shaynegw wrote:

Hi

I'm new to HiFi and I have a beginner question about selecting an amp to go with my speakers. I bought speakers with a sound I love (neutral/warm), and was wondering how much an amp choice could change the sound.

Which influences the sound more, the amp or the speakers? Or which dominates, are both equal?

Thanks and take care,
Shayne

Speakers have a distinct sound that is determined by dozens of design and construction features.

Most amplifiers will interact with a given speaker in various ways, so there is definitely a "synergy" that exists.

Some speakers are relatively easy to drive and will perform well with a wide range of amplifiers, while some speakers may not perform well at all unless an amplifier is carefully chosen that works well with them.

For example, my speakers are relatively insensitive and require a high-quality amplifier with a lot of power, 200 watts or more, for best
performance.

I suggest that you give the name/model of your speakers if you want any useful advice that can help you to choose the best amplifier for them. Otherwise, only very general information can be given.

shaynegw wrote:

Hi

Thanks for the comments. Regarding the make/model they are the Totem Model-1 Signatures and I have asked for some suggestions regarding a possible amp in another thread.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/what-look-amp
http://www.stereophile.com/content/thoughts-totem-model-1-signatures-roksan-kandy-k3

Take care,
Shayne

I would recommend the Musical Fidelity M3si amplifier or the M6si.

To answer your question directly, I would definitely say the speakers have a greater impact on the sound. A given set of speakers will sound different on any given amp and the difference can be dramatic however it is more coloring the characteristic sound of the speaker. This is assuming you are comparing amps that at least have the ability to adequately drive the speakers. If you move the same amp to different speakers the sound will be radically different. I think most people would agree that an amp should not radically change the sound of a speaker but allow the signal to be passed/amplified from your front end to speakers cleanly.

spiritmachine wrote:

To answer your question directly, I would definitely say the speakers have a greater impact on the sound. A given set of speakers will sound different on any given amp and the difference can be dramatic however it is more coloring the characteristic sound of the speaker. This is assuming you are comparing amps that at least have the ability to adequately drive the speakers. If you move the same amp to different speakers the sound will be radically different. I think most people would agree that an amp should not radically change the sound of a speaker but allow the signal to be passed/amplified from your front end to speakers cleanly.

Basically what he said.