System matching

Why finding the perfect synergy between your chosen integrated amplifier and favourite speakers holds the key to maximising your system’s potential

Just because you like the taste of chicken and think that custard is delicious doesn’t mean that they will go together well in a sandwich. And the world of hi-fi is no different. When it comes to system building, it’s not quite as simple as picking any old integrated and hooking it up to the biggest, loudest speakers you can find. In short, you’ll never get the best out of your amp if you’re forcing it to huff and puff driving unsuitable speakers, and neither will you hear your speakers sing with an amplifier that was chosen without due thought and consideration as to whether or not it can drive them properly.

To get the synergy right between the two you need to consider the physics. Speakers are transducers that convert electrical energy from your amp into a physical form. How much sound they are able to produce (the amount of air that they shift), depends on a number of things.

Sensitivity is the amount of sound that a speaker produces from a given amount of power. This is a function of the drive unit design and the cabinet loading type, plus the size of the cabinet. These factors should be given consideration by anyone thinking about matching a speaker to an amplifier.

Conventional drive units come in a variety of designs, some have powerful, efficient magnets and motors and others don’t. From a buyer’s viewpoint these aren’t easy to tell apart, but one thing to consider is the cone material. This has a direct impact on sound – heavier materials will need more power to move the same amount of air. By contrast, paper is light so needs less power. Kevlar along with carbon fibre, glass fibre and aerogel, also ensures that a speaker is able to convert power to sound efficiently.