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Using a power amp with my integrated ?

Teodore

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Hello everyone !
I'm curious about your experiences with adding a power amplifier to an integrated amplifier (thinking of a Rotel RB-1552 MK2,https://www.rotel.com/en-gb/product/rb-1552-mkii in my case) but it's important your experience.
The point is, I'm not convinced that the power amplifier of my built-in amplifier drives my speakers well enough, usually 4-ohm speakers can cause problems for some amplifiers when the impedance in operation tends to drop to 2 ohms
I would use this method to improve the sound quality in my system, with better control over my 4ohm / 100w speakers.
My integrated is rated at 80 W / 8 ohms / channel and provides a transparent and detailed sound. A little more authority on the bass wouldn't bother me. (But there may be a limitation of the speaker.) Maybe an even more accurate soundstage consolidation would be nice. My integrated ia a Solid State amplifier (A100 Linear) manufactured by Consonance Opera Audio. Works great with simple acoustic music, vocals ,and string orchestras.
http://www.opera-consonance.com/products/solid-state/a100linear.htm
Quote from an analysis over this amp from a german specialised magasine
audio.de,06/2015 ( http://www.opera-consonance.com/review pic/2015/A100linear.pdf )
''The Consonance is not suitable at all
to uproot trees. Nobody knows better
as its protection circuit, which is connected to 4 ohm loads
already commanded to stop at 55 watts (AK=49).''


My speakers are 4 ohm . 89dB

It seems that a little more clarity in the more crowded symphonic music segments would not hurt
It's a good idea to add apower ? ?
The speakers are Epos Elan 10. I also use a Dynavoice 8 "subwoofer connected to the speaker output (high level). With very good results, the sound opened surprisingly after adding the sub.
I am after the best cost effective solution (found a power ex-demo at lower price than new) assuming that the preamplifier stage in the Consonance integrated is better than the power . Thus , the idea of by passing and adding another power . Totally changing to another Pre+Power would be pricier and the equivalent integrated upgrade ,even ex-demo , also
Cheers, Teo
 
Last edited:
D

Deleted member 43441

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Hello everyone !
I'm curious about your experiences with adding a power amplifier to an integrated amplifier (thinking of a Rotel RB-1552 MK2,https://www.rotel.com/en-gb/product/rb-1552-mkii in my case) but it's important your experience.
The point is, I'm not convinced that the power amplifier of my built-in amplifier drives my speakers well enough, usually 4-ohm speakers can cause problems for some amplifiers when the impedance in operation tends to drop to 2 ohms
I would use this method to improve the sound quality in my system, with better control over my 4ohm / 100w speakers.
My integrated is rated at 80 W / 8 ohms / channel and provides a transparent and detailed sound. A little more authority on the bass wouldn't bother me. (But there may be a limitation of the speaker.) Maybe an even more accurate soundstage consolidation would be nice. My integrated ia a Solid State amplifier (A100 Linear) manufactured by Consonance Opera Audio. Works great with simple acoustic music, vocals ,and string orchestras.
http://www.opera-consonance.com/products/solid-state/a100linear.htm
Quote from an analysis over this amp from a german specialised magasine
audio.de,06/2015 ( http://www.opera-consonance.com/review pic/2015/A100linear.pdf )
''The Consonance is not suitable at all
to uproot trees. Nobody knows better
as its protection circuit, which is connected to 4 ohm loads
already commanded to stop at 55 watts (AK=49).''


My speakers are 4 ohm . 89dB

It seems that a little more clarity in the more crowded symphonic music segments would not hurt
It's a good idea to add apower ? ?
The speakers are Epos Elan 10. I also use a Dynavoice 8 "subwoofer connected to the speaker output (high level). With very good results, the sound opened surprisingly after adding the sub.
I am after the best cost effective solution (found a power ex-demo at lower price than new) assuming that the preamplifier stage in the Consonance integrated is better than the power . Thus , the idea of by passing and adding another power . Totally changing to another Pre+Power would be pricier and the equivalent integrated upgrade ,even ex-demo , also
Cheers, Teo
It’s always better to to have an amplifier with a lot of headroom. It’s when you drive it to its limit and it starts to clip that the problem for the speakers begin. In my experience some integrated amps are better driving 4 Ohm speakers than others. My own rule is my amplifier has double the power of the speaker rating. But it all depends on how hard you drive the amplifier.
 

RayDunzl

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My speakers are 4 ohm . 89dB

How loudly do you intend to listen?

It's a good idea to add power ? ?

Opinion:

The way you "add power" is to turn up the volume.

If you reach the limits of the amplifier to supply voltage or current, only then are you likely to find an advantage with a more capable amplifier.

A crude calculation, power dissipated by a nominal 4 ohm speaker with 89dB sensitivity at rising SPL:

1644281971259.png
 

Doodski

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Hmmz... for the price or less of the Rotel you could get a very very powerful class D amp that will be compact, use less electricity and sound great. I'm actually a fan of Rotel but in your case you might be better off with a class D amp.
 

Doodski

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Class D amp USD price list is at this link>>>
 
OP
T

Teodore

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I listen in a 18 sqm ( about 200 sqf) somehow nearfield ( cca 6 feet from speakers to audition place) So , I don't want to throw out the neighbours from the building , but has to be powerful enough for a concert level sometimes
 

Doodski

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I listen in a 18 sqm ( about 200 sqf) somehow nearfield ( cca 6 feet from speakers to audition place) So , I don't want to throw out the neighbours from the building , but has to be powerful enough for a concert level sometimes
Having lots of power is good for not only playing louder but for dynamic peaks.

Either of these amps would be a great amp for your purposes and it'll maybe save you some money too.>>>

Buckeye Amps:
Small 2ch Case (7"x12"x3.5") w/logo on front:
2 channel NC502MP, XLR inputs (Neutrik), Mogami wiring, 12v trigger, Power LED (Blue) = $699 shipped
2 channel NC252MP
, XLR inputs (Neutrik), Mogami wiring, 12v trigger, Power LED (Blue) = $529 shipped
 

djtetei

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has to be powerful enough for a concert level sometimes
Your speakers specifies a recommended power amplifier between 50-100 watt, but doesn't say if that power is continous or peak. To be on the safe side, I would contact the speaker manufacturers and ask a little bit more details about those specific speakers power handling capacity (continuous power and peak power). Afterwards, you can search an amplifier stable at 2 ohm, capable of providing enough continous power (RMS) into 4 ohm load but no more than the speakers peak power handling capacity.
 
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