Sierra 2EX Amp help

[blvdnights]

Hi,

I'm looking to upgrade my amp to drive my Sierra 2EX's. Currently have a powernode 2.

I have my eye on a few integrated 75w amps - Hegel H120, Musical Fidelity M3si, Perreaux Audient 80i etc

Am I going to benefit from going a more powerful model? ie 150w - will I get more bass/better quality of sound at lower volumes?

Most of my listening is at lower levels but do want to crank it up every now and then.

Thank you
Rory

[choirbass]

Having more watts will give you more headroom. You can never have too powerful of an amp, but be sure not to go to ear bleeding volume levels. I don’t think bass will improve any, nor will the quality of sound improve, but itll allow you the freedom to play louder.

As far as quality of sound, the type of amp will have a greater impact. Tube amps give a warmer sound for example. I can’t recommend them enough, but mono block amps are a sure way to improve sound quality for the front channels due to the lack of shared amp components between channels such as the power supply and transformer. You need 1 mono block amp per channel. In your case you would need 2 mono block amps.

[racrawford65]

Tube amps may give a warmer sound - depends on the design and which tubes are installed. For example, my Rogue Atlas is neutral with the stock tubes (and Genalex which I now have installed). Rolling in Mullard's or Brimar's to the 12AX7s will warm the sound whereas rolling in Telefunken's enhance detail/accuracy.

[blvdnights]

Hi Choirbass, thanks for your response - so would you agree that 75w wouldn't be enough to drive the Sierras to their loudest/full potential? I would've thought there would be a cutoff point where anything above would be pointless/waste of money.

[racrawford65]

How far back are you sitting and how loud do you want to listen?

At reasonable distances and volume, you don't need that much wattage. EG, roughly 15 watts at 10 feet to hit 85 db (including 3 db amp headroom) per an on-line calculator.

[blvdnights]

Hi racrawford65,

Thanks for the info on the tubes. I'm looking at class AB (or G with the Arcam) integrated amps at this stage

I'm sitting roughly 12ft away and want to know that I can turn it up as loud as the speakers and my ears can handle.

I don't want to settle for a 75w amp if it is going to restrict the speakers capabilities.

Dave from Ascend here recommended minimum 45w for the Sierra 2EX. So I guess I'm a little confused as to why 15w at 10ft for 85db will work according to the online calculator, but the minimum recommended watts is 45, particularly when up to 85db is considered optimum listening levels.

When I initially spoke with Dave prior to purchasing the speakers - I was tossing up between the Hegel h95 and the h120 (60w vs 75w) and Dave recommended the H120.

[jimb]

... When I initially spoke with Dave prior to purchasing the speakers - I was tossing up between the Hegel h95 and the h120 (60w vs 75w) and Dave recommended the H120.

That's only a difference of 2 dB. Not much.

[racrawford65]

Hi racrawford65,

Thanks for the info on the tubes. I'm looking at class AB (or G with the Arcam) integrated amps at this stage

I'm sitting roughly 12ft away and want to know that I can turn it up as loud as the speakers and my ears can handle.

I don't want to settle for a 75w amp if it is going to restrict the speakers capabilities.

Dave from Ascend here recommended minimum 45w for the Sierra 2EX. So I guess I'm a little confused as to why 15w at 10ft for 85db will work according to the online calculator, but the minimum recommended watts is 45, particularly when up to 85db is considered optimum listening levels.

When I initially spoke with Dave prior to purchasing the speakers - I was tossing up between the Hegel h95 and the h120 (60w vs 75w) and Dave recommended the H120.

No worries. Just wanted to clarify that tube amps aren't all warm sounding.

FYI, many are also class A/B. If you're interested in trying tubes, look at Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III (or check usaudiomart or audiogon for a used Cronus Magnum II). Class A/B, 100 wpc, integrated amp that is highly regarded/reviewed. Made in USA and excellent customer service. Easy to bias.

Just checked usaudiomart...there's actually a nearly new Cronus Magnum III for sale for 2200.

PrimaLuna is also a pretty good brand, from what I've read. Made in the far east, I believe.

[davef]

Hi Choirbass, thanks for your response - so would you agree that 75w wouldn't be enough to drive the Sierras to their loudest/full potential? I would've thought there would be a cutoff point where anything above would be pointless/waste of money.

It isn't about driving the speakers to their loudest possible potential, that is never a good idea as you risk clipping your amp and damaging the speakers, or even overdriving the speakers. It is about the loudest volume you will listen at in combination with your listening distance. Louder does not equal better sound quality, the performance of the speakers does not change whether you are throwing 1 watt at them or 100 watts.

[blvdnights]

I apologize for my lack of understanding. I did try to read up before bothering you all but there's some contradicting info around which had me confused - like the complete nonsense info in my earlier post that I referenced.

I realise louder does not equal better sound quality, nor do I want to break or stress anything - I can hear any issues before a speaker or amp gets to that point.

Now knowing the performance of the speaker does not change with 1 or 100 watts, and it's just about distance vs db is great info. Thank you.