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Author Topic: choosing the best amp power? watts?  (Read 11056 times)

Offline typethisin

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choosing the best amp power? watts?
« on: October 06, 2010, 02:51:16 PM »
Since I'm new and want to learn from you all, When it comes to amps is it better to get an amp rated at the max for your speakers such as 100 real watts or to get one more powerful like 200 watts and not turn it up as much???
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Offline Falcon

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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #1 on: October 06, 2010, 03:49:15 PM »
More power. But, watts are not everything, high current amperage is.
   Typically a amp that can work at low impedance's is much better than one that is only rated at 8 ohms. So look for a amp that produces more power down to 4 or even better 2 ohms.
  If you are looking for a great amp on a budget, look for Yamaha. They are great amps, sound great with high current low impedance drive capability. And are typically bulletproof, and will last a very long time.
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Offline typethisin

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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #2 on: October 06, 2010, 04:17:51 PM »
Thanks. Doing research on them now. I found a yamaha R-3 and a R-330 stereo receivers, reasonably priced at 45-60 bucks. Are either desirable? The ad says from the 90's and clean 100% functioning.
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Offline thuffman03

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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #3 on: October 06, 2010, 05:00:40 PM »
IMO it is always better to have a good heavy amp.  One that will provide lots of power even you might never use it.  What I have experanced is that a good large amp will not have to work hard at all to drive a smaller speaker and I think it sounds better.

You just have to make sure you keep control of the volume knob or you will either be replacing fuses or drivers in your speakers.  LOL

As for what Yamy to buy, I will have to defer to others who know them a better.
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Offline OCCD

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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #4 on: October 06, 2010, 05:21:15 PM »
Quote from: typethisin on October 06, 2010, 04:17:51 PM
Thanks. Doing research on them now. I found a yamaha R-3 and a R-330 stereo receivers, reasonably priced at 45-60 bucks. Are either desirable? The ad says from the 90's and clean 100% functioning.

Run away from the Yamaha stuff!!!  Nice but low power. Save for nice separates.  What price range are you talking?
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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #5 on: October 06, 2010, 05:30:16 PM »
Quote from: typethisin on October 06, 2010, 02:51:16 PM
Since I'm new and want to learn from you all, When it comes to amps is it better to get an amp rated at the max for your speakers such as 100 real watts or to get one more powerful like 200 watts and not turn it up as much???

typethisin, I suggest you visit Tom's shop before you spend any money and then go from there.
He will show you the "true nature of the force" on what you should get.

Just My Thoughts On The Matter.--------BILL(BB3)
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Offline Kingman

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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #6 on: October 06, 2010, 06:09:21 PM »
MORE WATTS, MORE CURRENT, MORE HEAVY!!!!!! THINK TFM-75!!!!!  8) 8) 8)
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Offline Falcon

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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #7 on: October 06, 2010, 06:15:50 PM »
NOT THE YAMAHA RECEIVERS.....

    YAMAHA SEPARATE POWER AMPS... M-50, M-60 M-80 series stuff.
The M-60 Is a fantastic amp, and can be bought for less then $250.00 on fleabay...

 But see Tom first, you never know what he will have is the shop...
And if he can not help you, see me. I will be selling several very good power amps.
« Last Edit: October 06, 2010, 06:18:13 PM by falcon377 »
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Offline OCCD

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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #8 on: October 06, 2010, 08:07:29 PM »
Mikey, I will buy the NAD amps back when you are sick of them. I want to try them on the Plats in mono.
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Offline typethisin

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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #9 on: October 07, 2010, 12:07:41 AM »
Off to tom's I go. I am starting out so trying to stay below 500$ for now since I have no preamp either only integrated receivers. I guess "more power...urgh urgh urgh" is the answer but obee-wan-tomobi will be consulted.
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Offline F1nut

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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #10 on: October 07, 2010, 01:45:58 AM »
The subject matter at hand has so many variables that there is no best answer and therefore, no best amp. Go listen to what Tom has, but bring your speakers, source and cables, so that you will have a better idea of what works with your gear and what sounds good to your ears.

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Offline Slim-Shaddy

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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #11 on: October 07, 2010, 08:16:57 AM »
Quote from: F1nut on October 07, 2010, 01:45:58 AM
The subject matter at hand has so many variables that there is no best answer and therefore, no best amp. Go listen to what Tom has, but bring your speakers, source and cables, so that you will have a better idea of what works with your gear and what sounds good to your ears.




Best answer!
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Offline Slim-Shaddy

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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #12 on: October 07, 2010, 08:26:31 AM »
http://erie.craigslist.org/ele/1989298062.html

I'll be in Erie this weekend if you want me to pick it up...
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I am confident that an SL-1200 is capable of outperforming turntables of much higher expense with minor modification.

Offline typethisin

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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #13 on: October 07, 2010, 07:42:53 PM »
May have to hold of this month. My taxes are due so my fun fund will be low. I appreciate the help. I will note this one so if it does not sell may get it next month. You guys are great. 
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OldiesButGoodies

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Re: choosing the best amp power? watts?
« Reply #14 on: October 09, 2010, 09:29:51 AM »
Agree w F1 - component matching can make a big difference and there are so many variables to deal with there.  That is why we will never be truly satisfied and we have so much fun tweaking and changing stuff around.

There used to a time when slew rate was seen as a big deal in choosing high end power amps - that does not seem to be advertised as much in the specs anymore. I have to believe that it would make a big difference in dynamics, would it not?
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