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Integrated tube amplifier for large speakers

Hello,

Looking for some advice on Tubes and Floor standing Speakers.
Although I liked my system, now I am forced to upgrade my speakers (Bowers & Wilkins 705 monitors) and probably my Jolida JD 202 integrated tube amplifier due new room’s dimensions. I moved from a small space to a very large 950 sqft loft with 15 ft ceilings.
So I looked up for options within my budget and came across the following:

-Bowers & Wilkins CM9 (89 db Sesitivity) 8 Ohms Nominal Impedence. Recommended Amplifier:30-200w
-Focal Aria 926 (91.5 db Sesitivity) 8 Ohms Nominal Impedence. Recommended Amplifier: 40-250w
-Sonus Faber Venere 3.0 (90 db Sensitivity) 6 Ohms Nominal Impedence. Recommended Amplifier:40-300w

*I am aware that speakers’ impedance constantly fluctuates and that the newer B&W 700 series behaves more like 4 ohms, probably the CM series did to, but I am not sure how good small tube amps are at handling these impedences.

Jolida states that the JD 202 Integrate amp has a Rated Output Power of 40 W per channel at 8 ohms, 30Hz to 80KHz and a Maximum Power Output of 60 W per channel at 8 ohms, 1KHz.
Wrote Focal and they said it shouldn’t be a problem, but.....

Would this humble amp be able to run those speakers?
On paper it seems that it barely does.
I don’t listen to music at loud levels, however, I want to make sure I am not pushing the small amp to its limits.

How many watts per channel do you think are needed to power those large speakers and would you have any recommendations for integrated tube amplifier below $1500-2000 (used) ?

Your advise will be greatly appreciated,

Thank you,

Josep



mamifero
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
143 posts
 
mamifero,

Why not get the set of speakers first, and see if you even need a different amp. As far as the 15' ceiling,  that's  tough.  I have a vaulted ceiling that's about 15', and after trying for years to "get it right" and pissing off my wife, I finally  made a room in the basement.

All the best.

JD
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
I agree, get the speakers first but keep in mind that a tube amp will be driving them.
All the while,  keep checking the amps for sale on Agon and US audio mart.
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
Buy a used NYAL Moscode 150. It's a hybrid amp using a four tube front end driving a MOSFET output stage. 75 wpc at 8 ohms - considerably more at 4 ohms! Designed by George Kaye and built here in the USA. The best of both worlds - tubes for input and voltage gain, transistors for current and power! I have one myself!
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
You can drive the Moscode 150 directly from your digital sources. No need for a preamp!
mamifero OP
9 posts
 
Thank you all for the valuable advise and detailed information. Just one last question. 
One of the speakers on my list (Sonus Faber Venere 3.0) is rated as a 6 ohms speaker. If I end up buying that one, should I connect it to the 4 ohms or 8 ohms tab of my Jolida JD 202?
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