25 Watt Tube Amp for 90db Speakers?

We're talking about Snell Js, a two way speaker with an 8" woofer. Regardless of the amplifier it is not a loudspeaker capable of reproducing orchestral peaks, cannonshots or Saturn V lift offs. With a 25 watt amplifier it should be able to generate 99dB levels at a moderate listening distance. That's not deafening, but it's plenty loud.

Rrog, 1horsepower = approx 745 Watts. Watts, units of power are all created equal: White watts, Black and Hispanic watts, Asian watts, tube and solid-state watts.

Sounds like the Watts riots, actually. Power to the people. But I love it when people quote themselves, or even talk about themselves in the third person. It's cool, really. I'd love to quote myself, but I haven't had an original thought since 1972, so that one's out.

I agree with Rrog. I am newer to tube amps but my 6 watt SET amp with large transformers drives my 91db 8ohm paradigms pretty well. There are more factors to consider other than watts..

Hi Al,

Interesting post. Thanks.

A question. While I agree the dynamic range of a recording will set the pace on what multiple of power is needed, few of us will know what that recorded dynamic range is? Therefore some suggest that amplifiers should have x dB of headroom to cope with transients. 10 dB is often cited. Any comment on that?

Further, do you put any stock in power calculators which are available online?

For the OP's example a 25 watt amplifier with 90dB sensitivity speakers assuming a listening distance of 3m means a max output of 100dB SPL at listening position. OK for new age music and soft jazz but depending on listening habit not enough for unclipped orchestral, pop or rock.