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Trying to match speakers to my amp
- Thread starter moejr
- Start date
We need a 'beating a horse to death' emoticon here, so I won't repeat the frontwards/backwards theme.
I will add that you /OP can 'force' the speakers to use more of that good power with choice of material. Playing pop and rock with its typically compressed range won't, but something like classical with its MUCH wider dynamic range will NEED those power/current reserves to accommodate the peaks without clipping. You can feel good that the 220 is needed, even though its loafing along at <10 for 90% of the time.
And the stoutness/requirements not just about power - impedance dips and phase angle play as large or larger role in its ability to thrive or survive.
The good news is that its doubtful your current amp will limit your choice of speaker.
I will add that you /OP can 'force' the speakers to use more of that good power with choice of material. Playing pop and rock with its typically compressed range won't, but something like classical with its MUCH wider dynamic range will NEED those power/current reserves to accommodate the peaks without clipping. You can feel good that the 220 is needed, even though its loafing along at <10 for 90% of the time.
And the stoutness/requirements not just about power - impedance dips and phase angle play as large or larger role in its ability to thrive or survive.
The good news is that its doubtful your current amp will limit your choice of speaker.
moejr
Super Member
It is a Kenwood Basic M2 and the matching Basic C1 preamp. I have been plotting places to go to that carry some of the speakers that are suggested.
I found a kef dealer and a BA dealer so those 2 can be heard. I am looking for a speaker the opposite of my Klipsch KG4's. Something warm sounding with a little laid back sound in the midrange.
musichal
poet emeritus
Good post. Vandersteen 2ce?
twitch54
Super Member
first off, your present amp is part of your problem with respect to your current speakers (bright, overly forward), if you really like your Klipsch's then IMO the only way to get the warmth you want is with tube amplification or perhaps some Class 'A' SS amplification.
If your mind is made up on switching speakers what's your budget ?
moejr
Super Member
I am not dissatisfied with my Klipsch. I just want to try a different sound. Budget is probably $500-1000 a pair
Hawkeye83
Super Member
As others have said, the method is backwards, but just keep your eyes open and do some research on here...lots of options. If you're lucky maybe you can find some Kef 107's...they can handle 350 watts/channel, but are 4 ohm speakers. Sounds like they would have the sound you're after, anyway. My amp is only rated at 125 watts/channel at 8 ohms and 200 watts at 4 ohms...I've never turned the dial past the one o'clock position...too loud...but the speakers acted like they could handle just about anything you could throw at them. They don't come up all that often if you're not willing to travel, but if you find a pair under $1k they'd certainly be worth it. I drove from NC to NJ to get mine and paid way over $1k, but mine were restored and even upgraded.
damacman
Resident Psycho
LMAO!
Well, this may be the most controversial topic in the hobby. Overpowering speakers creates heat and heat kills drivers plain and simple. Personally I've used amplifiers up to 10x the rated continuous power handling of speakers at times. I have no qualms in doing so. Having said that, I'd never put such a system together for a novice.
The OP has been clear - he wants speakers that will take the power his amp can output w/o fear of damaging them. Now what's wrong with that? I know I've had my share of parties where volume was paramount and dead speakers not an option. Really, that match isn't as cut and dry as it seems as some speakers can handle FAR more power than their ratings suggest and some amps make FAR more power than their ratings suggest.
A bit of homework is certainly in order. OP - how about a set of Cornwalls?
spl225
Super Member
If maxing the volume knob and having your amplifier running at full tilt is your primary concern, you should stick to DJ speakers. Sound quality-wise no, they're not going to compete with Nola's and Magico's, but you'll get all the volume you can stand. You can pick up a pair inexpensively and when the tweeters get fried, throw them out and get a new pair.
MexicoMiike
Active Member
220 is plenty...or not enough.
As noted, it all depends on the speakers/listening level. I have 270WPC available from my Mc 7270 for my AR LSTs which, of course, are on the lower end of efficiency ratings!
However, at moderate listening levels - much too loud to conduct a conversation - the watt meters on the amp seldom get much beyond 20-25W with pop/rock. SERIOUS rock listening might hit 40WPC. However, if I play the Telarc 1812 disc on the AR TT, at loud (but realistic) concert levels, the cannon shots will easily engage the clip protection circuits at the 270WPC limit. Looking at the difference in the cannon shots at lower listening levels, I'd estimate that it would take at least double the power available to reproduce them accurately at the previously mentioned concert volume level.
So...I'd say if you want to reproduce the Telarc 1812 with speakers in the LST class of efficiency/power rating, you don't have enough. But if you just need to reproduce Taylor Swift at concert levels, you do!
As noted, it all depends on the speakers/listening level. I have 270WPC available from my Mc 7270 for my AR LSTs which, of course, are on the lower end of efficiency ratings!
However, at moderate listening levels - much too loud to conduct a conversation - the watt meters on the amp seldom get much beyond 20-25W with pop/rock. SERIOUS rock listening might hit 40WPC. However, if I play the Telarc 1812 disc on the AR TT, at loud (but realistic) concert levels, the cannon shots will easily engage the clip protection circuits at the 270WPC limit. Looking at the difference in the cannon shots at lower listening levels, I'd estimate that it would take at least double the power available to reproduce them accurately at the previously mentioned concert volume level.
So...I'd say if you want to reproduce the Telarc 1812 with speakers in the LST class of efficiency/power rating, you don't have enough. But if you just need to reproduce Taylor Swift at concert levels, you do!
moebuster
Super Member
very well said senior-
220 is plenty...or not enough.
As noted, it all depends on the speakers/listening level. I have 270WPC available from my Mc 7270 for my AR LSTs which, of course, are on the lower end of efficiency ratings!
However, at moderate listening levels - much too loud to conduct a conversation - the watt meters on the amp seldom get much beyond 20-25W with pop/rock. SERIOUS rock listening might hit 40WPC. However, if I play the Telarc 1812 disc on the AR TT, at loud (but realistic) concert levels, the cannon shots will easily engage the clip protection circuits at the 270WPC limit. Looking at the difference in the cannon shots at lower listening levels, I'd estimate that it would take at least double the power available to reproduce them accurately at the previously mentioned concert volume level.
So...I'd say if you want to reproduce the Telarc 1812 with speakers in the LST class of efficiency/power rating, you don't have enough. But if you just need to reproduce Taylor Swift at concert levels, you do!
moejr
Super Member
I have my Klipsch KG4's that I love. I just want to try a warmer speaker. I am going to throw out the power ratings and look for the speakers I want.
Anyone have any opinions on the Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE's?
I see lots of good reviews but not sure if they are sold outside the company
ictwoody
I like vintage gear — my preamp is from 2007.
If you love them then consider spending your budget on Crites Diaphragms and Networks and then buy a PP EL-84 based tube amp that makes 15wpc and enjoy.
I myself am not a huge fan of those Basic units. Like it was previously mentioned I find them a bit forward sounding.
- Woody
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
moejr
Super Member
I love my Basic M2. It has worked well for me. I am doing this just to try out a different sounding speaker not because I am unhappy with what I have.
twitch54
Super Member
I agree Woody, besides, there are very few SS amps that sound good with Klipsch to begin with IMO.
Given the Op's small budget I think he would likely be better off tweaking room acoustics, etc.
moejr
Super Member
I must ask how much should someone spend on speakers then?
