Well, it all depends. On your room, how loud you like to listen, what kind of music, etc. I use a 2W tube amp in my desktop setup, but I have a pair of 91 dB/W/m loudspeakers that are listened from little more than an arms length. And that 2W is ample power there.
Given a small room and a small listening distance (ear from speaker) it might just be enough. And it might be much more than you thought. If hitting peaks of ~95dB with considerable distortion is enough for you, then it might just fly. And for surprisingly many listeners it does. For popular music, where there is little in the way of dynamics, it should be OK. For critical listening of classical music you might find yourself wanting.
Given a small room and a small listening distance (ear from speaker) it might just be enough. And it might be much more than you thought. If hitting peaks of ~95dB with considerable distortion is enough for you, then it might just fly. And for surprisingly many listeners it does. For popular music, where there is little in the way of dynamics, it should be OK. For critical listening of classical music you might find yourself wanting.
Perhaps running this test could give you some data on how your speakers will perform using an amp rated at 8W
A Test. How much Voltage (power) do your speakers need?
From the test I found that 5W is enough for me using 88db rated speakers. This has been validated with the amps I have built so far.
A Test. How much Voltage (power) do your speakers need?
From the test I found that 5W is enough for me using 88db rated speakers. This has been validated with the amps I have built so far.
I own an Elekit TU-8200 since a few years, I drive near-field Quantum Edelstein (rated 90 db/W/m) and I keep the volume very low. Plenty of power in triode-mode, driving KT88. I doubt you will have any issue, unless for large damped room. By the way I have a collection of NOS 12AU7 driver tubes that fit this amp perfectly. Telefunken, Philips and friends. Feel free to PM me if interested and in Europe.
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Hi,
FWIW, I used EL34 SE Triode connected with output around 6Wpc to drive 83dB Harbeth P3ES (LS3/5 descendant). I have loud enough output in 20sqm carpeted room. Mostly playing jazz, pop, and classical music.
I believe Harbeth speakers have rather benign impedance that helps to balance the low sensitivity. Not sure about KEF impendance.
FWIW, I used EL34 SE Triode connected with output around 6Wpc to drive 83dB Harbeth P3ES (LS3/5 descendant). I have loud enough output in 20sqm carpeted room. Mostly playing jazz, pop, and classical music.
I believe Harbeth speakers have rather benign impedance that helps to balance the low sensitivity. Not sure about KEF impendance.
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