Hi folks. Total noob here.
I'd be ready to purchase a Sympatico kit today and a balanced DAC kit in a few weeks if it weren't for one nagging doubt: I'd like to pair the amplifier with diy Markaudio speakers that seem ideally suited for a very low power amp. Power hungry speakers such as the Madisound Eton S7 kit are an option but push my budget a little beyond comfort.
Questions:
1: Valid concern?
2: Are there workable amplifier mods to protect speakers / ear drums?
3: Alternative solid state amps that could deliver similar smiles without fear of launching the cones into the room?
Many thanks in advance.
I'd be ready to purchase a Sympatico kit today and a balanced DAC kit in a few weeks if it weren't for one nagging doubt: I'd like to pair the amplifier with diy Markaudio speakers that seem ideally suited for a very low power amp. Power hungry speakers such as the Madisound Eton S7 kit are an option but push my budget a little beyond comfort.
Questions:
1: Valid concern?
2: Are there workable amplifier mods to protect speakers / ear drums?
3: Alternative solid state amps that could deliver similar smiles without fear of launching the cones into the room?
Many thanks in advance.
1. No.
2. Yes, it's called a volume knob.
3. Mostly not a problem.
It's perfectly fine to use a 2x700W power amp to drive speakers which are designed for 60W RMS. And the other way around, ie. use a 2x10W amp to drive those same speakers isn't really a problem either. It's when people try to do the wrong things with any combination that things start to break.
To prevent that, there's a volume knob. If you use it wisely there's no problem with either setup. Don't push your speakers all the way up to their max. And don't let your amp start clipping.
2. Yes, it's called a volume knob.
3. Mostly not a problem.
It's perfectly fine to use a 2x700W power amp to drive speakers which are designed for 60W RMS. And the other way around, ie. use a 2x10W amp to drive those same speakers isn't really a problem either. It's when people try to do the wrong things with any combination that things start to break.
To prevent that, there's a volume knob. If you use it wisely there's no problem with either setup. Don't push your speakers all the way up to their max. And don't let your amp start clipping.
The MarkAudio drivers are fairly low distortion so you should be able to hear any signs of trouble quite quickly.
The Sympatico is probably good for about 40 watts at very low levels of distortion, and the drivers you have chosen will handle it just fine. If you don't bottom the drivers you will be alright.
The big question is whether the speakers and listening environment are properly proportioned. That is always a more critical factor than the amp and speaker capabilities. For example, using a pair of 4" speakers to fill a large living room means you will eventually kill the speakers. Or using PA bins in your bathroom means you have two choices in your volume control, 0 degree rotation or 1 degree rotation.
The Sympatico is probably good for about 40 watts at very low levels of distortion, and the drivers you have chosen will handle it just fine. If you don't bottom the drivers you will be alright.
The big question is whether the speakers and listening environment are properly proportioned. That is always a more critical factor than the amp and speaker capabilities. For example, using a pair of 4" speakers to fill a large living room means you will eventually kill the speakers. Or using PA bins in your bathroom means you have two choices in your volume control, 0 degree rotation or 1 degree rotation.
- Status
- This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.