Can a T-Amp drive the Sierra-1's?

[donor]

Hi all,
I'm on a bit of a budget and thinking about getting the Sierra-1's.

Would it be possible to drive the Sierra-1's with one of the new King Rex T-Amps (along with the external PSU).

This will be setup in a small bedroom, I'm not in need of major power here.

[jvillas]

Hi donor,and Welcome to the Ascend Forum.

I have been at different times looking at T-Amps. Perhaps sometime in the near future I will give it a go.

If this was to be my first excursion into T-Amps I would very likely choose speakers with greater efficiency(90+db). While I do feel The T-Amp plus the PSU would be able to drive the Sierras, my concern would be keeping the T-Amp within its recommended output rating even with the addition of the PSU. Once beyond its power rating distortion increases dramatically. Perhaps as a very temporary set-up,and with much restrain(the urge to play louder than I should) and in as you say a small bedroom this might work for you.

For me Ascend 170SEs or the 340SEs would be better candidates for the T- Amp given there greater efficiency and of course wonderful sound. My understanding is that some people are stacking there 8ohm speakers to achieve 4ohms in effect doubling the output.Not a bad idea.

I hope this helps you a little.

From what I have read T-Amps are able to provide a really wonderful sound, similar to tubes some say even better, but the matching of speakers to amp is critical to achieve this great sound.

Perhaps there are other forum members with greater knowledge than me who might also provide you with some assistance.:)

[GirgleMirt]

Dave recommended at least 50 watts for the Sierras, looks like the KingRex is 2x12 watts at 8 ohms... Which would make it significantly less than the recommended 50.

http://www.audiomagus.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=2&flypage=shop.flypage_modern&product_id=54&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=27
http://www.stereomojo.com/KingrexT20vsTrendsTA10.1amplifiershootout.htm

In the 2nd link, they say they used very efficient speakers and mention the amps having trouble with them...


Neither of the two amps did a very good job with those speakers. Bass was vague and not well defined, rather loose and sloppy.

So I'd be very concerned for the Sierras. So I'd say no for it driving Sierras well... But who knows maybe a lower volumes... 12 watts certainly isn't a lot though... I'd probably opt for a Panasonic XR55/57 if I wanted digital instead since it should have a lot more guts to power the Sierras.


++ 170SE/340SE would be a better match for the amp.

[jvillas]

Found this link on our forum
http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?t=2694