Powering newer speakers with an older amp

[mHo2]

Would powering a newer set of bookshelf speakers with an older power amp (from the 80's era) degrade quality, (if it was a decently good amp back then)

 

[m_vanmeter]

as long as the amp is putting out clean power to the speakers.....no. It should work just fine.

 

[JerryLove]

Agreed: it's not a problem for a good amp. My 1976 McIntosh and 1989 Pioneer are running just fine.

 

[walter duque]

I have a Threshold from the late 70's and I think it's as good or better than a lot of amps on the market today. Poweramps don't change much over the years, maybe they run cooler and are more efficent.

 

[mHo2]

The amp i would be powering the speakers with is a
Hitatchi HA-4800

They would be powering a pair of Behringer 2030p's

Would this sound alright? or should i scrap that idea.

 

[skizzerflake]

The age of the amp isn't a factor unless it's deteriorating. You didn't say what the power is, but unless you're pushing its limits, you should be OK. I spent a couple fine years using a Carver that had been "on the shelf" since the 90's, and was old then, to power a 2 channel analog system and it was great until that fateful day when I got hit by lightning and the Carver got fried....a sad day. Just trust your ears and see how it sounds...if it's good, use it and enjoy.

 

[TLS Guy]

Would powering a newer set of bookshelf speakers with an older power amp (from the 80's era) degrade quality, (if it was a decently good amp back then)

That is a small integrated amp from 1981. It is only 10 watt per channel clean power. 1% THD at 20 watts.

I managed to find the circuit and it is a nasty POS with an integrated circuit output stage.

Your speakers are of medium sensitivity at 89 db 1 watt 1 meter.

So your speakers will not play very loud and you would have to have a small room.

I don't know what your situation of use is, but likely you need something better.

Hitachi were never a renowned amplifier manufacturer.

 

[mHo2]

I managed to find a cheaper receiver, a 'panasonic sa-he75'

While its not top of the line, im thinking it should fair pretty well for my uses (movies, listening to music)

That is a small integrated amp from 1981. It is only 10 watt per channel clean power. 1% THD at 20 watts.

I managed to find the circuit and it is a nasty POS with an integrated circuit output stage.

Your speakers are of medium sensitivity at 89 db 1 watt 1 meter.

So your speakers will not play very loud and you would have to have a small room.

I don't know what your situation of use is, but likely you need something better.

Hitachi were never a renowned amplifier manufacturer.

 

[highfigh]

I managed to find a cheaper receiver, a 'panasonic sa-he75'

While its not top of the line, im thinking it should fair pretty well for my uses (movies, listening to music)

If you want the speakers to sound good and last a while, the amp needs to be able to develop the necessary power without distortion and clipping distortion is an easy way to damage tweeters. Cheap doesn't equal good, unless the piece is good and you get it for a great price.

 

[mHo2]

If you want the speakers to sound good and last a while, the amp needs to be able to develop the necessary power without distortion and clipping distortion is an easy way to damage tweeters. Cheap doesn't equal good, unless the piece is good and you get it for a great price.

Okay, makes sense, the behringers have a max power limit of 100watts, while that can be an iffy benchmark (some receivers over-state their power levels, some are more conservative), if i don't have it at an ear-splitting level, i should be good for the most part. Also if i do notice clipping.. there is always the option of getting a second amp.