Driving ProAc Response 2.5's

[Pairustwo]

These are not particularly sensitive speakers (Sensitivity: 86dB/W/m) and folks report that they take lots of power to reveal their best qualities - through the speakers themselves recommend 25 -200 watts of power.

Although my Marantz 2250B provides 50 watts, I’m thinking of introducing a power amplifier and just using the Marantz as a pre. I was looking at a Carver TFM-15 that offers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms.

I wonder if I have any idea what I’m talking about. Will using the Marantz only as a pre-amp give up its audio character in favor of the Carver? Is this budget level Carver just introducing weakness into the system? Will the ProAc speakers really come alive with more power? Even if I rarely listen loudly enough to take advantage of all those watts?

I’m not really looking for an increase in volume but an increase in clarity, separation, and organization of music where a lot is happening.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Pairustwo]

How loud do you plan to go and how big is the room? Try the Marantz, especially if rebuilt.

The speakers were measure to 83 db efficient by Stereophile although a light load.

I use Marantz right now. Looking to upgrade the sound. I was just wondering of upgrading power makes any sense. Volume is not the issue. I don’t need any more volume. I’m looking for more detail and resolution when listening to dense music, especially at lower volumes. By dense music I mean stuff like 70’s era King Crimson or the big Mingus sound.