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From: wjm@whuxk.UUCP (MITCHELL)
Newsgroups: net.audio
Subject: Re: Amplifiers for CD players?
Message-ID: <302@whuxk.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 3-Nov-83 10:06:15 EST
Article-I.D.: whuxk.302
Posted: Thu Nov  3 10:06:15 1983
Date-Received: Sun, 6-Nov-83 14:44:39 EST
References: ihuxm.668
Lines: 25

The key thing when choosing an amp for an audio system that includes a CD
player is to remember that CD's have 90db of dynamic range (and less noise
which may inspire some users to crank up the volume).  This will tend to stress
the PEAK requirements of the amp.  One should place particular emphasis on the
dynamic headroom requirements of the amp since this is the ratio of peak power
to continuous power (which is what is listed in the spec sheets, per Federal
Law).  The new Denon amps have excellent dynamic headroom, as do Hafler's
models.  How much power do you need?  This depends upon the size of the room,
the efficiency of your speakers (Klipshorn owners could probably get away with
20 watts or so), and the type of CD's you listen to.  Classical recordings
especially showpieces like the 1812 or the Firebird, massed choral works like
Mahlers 8th Symphony, or organ music, have more of the peaks that require
the high power than do popular works (although the AVERAGE power required
to listen to rock music at disco levels is certainly higher).  In general,
I'd recommend about 100 w/ch into 8 ohms  with a 2 dB dynamic headroom for
most classical CD listening with typical bookshelf speakers in your
typical 12' x 20' living room.  If your room is larger, your speakers less
efficient, or you have a lot of overstuffed furniture - you'll need more
power.  On the other hand, in a smaller room or one that is acoustically
"bright" 50 w/ch might be plenty.
Bill Mitchell
Bell Laboratories 
Whippany, NJ  (whuxk!wjm)
The usual disclaimer that the preceeding message is my personal opinion and
not that of my employer applies.