Topping LA90 vs HypeX Nilai for very efficient speakers (100db Klipsch horns)

[jesburger]

Hello!

At first I wanted to snag the new Nilai stereo kit (250w per channel), but then I thought to myself this is probably way too much power for a Cornwall type speaker with 100db+ of sensitivity.
I see the Topping LA90 has amazing measurements, and much lower power. It's even a bit cheaper.

If the price difference isn't an issue, which would you guys pick? Some notes, I already have an 18 inch subwoofer that will be crossed over around 40-60hz for this system. I'm building a Cornscala Crites Audio Type B horn speaker (15 inch woofer, midrange horn, tweeter horn).

Chain is desktop PC -> Mini DSP with Dirac Live -> Power Amp - > Speakers

The room is my unfinished basement, which is also my gym. Room is about 30 feet long. I don't play ridiculous volumes, in fact I usually play medium volume when my wife is around, but I do crank it once in a while.

Thanks!

 

[AnalogSteph]

With speakers that sensitive, a solid 40 wpc (which the LA90 would qualify as) should be good for quite the racket. Having 40 W amps on 100 dB speakers is like having 640 W amps on 88 dB speakers - 116 dB SPL peak. Seems plenty loud enough to me!

 

[jesburger]

The topping is difficult to find in Canada though, with duty the price comes out similar. I agree about the watts, but I can just run it lower volume right? Or is it so powerful you get distortion issues at lower wattage? I know the nilai measures super clean as well. I figure the nilai would be more versatile if I ever change speakers. However I'm aware it's more than overkill

 

[staticV3]

Or is it so powerful you get distortion issues at lower wattage?

That's not a thing.

 

[jesburger]

That's not a thing.

So I'm basically fine even if it was 500w per channel as long as I keep the volume low enough?

 

[staticV3]

So I'm basically fine even if it was 500w per channel as long as I keep the volume low enough?

A 500W Amp will most likely have more noise at the output. But yes, if there's no hiss, then you're fine.

 

[delta76]

So I'm basically fine even if it was 500w per channel as long as I keep the volume low enough?

you usually damage your ears before damaging your speakers.

I see the Topping LA90 has amazing measurements, and much lower power. It's even a bit cheaper.

don't discount support and warranty. Topping CS is, well, not the best.

 

[manisandher]

The topping is difficult to find in Canada though, with duty the price comes out similar. I agree about the watts, but I can just run it lower volume right? Or is it so powerful you get distortion issues at lower wattage? I know the nilai measures super clean as well. I figure the nilai would be more versatile if I ever change speakers. However I'm aware it's more than overkill

If I were you, I'd go for Neurochrome modules... especially as you're in Canada. Give @tomchr a shout for further info.

I use Neurochromes with my 109dB/W@1m horns and love them. I also have some LA90s, but have never used them with these horns. I strongly suspect they'd sound similar to the Neurochromes though.

Mani.