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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.
shredder
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.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
The 10t sounded best with tube amps under 100W/ch.The VAC 90/90 and Ren 70 drove them nicely.I would think that as you match the impedance tap to the speaker impedance,that you will get maximum power delivery.I believe that 40-50W should drive a 90db efficient speaker to reasonable levels,unless you need to "turn up" the volume to sustain a perceived level of detailing or control.
newbee
4,093 posts
 
Something that you might like to research, its been talked about quite a bit here as Tvad knows, is the affect of the output impedence of the amp which is not linear thru its frequency response, especially if it is a tube amp many of which have a significant rise in the bass. The output impedence of an amp is not flat accross the spectrum, just as the impedence curve of the speakers is not flat. It helps to know, especially when matching speakers and amps on paper, where the rise in the amps output impedence would correspond with rises or fall in the speakers impedence curve.

Just something to do when your bored. Actually understanding it might even help you when considering the acquisition of new stuff. :-)
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