how can one tell if its a high efficient amplifier?

[modenar1]

ive read a few posts about people mentioning that watts do not matter and that the efficiency is the more important factor. so can you guys please tell me, how i can look for these info when looking at amp specs. im asking this because i am looking for an Integrated amplifier to power my B&W 705's. thanks

 

[j_garcia]

"Efficient" amp isn't how you would look for an amp, just look for a quality amp and you will get what you're after. $1K you have a lot of good choices too.

 

[mtrycrafts]

ive read a few posts about people mentioning that watts do not matter and that the efficiency is the more important factor. so can you guys please tell me, how i can look for these info when looking at amp specs. im asking this because i am looking for an Integrated amplifier to power my B&W 705's. thanks

Well, watts do matter. Try to drive speakers that are difficult loads, not very sensitive and you drive it hard with low watts.

Class D amps are efficient. Some are great, others are not so much.

After that, you have other class of amps not so efficient.

Your speaker's impedance and sensitivity, your listening habits and somewhat room size will come into play in finding an amp, integrated or receiver for it.

 

[MichaelJHuman]

Efficiency is usually discussed for speakers, not amps.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Efficiency is usually discussed for speakers, not amps.

No, the speaker exhibits a sensitivity to the input voltage.
And amp is judged by efficiency, how much power in from the 120V line vs power out. A class D is very efficient amp. No wasted power idling, etc.

 

[Ampdog]

Modenar1,

Now why do I wonder whether you read a thread "How many watts.." under General Discussions .......

Mtrycrafts and MichaelJHuman, as I see it you do not disagree (not that I am here to judge fellow-members' contributions). Everything has an efficiency, but since it is much more of an issue with loudspeakers it is of importance there. But again not necessarily a primary advantage, if obtained at the cost of quality, for example.

The efficiency of an amplifier is important - how? I do not think the electricity bill would burn a hole in anyone's pocket. In high power amplifiers a lot of heat may be generated depending on the design and will have to be considered, components could get hot - but then again that is the affair of the designer. .... But surely clarity, fidelity, low distortion, whatever you would like to call it, is of more importance? Class D does have the advantage here, but as is often the case with science, it can come at the expense of quality. It gets better as technology advances, still. Relative design merits are a whole subject on its own, but to me efficiency would not be a primary consideration in amplifier design (I design amplifiers).

But to get back, that is why you will not find it in a spec-sheet, Modenar1. You can of course calculate it by using the quoted output and mains input rating, which is usually given. (And let us not start on the credibility of specs again )

So watts certainly matter, but obviously in context, not neglecting all else that also matters. The final result depends on the total of many factors, as I am sure you have gathered from this forum.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Well, watts do matter. Try to drive speakers that are difficult loads, not very sensitive and you drive it hard with low watts.

Class D amps are efficient. Some are great, others are not so much.

After that, you have other class of amps not so efficient.

Your speaker's impedance and sensitivity, your listening habits and somewhat room size will come into play in finding an amp, integrated or receiver for it.

Very well put. Modena, if you are searching for an efficient amp, look at class D amps. Class A amps are the least efficient, and can heat a room if driven hard. A class A/B amp is probably the most popular amp, and is more efficient than class A, but less than D.

Your speakers, room size, and listening habits should determine what type of amplifier you need. Your speakers could be 4 ohm, 82dB 7' electrostatic towers that may need to be plugged in to a wall socket to reproduce sound. They could also be horn loaded Klipsch 8 ohm speakers with a 103dB rating which could run off a 9 volt battery . Understand, for every 3dB in difference, you would need twice the power to reproduce the same spl. So speakers do make a difference in choosing an amp. Room size and listening habits are pretty self explanatory.

 

[dave1490]

Very well put. Modena, if you are searching for an efficient amp, look at class D amps. Class A amps are the least efficient, and can heat a room if driven hard. A class A/B amp is probably the most popular amp, and is more efficient than class A, but less than D.

Your speakers, room size, and listening habits should determine what type of amplifier you need. Your speakers could be 4 ohm, 82dB 7' electrostatic towers that may need to be plugged in to a wall socket to reproduce sound. They could also be horn loaded Klipsch 8 ohm speakers with a 103dB rating which could run off a 9 volt battery . Understand, for every 3dB in difference, you would need twice the power to reproduce the same spl. So speakers do make a difference in choosing an amp. Room size and listening habits are pretty self explanatory.

efficient speaker,s are cheap watts.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Efficiency and sensitivity is not the same as best I know and have seen it explained.
A speakers efficiency must compare input power to output power, not output spl that sensitivity is based on, do you disagree?
At times, it is important to have and use the correct words so we know what is meant

 

[mtrycrafts]

which could run off a 9 volt battery . .

Is that an AC battery? LOL

 

[mtrycrafts]

efficient speaker,s are cheap watts.

Speakers are measured by sensitivity, not efficiency.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Speakers are measured by sensitivity, not efficiency.

Blues music played over sensitive speakers is a recipe for disaster.

 

[Tomorrow]

Speakers are measured by sensitivity, not efficiency.

I am very sensitive to your efficient and measured speaking.