35W RMS on 80W RMS Speakers

[Umbra]

I have one pair of 80W RMS component speakers on an amp that does 35W RMS per channel (x4). I plan on getting a second pair. The amp can't be bridged without making both channels left channels. All these ratings are @ 4 ohms.

What benefits would getting an amp with a closer rating give me? I know I'd be able to send the amp more clean power, thus allowing the speakers to get louder, but if I have it loud enough without clipping already, does it matter?

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[garychoffmann 10+ year member]

If you are happy with it then there is no need to change

 

[BassAddictJ 5,000+ posts]

Ya.....sometimes with frontstage speakers you don't need a ton of power to achieve desired results. I have a 3 way front with some re xxx 6.5 neos rated conservatively at 150w rms, mine see 100w rms and it's PLENTY. Sounds great.

Try it on your amp and see how you like it. Keep in mind to not get too crazy with the amp gain and perodically feel the woofer cone after long periods of play and see how hot it is. Warm to somewhat hot is okay. really hot is bad. If it's mostly cool to just warm, you're unclipped gold.

 

[Umbra]

The 35W amp is a Kenwood. It's not bad, but it's not one of the "good" amp brands. There's a Kicker ZX350.4 (the newer model) on CL right now. The guy's asking $75, I could probably get him a little lower. That would give me 60W per channel, but I don't know if it'll improve SQ.