Pairing speakers with a vintage amplifier

[Bunfoolio]

Hi All,

I am new to Vintage audio so please understand some of my questions might be simple. I bought a Vintage realistic SA-200 amplifier that I fell in love with its looks. I am looking to pair up two sets of speakers with it but want to make sure they are appropriately powered. Specs for the amplifier and speakers are below. I would appreciate all advice and opinions.

Amp Specifications
Power output: 55 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency response: 20Hz to 70kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%

Input sensitivity: 2.6mV (MM), 165mV (line)

Signal to noise ratio: 65dB (MM), 85dB (line)

Channel separation: 50dB (line)

Output: 200mV (line)

Speaker load impedance: 4Ω to 16Ω


Tannoy Revolution 2 specs(I own this)

Enclosure Type: 2 way ported hfdb.co/5111.php
Recommended Amplifier: 20 - 150 Watts
Frequency Response: 44Hz - 20kHz
Crossover Frequency: 2.5kHz
Sensitivity: 88dB
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
Dimensions: 170 x 920 x 235mm (Width x Height x Depth)
Weight: 13kg
Year: 1999 - 2003

Paradigm studio 40 R2(Probably buying but concerned they might not be powered adequately when running both sets)

Power Handling (RMS): 180 Watts
Frequency Response: 59Hz - 22kHz
Sensitivity (dB): 91dB
Impedance (Ohms): 8 Ohms
Weight (lbs): 40 lbs
Dimensions (w/h/d): 21-1/2 x 8-1/4 x 12in.
Description: 3 driver, 2-1/2-way

Thank you!

 

[opnly bafld]

What does it recommend on the back by the speaker outputs when using A and B?
My guess is 16 ohms, if so, then the answer is only use one pair of speakers at a time.

 

[prisoners]

Just because you can connect two pair of speakers doesn’t mean you should. Spend plenty of time to carefully listen to as many speakers as you can (make sure to take detailed written notes) and buy the ones that you like best within your budget. One pair of truly great speakers will beat two lesser pair ever time.

 

[rickb119]

In connecting 2 pair of 8 ohm speakers, your receiver will see an effective 4 ohm load. Since it's rated at 4-16 ohms, you won't hurt it. However the Paradigm, at 91db, will play louder than the Tannoy, at 88db. The sound quality of the Tannoy will also suffer, due to diminished power. Also, different speakers brands often don't play/sound well together.

If you plan on playing them one set at a time, say for different types of music, go for it. Playing them together may not (probably won't) sound good.

 

[Bunfoolio]

In connecting 2 pair of 8 ohm speakers, your receiver will see an effective 4 ohm load. Since it's rated at 4-16 ohms, you won't hurt it. However the Paradigm, at 91db, will play louder than the Tannoy, at 88db. The sound quality of the Tannoy will also suffer, due to diminished power. Also, different speakers brands often don't play/sound well together.

If you plan on playing them one set at a time, say for different types of music, go for it. Playing them together may not (probably won't) sound good.

Thanks for the reply. The speakers will be in different rooms so they will not be together. Sounds like it will work as long as I don't go crazzy with the volume.

 

[teal'c]

Sensitivity: 88dB
Sensitivity (dB): 91dB

88dB speakers take more power to drive than the 91dB. So when you have the volume at 3* for the 91 dB speakers you need to have the volume at 4* or 5* to get the same volume level from the 88 dB speakers. So if one person is listening to the 88 dB in one room and someone in the other room wants the same volume level you can't do it.


*Numbers are approximate, for actual values, do the math.

 

[Bunfoolio]

Sensitivity: 88dB
Sensitivity (dB): 91dB

88dB speakers take more power to drive than the 91dB. So when you have the volume at 3* for the 91 dB speakers you need to have the volume at 4* or 5* to get the same volume level from the 88 dB speakers. So if one person is listening to the 88 dB in one room and someone in the other room wants the same volume level you can't do it.


*Numbers are approximate, for actual values, do the math.

Thanks for the input. The 88db speakers are going in the dinning room where actually I want a bit less volume for conversation.

 

[BilboBaggins]

In my experiences with Tannoy, they like to have a fair amount of power. If you are running two sets of speakers at the same time from one amp, you are pushing the amp to its limits. If something is going to fail, it will, in these new conditions. You really want a much more powerful amp. You will hear that the speakers are being underpowered, in the harsh highs and the rubbery or boomy bass. Perhaps not always, but when you really want them to perform.

 

[Bunfoolio]

In my experiences with Tannoy, they like to have a fair amount of power. If you are running two sets of speakers at the same time from one amp, you are pushing the amp to its limits. If something is going to fail, it will, in these new conditions. You really want a much more powerful amp. You will hear that the speakers are being underpowered, in the harsh highs and the rubbery or boomy bass. Perhaps not always, but when you really want them to perform.

I think your note of caution is well advised. If I want to go loud just use the paradigm 40s. I would be using both sets really for holiday get togethers with family. They will not go loud due to conversation can not be drown out due to music. Does thet sound like a good way of approaching the situation?

 

[whoaru99]

Yeah, "appropriately powered" is a condition relative to a number of factors. A big one being how loud you want to go.

Sounds like the purpose is mainly as background music. If so, I think you'll be fine.

 

[BilboBaggins]

I think your note of caution is well advised. If I want to go loud just use the paradigm 40s. I would be using both sets really for holiday get togethers with family. They will not go loud due to conversation can not be drown out due to music. Does thet sound like a good way of approaching the situation?

Yes, it is a good approach.