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I have question about frequency response and power issues

My current system is a Son of Ampzilla 2 and Mirage M1 speakers. I am using a Yaqin tube CD player and a Lexicon MC8 in bypass mode for a preamp. My question is basically this. My M1s have frequency response from 20 hz to 20K Hz. My amp has the same specs as does my CD player. My low end is phenomenal , I really am happy with it. I think I may be pushing my amp too hard as the M1s are rated at 250 watts but the amp is only 220. I am thinking about a Macintosh MC302 which is 300 watts output which I think will be perfect for my speakers. I am considering some B&W speakers but the frequency response ratings seem to all put the low end at around 35 Hz. Also the power requirements for the B&Ws seem to be very minimal. I don’t want to lose ANY of the belly buzz characteristics , so am I looking in the wrong direction as far as speakers go? Thanks in advance!


128x128jamesfokes
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
4,163 posts
 
The Mirage M1s are flat down to 30Hz and roll off to down 6dB at 25Hz, which is very respectable low base performance.  If the GAS is getting too hot and regularly shutting down, then there is probably something malfunctioning in the amp.  I say this assuming you are not listening at 110dB.

The 2006 Stereophile review with measurements.
jamesfokes's avatar
jamesfokes OP
13 posts
 
Thank you all so much for these responses! I am rearranging my whole system. Particularly Jond for the words about the default setting on the MC8. You are exactly correct< if I had a hat it would be off to you and all the other responders. You probably saved me fifteen thousand bucks! I was seriously considering the MC302 and some B&W speakers. I can't thank you guys enough!

jamesfokes's avatar
jamesfokes OP
13 posts
 
PS, I was told by the repair guy at Audio Advice in Raleigh that the M1s were good for 250 RMS with 500 watt peaks, but biamping was giving me 500 RMS and one thousand watt peaks, he said that was what cooked my tweeters.
jond's avatar
jond
3,400 posts
 
James that's great news glad I could help and happy listening!
handymann
298 posts
 
I agree with stereo5. Ive blown many sets of crossovers on my speakers, but have both read and heard, particularly from Jerron at Wilson, it's not too much power that blows most drivers, it's power that's full of distortion. Even turning off a preamp out of sequence, can blow crossover resistors. When u over drive your source and amp and the sine wave starts to clip, that's when you blow drivers. Most speakers will accept much more "clean" power, than what they're rated.   The max power rating of your amp is sometimes misunderstood. You want an amp with lots of dynamic headroom. Most listening is done at low wattages. It's when it has to reproduce that transient and can't without clipping, damage is done. 
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