Choosing an Amplifier

Our speakers have a rated impedance of 8 ohms, which should work well with any amplifier or receiver with a rated impedance in the 4-8 ohm range (most amplifiers). Our speakers are also very efficient, meaning you do not need a very powerful amp to play them loud. We do not officially endorse any particular amplifier or receiver, but here are a few suggestions:

  • Budget Amplifiers: The Dayton Audio Class-T Amplifier is tiny and costs less than $50, but it has achieved cult status among serious music listeners because of its excellent sound clarity and quality. It has limited power, but is probably more than sufficient for most room sizes. This is also a great choice for a secondary system in a spare room or office.

  • Tube Amplifiers: There are many choices out there if you really want to get that warm, vintage tube sound. We have had good luck with a small company in New York state called Vista Audio. Their amps are high quality, reasonably priced, and look very cool.

  • Integrated Amplifiers/Receivers: If you have a few different audio sources (CD player, turntable, iPod) and want home theater surround sound, you will probably want to get a solid state receiver. We have had good luck with Denon receivers, but we're pretty sure that Sony, JBL and the other big manufacturers make decent digital equipment, too.

  • Recycled Amplifiers: Believe it or not, local garage sales, flea markets and Goodwill/The Salvation Army locations can be great places to finding a receiver on the cheap. If it is more than a few years old, you will probably want to take your purchase to an electronics repair shop to make sure it is working properly.