Too much speaker for my system?

[Bill Ferris]

but the cheapskate in me would have liked to pay less

I think "selectively frugal" probably is a better phrase, Sgt.

 

[hnash53]

https://www.parts-express.com/Dayton-Audio-APA150-150W-Power-Amplifier-300-812?quantity=1

You might check out this amp. It would have plenty of power for your needs. Check out the reviews...

Since you are just getting in audio, it would be more practical for you than the testosterone-laced amps being touted in this thread. There would be no concerns about age, no concerns about having to repair it. Dayton has sold many, many of these amps for years... that says something.

 

[E-Stat]

I replaced them with 100k ones...

Good call as Mac tends to go light on power supplies. That gets you to 176 joules with the 42V rails.

Each of my 300 watt tube amps has nearly the energy storage (250 joules vs 280) than the MC1.25KW.

 

[Sgt Shultz]

Just saw this on eBay, I currently own two, had others along with the larger TFM-25 from new for many yrs.

The TFM-15 is rated 100W/channel at 8ohms and 150W/channel at 4ohms. These were $450 new in the early 90's, later replaced by the TFM-15cb that's bridgeable, which I've also owned and have one now.

 

[mcgjohn]

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?

will be tough at that price level, but Keep looking.

 

[JB1962]

T

If you were to consider an amp to drive any speaker you might ever own without taking out a mortgage there's the Soundcraftsmen MA5002. Stable into 2ohms it's 250W/channel at 8ohms, 360W at 4ohms, I have one currently driving my 3.2ohm AR's.

I see a few on eBay, some have been there awhile so would most likely entertain offers. It's big so some real estate would be required with good support.

View attachment 2814536

View attachment 2814537

View attachment 2814538

Some don't have the wood side panel accessories.

That amp is closely comparable to my Hafler P500 in power rating, although I was cautioned not to drive below a 4 Ohm load as it could potentially damage the MOSFets, as replacements are rather difficult to come by. Apparently the only way to get replacements is from a doner amp.

Copied from another AK thread:
"Oh yea, just recently read an old review for a DH-500. It bench tested at over 300 watts into 8 Ohms, 450 watts into 4 Ohms, and 390 watts into 2 Ohms. Short term peak output was 792 watts into 4 Ohms. Not too shabby"

Third post from the top
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/hafler-p500-dh500-difference.818685/

 

[odcics2]

I'm the original owner of a Carver TFM 35x.
250 wpc, 8 ohms
350 wpc, 4 ohms

They are reasonably priced on the used market.

I haven't needed to do anything to mine since I bought it in 1996.
I DO need to replace the meter lights! lol, they went out in the later 2000s.
I WILL get to it asap! (I have the bulbs, just need the time)

 

[Sgt Shultz]

I'm the original owner of a Carver TFM 35x.
250 wpc, 8 ohms
350 wpc, 4 ohms

They are reasonably priced on the used market.

I haven't needed to do anything to mine since I bought it in 1996.
I DO need to replace the meter lights! lol, they went out in the later 2000s.
I WILL get to it asap! (I have the bulbs, just need the time)

I've always liked Carver, I've had their gear since 1991, the lamps are prone to burning out if used a lot. Hope your new ones aren't LED, I've found they're just too bright and won't match other Carver meter lights.

 

[odcics2]

No leds for me!

 

[peterp1]

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!

Physically large speakers are more efficient than small speakers -- so I think the "too much speaker" thought is not really a thing . 91.5 db sensitivity is fine -- don't pay attention to the "min" rating of 20 watts -- it's meaningless. The Marantz vintage 25 wpc is likely far more than enough power unless you like it really loud. You'd be very hard pressed to get anything better for $300. You could buy more watts (rated) for that, but they won't be better watts, and you very, very likely don't need any more watts. Only your opinion matters -- listen to what you have and see if you have any issues with it. I'm pretty sure you won't if everything is in proper working order.

 

[Sgt Shultz]

Never seen a soundcraftsmen with VU meters like that . Absolutely beautiful

There are several currently on eBay with the VU meters, no affiliation with any. I paid a good bit less just 10 months ago and it's in better condition than any of these, it looks new really

 

[Sitka]

Hi, great questions. If your speakers are sensitive enough you may not need additional power. First, try the Marantz with your current speakers in the larger room. You may find that it sounds good without extra power. 20 watts is more than think.

then, if more power is really needed, add a vintage power amplifier off the pre-outs on the Marantz. I picked up a vintage Denon power amp for a very reasonable price - just shop around. Stick with an A/B class amp.