WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH WATTS?


I'm considering acquiring a new (for me) integrated, under $2k, to drive my KEF full range speakers. They are very efficient (93db) , 4ohm and rated for 50 - 200 watts.  It seems that a good amp with 80 or 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms will take these speakers to any volume I'd want to experience in my medium sized living room.  So what advantage/benefit in sound am I going to get with 150 -200 watts, or more, per channel? Is it worth spending more for extra power that will never really be demanded?  
larstusor

Showing 2 responses by mesch

+1 Lowrider.  Look for a quality amp that doubles down in watts from 8 to 4 ohms. I run a BEL 1001 MK5. It is rated at 50 into 8ohms, 100 into 4, and 200 into 2. It will drive many speakers better than many 100 wpc amps will.  
Larstusor, a 100wpc amp at 8 ohms that doubles into 4 ohms will be all the power you would need to drive your speakers.  In this case I would advise spending your amp budget on quality vs. quanity watts.