dilemma, speaker decision for different amplifiers
 

"notme" wrote in message
...
hello everyone i am in a lucky position as a relative left me
all his
gear(before he departed for other shores) amplifiers with
valves in
them the biggest being a beard 100, leak tl20, musical fidelity
with
huge black knobs and separate power,scott 299, quad
2,quad33/303
(which i am using at the moment). although i have been mostly
into my
ipod and its plugin amplifier, i can now hear a huge difference
with
the records/cds he also left. he has used for years a pr of
monitor
audio 352s and one of them has recently developed a rasping
sound,
sorry to go on this brings me to my question as i am out of my
dept
here.i have been looking around ebay etc fo a replacement pr of
more
up to date speakers, i like the look of other monitor
audios,splendors,bo etc , in the specification it might have
(for
amplifiers of at least 25 watts) i am a bit puzzled about this
the
lowest power amplifier (leak tl20) i think is 10 w1tts and when
i have
hocked it up to the 352 i have to be conscious of the
neighbours, if
10 watts is that loud 25 watts would rightly have the
neighbours
complaining, at the same time would like to have a nice
sounding
speaker that i can match with the different amplifiers from
time to
time. i have also a average size through lounge in a terraced
house,
would the splendor/ monitor audio bests be too big or would
they give
the range if needed. i want to make the right decision and dont
want
to be changing to the latest model all the time
dilemma suggestions would be welcome




Don't ask much, do you?

It is and has been for many years the general opinion that for
domestic listening an amp of around 25-40 watts per channel (Wpc)
is about right for 'normal' volumes.

The sound level the amp can generate to a large extent will
depend upon the speaker efficiency. If you have very efficient
speakers then - again for 'normal' levels - even a 10W amp will
do but this is rare as most modern speakers tend to be rather
inefficient.

It also depends somewhat on your choice of music. If you are into
heavy metal/rock where the dynamic range is considerably
compressed then plenty of power and high powered speakers is a
good idea to make sure you don't damage them. On the other hand
if you like small-group jazz, light M.O.R. or classical
instrumental e.g.guitar, then you will probably want to listen at
lower levels with speakers capable of great and subtle detail.
Here is where - many would say - a valve amp comes in.

The Quad valve units should be three items - two amps and a
controller. If they have been refurbished you can sell them for
well into three figures - it is not unusual to see them go on
eBay for the top side of £300. The Beard and Musical Fidelity are
also very saleable items. I cannot speak for the Scott.

The 'rasping' sound on the 352's is probably due to rust on the
magnet or deformation of the coil former that sits in the magnet
gap, both due to damp. You can easily get these repaired - a bit
of Googling is all you need - and you will sell those easily as
well.

I would urge you to try out everything you have before
considering selling it. You have some of the best kit of the last
40 years there and, suitably restored, they will give you many
many hours of enjoyment. They don't make 'em like that any more.



--
Woody

harrogate three at ntlworld dot com