.) To Phaelon, do you mean the Totem Model 1 Signature? What amp would you put with them? And is the general issue about right amp for a speaker about the ratio (ie double the watts at 4 ohms) or is there an absolute number? Ie: ideally you would like 80 watts for a 4 ohm speaker? Thanks again!
mcanaday

Showing 6 responses by phaelon

Mcanaday - My suggestion regarding the amplifier was specific to your speaker and your issues with the soft bottom end. IMO, an amplifier that has the ability to double the amperage when a speaker’s impedance halves at some frequency is desirable. It will work with a wider variety of speakers. A speaker that presents a relatively flat 8 ohm impedance at all frequencies will not require a amplifier with that quality. Your speakers are rated at 6 ohms that drop into the 3s. The power rating of most amplifiers assume an 8 ohm load. So that’s why I got into the impedance thing with you. Your speakers like a bit of current.

I haven’t heard the signature version of the Model One but understand that it’s a significant advance on what I already considered a terrific all around speaker that plays bigger than its size. I’ve heard the Model One’s in similarly sized rooms with higher ceilings and thought they were sufficient. You might want a sub if you really like to rock. I recall liking them with McCormack and Bryston amps, but think that any good amplifier that meets their power requirements will do. I’m not suggesting that you buy new speakers if you like yours, I was just sharing my thoughts. Only you can determine if they are overloading your space.

Re:"It won't matter what speaker you put in the room.”

Balderdash!
Hi Bob, I’m no scientist but I have no doubt that you and Dr. Toole are correct about energizing room modes. That said, I don’t believe that’s the only element to consider when trying to choose the right size speaker for a room. I say that because I’ve been in rooms where, IMO, the speakers just sounded too darn big for the room.

With a 6.5 foot ceiling, the cubic volume of his room is roughly equivalent to a 10x11 room with a more typical 9ft ceiling. I haven’t heard his speakers, so all I can do is offer observations based on my personal preferences applied to what he’s telling me. And it is more likely than not that I would personally prefer a smaller speaker with fewer drivers in his room. I will allow that if I sat down to listen in his room, I could be proved wrong.
Point taken Bob, and thanks for stepping in Al. I’ll be the first to admit that technically speaking, I have a lot to learn. I hear what I hear but I don’t always know why I’m hearing it. I would actually like to be wrong on this issue because I've been operating under the premise that many of the efficient speakers that I am interested in are too big for my room. But I don’t know how else to explain the sensation that many of the smaller volume rooms, with big speakers, that I’ve been in were just overwhelming to me.
"I haven’t heard his speakers”

Mcanaday - Beg your pardon ma’am; I shoudn’t have assumed.
I always appreciate your contributions Bob... they're well thought out and I’ve learned by them.
Margot - One more thought. What kind of floor do you have? If speakers aren't mated to the floor properly, that can definitely contribute to bass issues which might seem to “muddy” the sound.