Matching speakers to amplifier
December 7, 2004
I enjoy GoodSound!; however, my grasp of the
technical aspects of matching an amplifier to speakers is in the very beginning stages. I
find much of the vast array of information on the Internet over my head.
Through a lucky circumstance I wound up with a pair of
Spendor SP2/3 speakers a few years ago. I've been happy with them, but I doubt I've
powered them properly. It's finally time for a new amplifier/receiver. I need some basic
advice on what to look for in an amplifier/receiver to properly power these speakers.
Specs: 8-ohm impedance nominal, 88dB for 1W at 1m sensitivity, 104dB at 1m maximum SPL,
60Hz to 20kHz +/-3dB frequency response, 100Wpc power handling.
What would you recommend? I need some help interpreting the
generally rather technical information I find at many audio-related sites. Would a Yamaha
RX-596 do the job?
Peter
A little overkill in the amplifier department is always
a good thing. Although your speakers are rated at 8 ohms, as a rule, you want to buy an
amplifier rated to deliver power into at least a 4-ohm load. A quick look at the Yamaha
website does not indicate that the RX-596 is rated into loads below 8 ohms. (The lower the
impedance of the speakers, measured in ohms, the harder it is for an amplifier to drive
them.) A comparable Onkyo receiver, the TX-SR502, is rated to deliver dynamic power into 4
ohms and below (down to 3 ohms!). That would give you plenty of wiggle room if the Spendor
specification is fudged a bit.
Speakers for NAD and a small room
December 6, 2004
I'm considering buying an NAD C320BEE amplifier, but I have
no real idea of what speakers to use with it. I want a pair of floorstanders; my room is
quite small (a 3.5m x 3.5m x 4m box), and I listen to a wide range of musical styles. I'm
open to suggestion.
Alfio
You'll need a small pair of floorstanders because bass
overload is a prime consideration in your case. Here's a rule of thumb to keep in mind
while shopping: Look for a speaker that will play down to around 40Hz -- that's enough
bass extension for most kinds of music, but the speaker should still be small enough not
to overpower your room. Regarding specific brands, NAD has always been a good match with
Paradigm, Energy, PSB, Axiom, and B&W. These would be the brands I'd start with. Among
these companies you'll have lots of options, both in the sound and aesthetics departments.
Subwoofer cable
December 2, 2004
Do I need a special cable to connect the subwoofer I just
ordered or will "regular" cables work? I really don't want to buy a new cable to
make the subwoofer work and should have asked at the time I bought the sub.
Phillip
A regular, common cable, known as an RCA interconnect,
will work just fine. These are the same cables that come in the box with components like
VCRs and DVD players. Chances are that you have a few lying around the house. Find one of
these and make sure it is of sufficient length for where you intend to place the
subwoofer, and you're set.
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