Hi guys, it's me again, still looking for my next amp for my beloved pair of KEF Q100's.
I'm liking what Yamaha is doing and want to get one of their integrated and generally I was aiming to get 80W per channel on these 8ohm bookshelf speakers (to get a full and well controlled response from them).
According to the spec sheet the correct answer is the 501, but I'm wondering if it won't be overkill, since I most often listen at low volumes at near-field (desktop).
Getting the 301 would be easier on my wallet, which means I can also get it sooner, but I wouldn't want to do it if that meant a significant loss at the hability to drive the speakers well.
Here is part of the spec sheet for the KEF Q100:
System type 2-way
Enclosure type Reflex
Frequency response ± 3dB 49 - 40000 Hz
Nominal impedance 8 Ohm
Amplifier Requirements 10 - 100 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 86 dB
Maximum output (SPL) 107 dB
Tweeter 25mm (1 in.) aluminum dome
Woofer 130mm (5.25 in.) aluminum Uni-Q
Specs to both amplifiers:
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/a-s301/specs.html#product-tabs
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/a-s501/specs.html#product-tabs
I'm considering the 301 despite the theoretical preference for 85W per channel because I already saw two reviews with people with 8 ohms speakers saying they were happy and/or say they saw no difference ( just not exactly with the KEFs).
In case it's relevant, I'm currently driving them with the SMSL SA-98E and I'm obviously not too happy with it.
I'm liking what Yamaha is doing and want to get one of their integrated and generally I was aiming to get 80W per channel on these 8ohm bookshelf speakers (to get a full and well controlled response from them).
According to the spec sheet the correct answer is the 501, but I'm wondering if it won't be overkill, since I most often listen at low volumes at near-field (desktop).
Getting the 301 would be easier on my wallet, which means I can also get it sooner, but I wouldn't want to do it if that meant a significant loss at the hability to drive the speakers well.
Here is part of the spec sheet for the KEF Q100:
System type 2-way
Enclosure type Reflex
Frequency response ± 3dB 49 - 40000 Hz
Nominal impedance 8 Ohm
Amplifier Requirements 10 - 100 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 86 dB
Maximum output (SPL) 107 dB
Tweeter 25mm (1 in.) aluminum dome
Woofer 130mm (5.25 in.) aluminum Uni-Q
Specs to both amplifiers:
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/a-s301/specs.html#product-tabs
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/a-s501/specs.html#product-tabs
I'm considering the 301 despite the theoretical preference for 85W per channel because I already saw two reviews with people with 8 ohms speakers saying they were happy and/or say they saw no difference ( just not exactly with the KEFs).
In case it's relevant, I'm currently driving them with the SMSL SA-98E and I'm obviously not too happy with it.
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