"These speakers are really asking for more power"

[leonsound]

Hello,

I'd like to know what exactly the statement in the subject means. 

When I read it in reviews I used to think it means that, at a given volume, the speaker possibly has low impedance and requires an amp with lots of reserve current available, so that at no point will the amp cave in under the load, because this would cause audible artifacts in the sound (which this speaker is capable of high-lighting) . And maybe the full ability of the speaker can only be realised when it's power needs are always fulfilled.

Now I bought B&W 704's (which I really really like).  I find that at lower volumes they sound pretty much like any other speaker at low volume, but when you turn it up they sound more impressive as you go along. I've never been able to attentively listen for so long at such high volumes without fatigue, and now I want to turn it up all the time!

So is that what "wants a strong amp" means?
1) You're going to want to play loud because the speaker can handle it and sound great at higher volumes
or
2) to perform correctly and remain control there should be no "voltage dip" in the amp's characteristics?

Thanks
Leon

 

[chipwelder]

 

[stereo247]

 

[MikeQ]

 

[leonsound]

 

[NoSnipeLimit]

 

[Hennie]