Amp vs preamp question

The impedance numbers help narrow down the possibilities, so one isn't just throwing something into a system to hear how it works. Personally, I believe the test measurements are considerably more valuable than manufacturer's impedance numbers because the test measurements tell the whole story. I didn't pay much attention to them until the past year, but I've learned to appreciate their value.

If you consider this minutia, then so be it.

After trying four different amps on the Silverline speakers, I ended up buying (and keeping) the amps that were initially recommended to me by the owner of Silverline. They are a perfect match. Go figure. It was during this period of trying amps that I finally appreciated the importance of doubling power output as speaker impedance is halved. The amps that did this all sounded best (better tonal balance which eliminated the "tipped-up" sound created by amps that did not double power output).

It doesn't mean one has to spend lots of money on an amp. One of the best amp/speaker matches I found was with amps that sell used for less than $4k/pair (the brand was one of Silverline's suggestions).

Amp/speaker match is everything, IMO. That's my tune and I'm stickin' to it.

Tvad

"Amp/speaker match is everything, IMO. That's my tune and I'm stickin' to it."

Now theres a real stretch.

So from this point going forward, you know exactly which amp, preamp, and loudspeakers to get simply from the numbers, huh?

Good for you.

Personally I feel there's more to it than simple claimed figures. They serve only as some sort of guideline and not the end all be all. That would make things far too simple.

...and simple is not the way of the audiophile! We're complicated folk.

Grant, I ain't taking you or any other party here to task... the deal however is always the same thing though. Eventually. Even with all the 'numbers' being in place in all areas, one still has other considerations. Style. Size. Price. One lump or two? and then there's that oh, yeah, sound aspect.

You and I both know now, that makers' specs are sometimes as subjective as are our own preffs. Now and then their figures get tweaked to be more attractive, or are figured out in differening ways.

True enough, by and large, their usually close to actual, though.

the numbers which matter most to me apart fomr the necessary ones, are size, weight, and price, and not always in that order.

Go by the numbers or go by your ears... I will always prefer the latter.

My name is blindjim.... and I approve this message.

Without the "numbers" the quest might be endless and terribly expensive. The numbers don't neccssarily provide the ultimate answer, but they can sure get you there quicker. I'm in complete agreement with Tvad here.

The numbers are just guidelines to help narrow the search and get you there quicker. After that, its largely subjective...a matter of taste.

I'd consider some of the more powerful Class D amps with the Thiels to get them fully fleshed out at reasonable cost from what I'm reading.

09-27-08: Blindjim
So from this point going forward, you know exactly which amp, preamp, and loudspeakers to get simply from the numbers, huh?

Blindjim, you either have not read my posts carefully, or you're selectively leaving out details.

Please don't do that. It's not fair to those who don't read all the posts.

For interested readers, I have explained my process in detail in my posts above. Please read them for the full account.