2. misc-audio
  3. 135264-88409

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
jond's avatar
jond
3,400 posts
 
You definitely need a preamp your problem is a lack of gain not a lack of power.
elevick
2,439 posts
 
The M1's have amazing bass.  They love power and are fairly inefficient.  If I'm correct, they are 83db at 1 watt and run 6 ohms and they drop to 4 ohms.  Why don't you try bi-amping these?

Also, keep in mind that a speaker's wattage rating doesn't mean what you think.  Rating them at 220 watts is a suggested power rating for your amp.  But, 1 watt of distortion could blow them much more easily than 400 clean watts of music.  Overdriving your GAS could kill them.
jamesfokes's avatar
jamesfokes OP
13 posts
 
I did have two Bryston 4B amps, bi-amping, but I got a little too happy with the volume and fried my tweeters. I had to send them to a guy in Canada that bought all the old Mirage M1 stuff. He rebuilt them and replaced the ferro-fluid. They are basically brand new, he did a great job. The preamp thing is interesting. Are you saying that my Lexicon is not powered? The way I understood it the Lexicon in bypass mode was a very good preamp. I did have a Bryston BP1 preamp that sounded very good but the Lexicon seems to have better imaging. The Bryston bit the dust, that is why I bought the Lexicon.

jond's avatar
jond
3,400 posts
 
James I looked at the MC-8 manual and if I am reading it correctly using bypass mode the default setting is 0db. You can increase that up to +12db have you tried that? Or are you still set at the default 0db gain?
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
Hi James,

So, as loud as you wish to play the speakers, the amplifier overheats? 

I've looked at the Stereophile review, which is sadly incomplete compared to modern Stereophile measurements, and the Ampzilla specs. I think it's around 220W/8 Ohms and 350W/4. Now, 350 Watts is a lot of power, but it is possible James over-sold it. You don't need more power. You just need a stiffer amplifier with better cooling. 

Also, of course, make sure the amp has plenty of space above and around it. 

Another suggestion is to use them with a sub and high pass filter. That will reduce the load on  your Ampzilla and give you more head room. That doesn't guarantee you won't fry your tweeters again though. :) 

Best,

E
More to discover