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November 13, 2008 - 9:32pm
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B & W 686
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In the amp info, it was stated that the power is 2 x 20W/30W at 8ohms/4ohms (both channels driven)
Concerning what I deem the speaker manufacturer
I'd sure listen to the combo first.
the problem is there's no way to listen to combo. there's no near audio shop from my place.
You may be OK w/20-30 watts. But to stay on the safe side, you should probably consider 50w/ch@ 8 Ohms as a reasonable minimum. The amp you buy should also have a 4 Ohm rating of 75-100w/ch. I think you'll be happier longer that way.
Thanks. However, I am still confused the concept of the right amplifier for the right speaker? Is it really the impedance matters or the power?
I'd plan on buying different loudspeakers or a different amp. The B&W 686 is a surprisingly inefficient loudspeaker at 84dB/2.83V/1m and therefore will require the power suggested by the manufacturer. It will sound best toward the higher end of the range. I have experienced amplifier clipping with a 35 wpc amp and 87dB/1w/1m speakers at volumes most people would not consider exceedingly loud. If the B&W 686 are the loudspeakers that sound good to you, you will have to get amplification to complement them. I always believe that more clean power is better.