Nakamichi CA-5 amplifier, Yamaha R-S202 receiver and Klipsch RF7 speakers.

[Boatrite]

I have a Nakamichi CA-5 amplifier and a new Yamaha R-S202 receiver 100w x 2-with a pair of Klipsch RF7 speakers, 250 watt max input power and 8 ohms. Can the CA-5 be used to increase the receivers power out tot he speakers? It sounds weak as is listening to Mahler and Brahms. If so, how are they connected?

 

[lovinthehd]

Increase the power of the amp? No. The Nakamichi CA-5 appears to be a pre-amp, not an amp. You might have an issue with sufficient pre-out level of the pre-amp to your amp, tho, but you don't have a power amp particularly. You need to explain more. You may benefit from a more significant amp than the R-S202's, tho

 

[Boatrite]

is the Nakamichi pre amp capable of boosting the Yamaha receivers power to the speakers so the sound quality is improved? Or is the Yamaha R-S202 receiver just to lightweight to power the Klipsch speakers?

 

[lovinthehd]

is the Nakamichi pre amp capable of boosting the Yamaha receivers power to the speakers so the sound quality is improved? Or is the Yamaha R-S202 receiver just to lightweight to power the Klipsch speakers?

You seem to have a variety of wrong assumptions about sound qualities. The pre-amp provides a particular signal strength, i.e. output voltage, and the amp has a similar spec called sensitivity as to what level of output from the pre-amp the amp needs for full advantage of its capabilities. The Klipsch speakers tend to be higher sensitivity so generally don't need as much amp as others. However, that all depends on the distance you are from the speakers and which specific speakers they are....

 

[Boatrite]

Obviously I'm a neophyte when it comes to stereo systems. I had a pair of Klipsch Forte speakers years ago, and when it come to, say, the Mahler 2 timpani intro in the 3rd movement, there is not nearly as much power with the Klipsch RF7s, and I am attributing this to a receiver that puts out only 100w per channel, while the speakers are capable of handling 250w each. So I am trying to boost this budget receiver's power to the speakers and thought this could be done with he Nakamichi amp, or pre amp. You are quite correct, though in that I don't know the difference between an amp and a pre amp

 

[Boatrite]

perhaps a more useful question would be, what do I need to drive these speakers to their potential sound quality?

 

[lovinthehd]

Potential sound quality sounds like a bullshit description from a subjective review to me. They're tools. They do what they do. Trying to make it out to be a particular expectation to a particular performance in a particular recording in a particular room with particular gear.....meh, good luck as to what you might imagine.

Get a more powerful amp (whether it's an integrated amp or a pre-amp/power amp combo) if that's the spl level you think will make a difference in particular sound qualities....the short answer is most amps will drive those speakers just fine. You've probably been reading too many silly audio articles.

 

[TLS Guy]

I have a Nakamichi CA-5 amplifier and a new Yamaha R-S202 receiver 100w x 2-with a pair of Klipsch RF7 speakers, 250 watt max input power and 8 ohms. Can the CA-5 be used to increase the receivers power out tot he speakers? It sounds weak as is listening to Mahler and Brahms. If so, how are they connected?

The major issue, is that your rig is not suited to symphonic music and especially not Mahler. Mahler's music, especially his 9 symphonies stress the very best of systems.
He harnesses enormous forces, albeit that they are numerous delicate chamber like passages, with an intimate interplay of instruments. But the Mahler orchestra is enormous, with a large percussion section, and with some symphonies multiple choirs, soloists and a mighty organ added to the enormous sound field.

Your main problem though is your speakers. They are for a start not very good and voiced for rock music and certainly not Mahler. Those speakers were discontinued in 2006. They have two 10" drivers crossed at 2.2 KHz to a fierce horn driver. Now no 10" speaker can be crossed that high. So there is a huge dip between 1 and 2 KHz. That is a huge problem as so much of the orchestral output lies in that range. Take a look at the few measurements in this review. Take it from me they are dreadful.

To reproduce the symphonies of Mahler, requires powerful systems, with speakers with a really smooth and even response that can handle lots of power without distress, throughout the range. Jonathon Scott, just gave his symphonic organ Prom from the Willis organ in the RAH on Saturday. It was fantastic by the way. Mr Scott pointed out that the RAH organ can drown out the loudest of rock bands. Although the average power required to reproduce classical music is much lower than for rock music, the peak of power required is far, far greater, as the dynamic range is much wider.

So regrettably the only advice I have for you is to save your pennies and invest in a higher quality system all round. Your rig is certainly not up to Mahler and not really Brahms either. This all makes the reproduction if this type of music in the home problematic. As you are finding out, badly reproduced, especially the Mahler, is excruciating to listen to, but glorious on the right rig and in the concert hall.