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Using 200w amp with 300w rms speaker

I have a McIntosh MC202. I currently have a pair of B&W CM9 S2s. I was looking at the 804 D2s but heard the 702 S2s and 804 D3s today and the 702 S2s sounded MUCH better than the 804 D3s. This makes me want to upgrade to the CM10 S2s instead of the 804 D2s instead. However the CM10 S2 have an rms of 300w whereas the 804 D2s have an rms in 200w. My layout will not allow me to upgrade my amp so I’m stuck at 200w. My question is if you think 200w is enough for the CM10 S2s. I’d also seen a pair of Focal 1028 Bes on USAudioMart so was interested in those too but again they are 300w rms. Love to hear some thoughts on this...
jnelso61

Showing 1 response by lowrider57

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
The recommended power for the CM10 is 50-300 watts with 8 ohm impedance. Sensitivity is 90dB, although independent measurements reveal a sensitivity of 88.5dB. Your amp is very capable of driving these speakers.
I couldn’t find the impedance curve across all frequencies, but the reviewers state that these speakers are easy to drive. Even if impedance dipped down to 4 ohms your Mac would still be able to handle the load.
You should ask the dealer to confirm.

The power requirement of a speaker is not measured as RMS. You should check the specs of the Focals again.


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