Amp matching the Tannoy Gold 12"

[davstev]

Hi all,

I use Tannoy 12" Golds. I know that they don't require a whole lot of power running into them to sound good. Yet, I have been using some pretty powerful and good sounding amps (albeit at a very normal listening volume) to drive them. The amps I've been using are a Kenwood 700M and now, I've just purchased a Threshold 400A.

Kenwood: Power output: 170 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Threshold: Power output: 100 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

The combo of the 700M and the Tannoy's sound good (haven't tried the Threshold yet).

I guess my question is: is there an optimal power output for the Tannoy's in terms of sound quality? What happens, sonically speaking, when you put too much power into these speakers, even if you are listening at a fairly normal listening volume?

Thanks in advance.

 

[PastTechFan]

What happens, sonically speaking, when you put too much power into these speakers, even if you are listening at a fairly normal listening volume?

I think that, at normal listening volume, you can't (aren't) putting too much power to them. From my AK reading, all the extra watts from your amps are just sitting more or less in reserve, just ensuring headroom for fast transient response. I'm driving a 12" Silver with a lowly H/K 330B @ 17 wpc. Sounds sweet.

 

[davstev]

I think that, at normal listening volume, you can't (aren't) putting too much power to them. From my AK reading, all the extra watts from your amps are just sitting more or less in reserve, just ensuring headroom for fast transient response. I'm driving a 12" Silver with a lowly H/K 330B @ 17 wpc. Sounds sweet.

Thanks Mr. Guelph. I think that's one thing that people like about the Tannoy's, is what a range of amplification can drive them with success. By the way, I really like the HK 330B. Super modest indeed, but nice sounding.

 

[PastTechFan]

Thanks Mr. Guelph.

You've blown my cover!!

 

[dewahba]

One must try a flea power 300B or a 2A3 type DHT poweramps. 845 and 211 type DHT Power amps are also great .
I am using my 12 golds with a Laurel 300B type power amp and a passive volume control box, plent of power for my use . The sound is extremely natural and U colored . Beautiful speaker.

 

[savatage1973]

Both amps have more than adequate power for your needs (even to cover transients at fairly high volumes). Not knocking the Kenny, but hook up the Threshold and I think you will be amazed at the difference.

 

[ZOOM]

The speakers draw what they need, and it is not much. You cannot force feed them power, that's not how it works. Your amps aren't even breaking a sweat. Maybe 1 watt delivered, at most.