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Too much speaker for my system?

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Driftless_lp

New Member
I am very new to the vintage audio world and it seems a steep learning curve but I'm excited about it. I recently purchased a Marantz 2226b and found a pair of JM lab Focal Cobalt 816 tower speakers at a local consignment store.
After further review it looks like the low end on the speaker is 20w which my Marantz can handle on the low end. I'm currently have it set up in my office in the basement (small) but will be moving to a much larger, more open space and I'm wondering if I will need to get an amp to push them more?

Any thoughts on specific amps I might consider that pair well with the 2226b?

Thanks!
 
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Bill S said:
I'd put a lot more watts to them. Then again, depends on how big your listening room is/will be. I'd go at least 100 wpc with amp and preamp.
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Thanks. Any thoughts on an amp that size in the $300 range? I know I won't get a Marantz at the value but other brands/models?
 
Set searches on eBay

I have a **** ton of amps, one of my all time favorites is the Belles Model I, kind of rare but when they do show up should be within or near your budget.

100W/channel @ 8ohms with enough current to pull a freight train, I hear it has 185W @ 4ohms and no reason to doubt it.

I like big caps I cannot lie lol, items added for size reference. I now have 3 of these babies, and if wanting to find out about their provenance look up David Belles the designer.

BellesOnePowerAmplifier01.jpg

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It's simple design topology gives it a very schveet musical sonic signature that could be described as tube like.
 
There are a number of David Belles amps currently on eBay, this one is close to your budget. A bit newer than the 3 I have with similar power.

Most of his newer designs are rather....ahem, pricey, his reputation is well known.

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Sgt Shultz said:
Set searches on eBay

I have a **** ton of amps, one of my all time favorites is the Belles Model I, kind of rare but when they do show up should be within or near your budget.

100W/channel @ 8ohms with enough current to pull a freight train, I hear it has 185W @ 4ohms and no reason to doubt it.

I like big caps I cannot lie lol, items added for size reference. I now have 3 of these babies, and if wanting to find out about their provenance look up David Belles the designer.

View attachment 2814147

View attachment 2814146

View attachment 2814144

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It's simple design topology gives it a very schveet musical sonic signature that could be described as tube like.
Click to expand...


Awesome! I will definitely keep my eyes open for this one.
Thank you!
 
Driftless says he is very new to vintage audio. Might some suggestions for amps be a bit more down to earth for him to consider? Recall that he said "the vintage audio world seems a steep learning curve."
 
hnash53 said:
Driftless says he is very new to vintage audio. Might some suggestions for amps be a bit more down to earth for him to consider? Recall that he said "the vintage audio world seems a steep learning curve."
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He can use the 2226B as a pre, no? Not sure if there are pre outs in that receiver. Vintage has a steeper lurning curve cuz you usually need or should learn to fix em.
 
A hafler DH-200/220 at a hundred plus watts per channel would get you rocking and rolling while you learn about what is out there.

The Focals say 91.5dB sensitivity which means they will play nicely with a bit lower power than many of the sealed box speakers which only put out 85-89 dB with a 1 watt input so for a small space if you can get the volume you want, you have time to look before needing to add power for the larger room.

where are you located? Some will look at your local CL, FBM, OU listings and if they see an amp that is a deal will let you know it might be worth a look. Others nearby might make offers on the back channels or you can spring for $25 per year for access to the Barter Town offerings among other perks. BT is the only buy, sell, trade, seek place on ak and available by subscription only. Subscribe and post a WTB ad and get a number of offers.
 
Blue Shadow said:
A hafler DH-200/220 at a hundred plus watts per channel would get you rocking and rolling while you learn about what is out there.

The Focals say 91.5dB sensitivity which means they will play nicely with a bit lower power than many of the sealed box speakers which only put out 85-89 dB with a 1 watt input so for a small space if you can get the volume you want, you have time to look before needing to add power for the larger room.

where are you located? Some will look at your local CL, FBM, OU listings and if they see an amp that is a deal will let you know it might be worth a look. Others nearby might make offers on the back channels or you can spring for $25 per year for access to the Barter Town offerings among other perks. BT is the only buy, sell, trade, seek place on ak and available by subscription only. Subscribe and post a WTB ad and get a number of offers.
Click to expand...
Thank you for this info. Very helpful and I will definitely consider Barter Town as an option for gear.
I’m from Eastern Iowa.
 
Driftless_lp said:
I am very new to the vintage audio world and it seems a steep learning curve but I'm excited about it. I recently purchased a Marantz 2226b and found a pair of JM lab Focal Cobalt 816 tower speakers at a local consignment store.
After further review it looks like the low end on the speaker is 20w which my Marantz can handle on the low end. I'm currently have it set up in my office in the basement (small) but will be moving to a much larger, more open space and I'm wondering if I will need to get an amp to push them more?

Any thoughts on specific amps I might consider that pair well with the 2226b?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
We have a local consignment store that has a B&K av6000. Would a 6 channel unit be a viable option? It says 105 watts per channel and the price is right.
 
Morgan D said:
Does that run class A for the first 10w or so ?
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It's hard to get any info on his early designs.

Here's another of his newer amps but still rather old currently available on eBay.

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Check out David Belles, I believe his new company is Power Modules

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Driftless_lp said:
We have a local consignment store that has a B&K av6000. Would a 6 channel unit be a viable option? It says 105 watts per channel and the price is right.
Click to expand...

i would say so based on the fact that i have an b&k vmr-654 power amp rated at 6x60 @ 8 ohms. i have measured it at 115 watts @8 ohms x 2 with no clipping. 117wpc and it starts to clip a bit.

i'd find out about warranty,returns, and the history of the amp before i would consider buying from a consignment shops.
 
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