Expert: Wayne Tapia - 12/26/2010

Question
What is the best amp to power Technics SB-C250 speakers. They are vintage speakers built in 1990. I was wondering what type of amp would be best suited to power these speakers at optimum sound quality and without blowing them and they are only small.
Kind Regards
Marco

Answer
There are things you need to consider about the amp you select - that the output impedance (ohms) will match your speakers, and that the output power isn't too much for them (watts).

If you're looking at a separate amp (not one that's integrated with a receiver), look toward the pro audio selections out there. There are many to choose from, and usually will perform better than the "boutique" or "audiophile" amps that can be ridiculously priced. Most of the so-called "specs" in the audiophile world don't really relate to anything that's measurable or verifiable.

Brands like Carver, Crown, Alesis, Carvin, Yamaha, and Rane make very reliable amps. What you want in a power amp is "clean" power. What I mean by "clean" is that the amp is not going to do anything but amplify the tone you get from your preamp. This is why I'll steer away from tube amp for home stereo systems, as tubs can cause coloration of the sound to occur.

Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns!