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How optimal would a 91 db. horn loaded speaker (one tweeter and mid-range horn unit) be considered to be in terms the power I have at my disposal. How much power do I really need in a medium sized room of 18 by 10 ft room for adequate headroom. I am presently running it with a very good 15 watt, EL 84 pp. Loudness is not an issue, but low frequency control is a little bit wobbly, and sound can get hardened if volume is cranked a bit. Its good for comfortable listening (Mozart/Hayden/Bach) but not so good for grander stuff (Bruckner, Mahler, Shostakovich). Small Jazz ensembles are fine. Would increasing power make the system a better all rounder. I had wanted to move from a PP to a 6c33 based set because I do like the string tone of a SET, but am now developing cold feet and see myself opting for a medium powered push pull instead. Is this the sensible and proper thing to do, or would a good 6c33 be a good enough long term match.
Looking to hear from someone with experience.
PSK
Follow Ups:
You should go to a more efficient speaker. ALTEC, well implemented, is hard to top for the money. Then, you can use Type 45 amps !! That is my solution and advice to you.
Jeff
Thanks for the Line Magnetic Suggestion. I have heard them but not with the present speakers. Will check them out.
PSK
realistic Dynamics Really do best with a Current capable amp.
It ain't necessarily the Wattages available but the instantaneous Current capabilities.
Sadly, Damned Few (if any) Tube type amps can output any decent currents through their Output Transformers.
Do try a good quality SS type with say a 20 + A rating.
And No price is not the determinant. Capable design is.
Edits: 03/02/16
Hello Bare,
Thanks for a helpful response. I have been considering an SS amplifer, the specs of which are given below. Since I am not a technical person, would you have a look as to suitability. Taken from the website Valvet A1r class A mono blocks.
Specifications
amplification: 25 Watts into 8 Ohms, 40 Watts into 4 Ohms, Class A
transformer: 80VA each mono-block
filtering: 60,000 μF filtering each mono-block
dimensions: 120 x 60 x 400 mm (4.7 x 2.3 x 15.7 inches) WxHxD each mono-block
case: Black or silver anodized, solid extruded aluminum profiles
B.W.
PSK
Hello Bare,
I took your suggestions seriously and went about looking for a more powerful class A amp. Had to book it without listening, but the specs and reviews are favourable. The company is called Xindak (Chinese) and it's their top integrated model (A600E). 60 watts in Class a at 8 Ohms, and 160 in AB, which doubles into 320 at 4 Ohms. Hig current output with Peak current for each channel being 68 Amps and 240000 uf filtering capacitance.
It will be a change from the Leben for sure! Hoping my Bruckner will finally come to life.
PSK
PSK
Not something I would use MY $$ for.
An 80VA Transformer is erm Laughable to be uncharitable
My mono blocks have twin 400Va torroids.
Big Deal :-) they cost 50$ each.. Retail!.
Have owned Meshplate se45's Nice qualities for sure.
but as powerful/dynamic as Mice on My 94 DB drivers.
Even a decent NAD (power envelope type) Amp could surprise you.
The exotic is often Illusory and inarguably overhyped.
But in a few more decades of sailing the Audio Weenies Seas.. you might come to the same observations.
G 'luck
Not familiar with the amp mentioned, but going from a 15 watt tube amp to a 25 watt solid state amp doesn't seem like much of a step up if you need more power. I guess only an audition will let you know. If you like the SET sound and want more slam, consider the 845 based Line Magnetic 518ia. Don't let the 22 watt rating fool you. Excellent bass drive and control.
Hope you like low listening volumes. That "Big Fun" speaker is pretty low on the efficiency scale.
My best bet would be to sell those speakers and use the funds to purchase an higher efficiency speaker system.
To go louder with what you have, you're gonna need much more power.
I'd start with your speakers, and go from there.
Another way to look at it: Why bother with horns if they're only 91dB? Seems pointless considering most systems with mids and highs horn loaded will approach 98dB with many over 100dB. That will solve most power problems.
1. 18 x 10 x ____2. Compute your room volume.
3. Compute your average absorption (in sabines) at a range of frequencies, say 200 Hz to 4000 Hz in one octave bands.
4. Decide what SPL you want to achieve - average and peaks.
5. Determine what displacement is needed to achieve that SPL in that room.
6. Get an amp which delivers the necessary power to the speaker you're using.
And remember, doubling the power only gets you another 3 dB of output capability.
:)
Edits: 02/28/16
Thanks very much.
Your advice is very clear. SET is not the way. Accepted.
However I would be keeping the speakers, as its very balanced and even sounding, and I have just bought them 4 months ago, at an attractive price.
The way forward then is a more powerful pp amp.
There are two options for me one a German made 35 watt class A integrated, in a price range I can sort of manage (Wall Audio opus 34). The other is a 75 watt integrated (Mal Valve) but a lot more expensive, and maybe beyond my reach. There is a third option but its solid state, class A 55 Watts (Valvet 3.5), at a competitive price. These are genuine imports not grey market stuff.
Unfortunately where I am there is no option of listening to them, I would have to buy based on reviews and faith in the dealers judgement. Brands like Conrad Johnson are unfortunately thrice the price in the US.
Thanks again for you interventions. Much appreciated.
PSK
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