2. amps-preamps
  3. 192840-184484

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 3 responses by zlone

zlone
853 posts
 

So what spec do I look at instead of wattage?

Wattage is a good spec in this case. What you want to see is something like:

200 watts into 8 ohms

400 watts into 4 ohms

Either, 800 watts into 2 ohms, or, Stable at 2 ohms.

Doubling the wattage as the impedance halves is a sign of a high current amp. As for sound quality, look for the number of Class A watts before it cuts to AB. Coda is very clear on this information, look at their #8 model as a good example. 

 

 

 

zlone
853 posts
 

Or you can go Class D, but do your research. 

zlone
853 posts
 

My guess is that this amplifier is thinning out at high volumes and can’t keep up with the demands of the music and the speakers. A high current amp of the same wattage would probably sound fuller at high volumes and might scratch the itch. I would look for a 150-200 watt minimum amp that doubles its wattage from 8 to 4 ohms, and is stable into 2 ohms. Coda, Pass, Krell etc.

More to discover