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What actually determines volume power? Is it watts?

I have a Yamaha AS-3200 amp. It sounds beautiful and has a really good open sound. The problem is I like my music loud since I live alone and typically I have the volume 70% and with some recordings it is not high enough. I need a amp that has more power/volume.

The AS-3200 is 200 watts at 8 ohms. I see many amps, even much more expensive ones (like the Yamaha M-5000), are also at around 200 watts per a channel at 8 ohms. I am going by 8 ohms for my speakers and also the worse case scenarios. Does this mean if I had a more expensive class AB amp like the M-5000 I would still be listening at 70% volume and getting the same power/loudness? If not, then what actually determines the volume power if not watts?

dman777

Showing 1 response by perazzi28

perazzi28's avatar
perazzi28
242 posts
 

The "Stereophile" review of the Yamaha AS-3200 pointed out that this very fine integrated amplifier should not be used with loudspeakers that present a load of 4 ohms or less.  That makes me wonder about the loudspeakers that you are using. Otherwise, many other contributors have offered some good advice.

I hope you sort this out.  The AS-3200 is a wonderful piece of hi-fi gear.

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