Is this combination OK?

[Bruno B.]

I could acquire Focal Chorus 816 speakers for use with my Cambridge Audio CXA60 amp, with would be a great combination (I think?).

But first (for a couple of years) I would use the speakers in combination with my old Yamaha RX-396RDS amp (50 Watt - 8 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz - THD 0.04% - 2 channels (main).

Is this a possible combination? Or am I in danger to damage the speakers?

 

[TheWarrior]

I could acquire Focal Chorus 816 speakers for use with my Cambridge Audio CXA60 amp, with would be a great combination (I think?).

But first (for a couple of years) I would use the speakers in combination with my old Yamaha RX-396RDS amp (50 Watt - 8 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz - THD 0.04% - 2 channels (main).

Is this a possible combination? Or am I in danger to damage the speakers?

The speakers will be fine, but they might damage the Yamaha due to their 4 ohm impedance.

I would ONLY use the Cambridge integrated amp.

 

[PENG]

I could acquire Focal Chorus 816 speakers for use with my Cambridge Audio CXA60 amp, with would be a great combination (I think?).

But first (for a couple of years) I would use the speakers in combination with my old Yamaha RX-396RDS amp (50 Watt - 8 Ohm - 20 - 20000 Hz - THD 0.04% - 2 channels (main).

Is this a possible combination? Or am I in danger to damage the speakers?

The 816 is rated nominal 8 ohm, minimum 4.3 ohm, 91.5 dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity. Based on the specs, neither of the two amps would be considered "great combination" but either could be used safely depending on how much power you need in your listening environment.

You can get a more definitive answer using the online calculator linked below:

http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html

For amplifier power use 50W/60W (yamaha/Cambridge audio), and for speaker sensitivity use (91.5-3) = 88.5 dB/1W/1m.

The calculator will give you the dB SPL at listening position.

85 dB average, 105 dB peak will sound about as loud as you hear in movie cinema, that could sound very loud to most people. I find 75 dB average comfortably loud. I suspect most people prefer between 70 to 82 dB average, with peaks to 90 to 102 dB watching action movies.

 

[Bruno B.]

(...) Based on the specs, neither of the two amps would be considered "great combination" but either could be used safely depending on how much power you need in your listening environment.

I probably use the Focal Chorus 816 speakers with my Cambridge Audio CXA60, and my Monitor Audio Silver 2 bookshelf speakers with with my old Yamaha RX-396RDS. I never play music really loud (I've got neighbours, children, ...).

So is it correct to assume that I won't have damage due to "clipping"? And if there is a danger for damage through clipping, would I hear distortion before it's too late?

thx!

 

[PENG]

I probably use the Focal Chorus 816 speakers with my Cambridge Audio CXA60, and my Monitor Audio Silver 2 bookshelf speakers with with my old Yamaha RX-396RDS. I never play music really loud (I've got neighbours, children, ...).

So is it correct to assume that I won't have damage due to "clipping"? And if there is a danger for damage through clipping, would I hear distortion before it's too late?

thx!

If you don't want to use that calculator, or other online calculators, I would need to know at least your approx. room dimensions LXWXH and distance from the 816 before giving an opinion. People have difference tolerance levels/sensitivities to different distortions due to different levels of clipping.

If I were to take a guess though, I would say your assumption is "correct". The CA and the Yamaha are both a little weak to damage those speakers, unless they clipped really bad, but then their protective circuit should just do their job before damaging themselves. The MA Silver 2 are likely more inefficient overall but then the CXA60 and RX396RDS appear to have roughly the same output ratings so I don't think it would make any practical difference either way.

 

[Bruno B.]

Thx! I used the calculator and for the combination old amplifier + focal chorus speakers, I got 97,2 dB SPL at listening position (which I think is very loud).

Does this mean I won't have clipping effects that damage the speakers as long as I keep below this sound level (even when playing classical music)?

 

[PENG]

Thx! I used the calculator and for the combination old amplifier + focal chorus speakers, I got 97,2 dB SPL at listening position (which I think is very loud).

Does this mean I won't have clipping effects that damage the speakers as long as I keep below this sound level (even when playing classical music)?

It means you can listen to an average spl of 77 dB and still have 20 to 23 dB of room for the peaks that may exist in movies that followed the THX standard of allowing 20 dB for peaks, unclipped. I find even 75 dB average is loud but others may prefer 80-85 dB. For two channel music, you will probably find even 75 dB average is loud enough. Pops, rocks and jazz typically have peaks less than 20 dB, 6-12 is probably more typical. If the unit feels warm, you can use a <$20 external fan to cool it.