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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
unreceivedogma's avatar
unreceivedogma
1,000 posts
 

I agree with the comments that there is an equation here: amplifier output / speaker efficiency, and that speaker efficiency usually matters more. 

My Altec 604Cs are 101db, 16 ohms. That’s way more efficient than most stuff being made today. 

mm1tt77
175 posts
 

The question on if the OP needs more watts to drive more volume is an easier question to answer than I first realized and touched on by some but not specifically called out.  The Integrated Amp has fully functional power meters.  At 70 % volume, what is the amp putting out per channel?  If it’s a ton of watts, 70 % of the 100 watts then looking at a different amp might make sense.  I’d guess it’s far lower and the amp can put more out if the volume is cranked further.  If that still isn’t delivering the volume the OP is looking for, then really honing in on the speakers sensitivity and amps power supply / amperage along with watts, synergy with all the gear in the chain, specific attention with matching the gain levels of the gear would be the way to go.  Steve Huff did an extensive review, tried at least 3 different speakers with it, concluded the 3200 would likely drive 95 % of speakers out there.  He concluded it’s not a beast like a Coda, Krell, Pass but should be able to drive most speakers. 

perazzi28's avatar
perazzi28
241 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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