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Hi,

I already did some research on matching amplifiers and speakers, but there’s a lot of contradicting information on the internet. I hope I can get a more conclusive answer here.

I’m looking to buy a Sonos Amp, but I’m not sure if it will be compatible with my speakers. They are very old, from the 70s, KEF Concertos.

I know the Amp has 125W/channel at 8 ohms. This is the information I found concerning my speakers:

  • Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
  • Rated max power: 50 watts programme
  • Sensitivity: 9.5w into nominal 8 ohms produces 96db at one metre in anechoic conditions
  • Amplifier requirements: 15-50 watts per channel into 8 ohms

Am I right if I say that the Amp is actually too powerful for my speakers, but it will work and won’t do harm as long as I don’t go past a certain volume percentage? Can I use the Sonos app to limit the volume to let’s say 40% to be sure?

Thanks in advance for your help!

The Amp should be fine, so long as you don’t overload the speakers. An underpowered amplifier however can do damage owing to the distortion this can cause.

There is a volume limit feature in the Sonos app in case you feel nervous.

 

Am I right if I say that the Amp is actually too powerful for my speakers, but it will work and won’t do harm as long as I don’t go past a certain volume percentage? Can I use the Sonos app to limit the volume to let’s say 40% to be sure?

 

Yes to both, except that 40% may be too low; play around with the limiter so that at your normal listening levels the volume control slider is at about 60-70% of full, and you should be fine - assuming that the speakers are in use and are today able to deliver your normal listening levels.

Thanks a lot for your answers and help!

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