Need advice on amp-speaker combination

[ziofil]

Hi,
I'm waiting for the delivery of a miniwatt n3 (I would post a link, but I'm not senior enough in the forum). This is an economical tube amp with 3.5W per channel (2 channels).

I have found a great deal on a used (single) Polk Audio RTA-i 9 and I'm very tempted to get it (90dB sensitivity, and great reviews). However, in the manufacturer website they recommend an amp with at least 50W.

Will the miniwatt be able to drive it? Will it sound bad? Will it sound at all? Also, is a single RTA-i 9 a good idea or should I go for a set of two speakers?

 

[markw]

Welcome, Fillipo.

It'll "drive" it, just not to a loud level without gross distortion. And, don't expect any bass. Small woofers and a sealed enclosure begs for lots of power.

When a speaker maker specifies a minimum power rating, that's what they consider the bare minimum needed to get "decent" performance from them. Consider that this is about as powerful as some small/medium boom boxes.

I don't see that you can use one speaker for two channels, at least not without possible harm to the amp.

You should look for some very efficient speakers. Do a google search on "highly efficient speakers" for some ideas on what would qualify.

 

[ziofil]

Thanks for the explanation. Would you say that an active subwoofer + efficient bookshelf speakers combo is going to be more appropriate?

 

[markw]

Frankly, with flea power amps, you kind of limit your speaker choices. A powered sub may help but will only pump up the bottom. the mids and highs will still suffer due to the lack of power.

If you do go for a powered sub, make sure it's got speaker level inputs.

 

[ziofil]

Understood. Thanks!