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40-50w tube amp for Aerial 9

I heard the new Dehavilland 50a at RMAF and just loved it. Dehavilland says it is nominally 40w, but practically closer to 50. I have concerns that it will not have enough power for my Aerial 9s (which I also love). They are 90db sensitive (pretty good) and have an impedance of 4 nominally, 3.2 minimum, low resistance (while I know the impedance is a factor, I am not sure how to apply it in this context).

Anyway, has anyone powered their 9s with this amp or a similar relatively low power tube amp? Anyone have any other thoughts on compatibility.

Thanks much.
128x128shredder
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Based on what I heard at RMAF with the 50A driving the Wilson Benesch Curve loudspeakers (88dB, 6 ohm nominal, 4 ohm minimum), I would think using the 4 ohm outputs on the 50A would work with your 90dB, 4 ohm nominal loudspeakers.

However, I wouldn't buy the amp without being able to hear it with your speakers. It's too expensive a proposition to take a flyer, IMO.
shredder's avatar
shredder OP
93 posts
 
Thanks Tvad, you always understand the compatability issues that I do not. And, yes, I will definitely demo in my system. There is a dealer nearby. I just wanted to determine whether it was a waste of time before the demo.

BTW, what did you think of the 50a? Anything with a similar sound that you think I should also check out?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I thought the sound in the room was very good. Non-fatiguing, yet detailed, extended and balanced.

Never having heard the components or speakers before, it's impossible for me to comment separately on the electronics and speakers.
shredder's avatar
shredder OP
93 posts
 
I have a basic understanding of how to impedance match a pre and power amp. I do not really understand how impedance works with speakers. Doesn't the power increase with higher impedance? (i.e. amps are often speced as x watts in 4ohms, 2x watts in 8ohms). If that is right, wouldn't the 6ohm impedance for the Wilson-B be a better match for the DH than my 4ohm Aerials. If you wouldn't mind, I would love a brief explanation. Thanks a lot.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Higher impedance (and a flat impedance curve) is better for tube amps, so, yes
the W-B speakers are a better match than the Aerials, IMO.

The question is whether Aerial designs their speakers with the Voltage Paradigm
or with the Power Paradigm. I don't know the answer to that question, but I
suspect it's the Voltage Paradigm.

This link explains the Voltage/Power Paradigms.
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