Ddd1 has hit the nail on the head - synergy - that component combination where the stars align and everything comes together.
Matching components is much more than watts, high current designs and efficiencies.
Each component impacts the other components it is connected too
It even includes cables - e.g. naim amps require (as stated on their web site) that the speaker cables be low capacitance.
I've read that they sound pretty bad if high-cap cables are used
Also, that 28 year old amp used exceptional components - andNAD had a great design and quality reputation back then. Once the bean counters take over then component quality often suffers.
Also - not all watts are equal - line up any number of amps with the same output rating in the same setup and you will get differing results in the system performance
When I bought my existing speakers I took my naim 5i amp and speaker cables to the store because of concerns about their ability to control them - turns out 50 watts (of naim power) was more than enough. Some brands my work better and some not as well - you have to hear them
When I first started this hobby, matching components was far more critical - things like input and output voltages had to be matched- then the manufacturers got together and settled on standard input and output specs, but even today other factors still come into play, which make certain component combinations excel in their performance - yours is one such case.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to know what combinations excel, other than plowing through forums like Agon and soliciting advice and then try some options.
But bottom line - 28 year old NAD's were an exceptional design and a quality build.
Matching components is much more than watts, high current designs and efficiencies.
Each component impacts the other components it is connected too
It even includes cables - e.g. naim amps require (as stated on their web site) that the speaker cables be low capacitance.
I've read that they sound pretty bad if high-cap cables are used
Also, that 28 year old amp used exceptional components - andNAD had a great design and quality reputation back then. Once the bean counters take over then component quality often suffers.
Also - not all watts are equal - line up any number of amps with the same output rating in the same setup and you will get differing results in the system performance
When I bought my existing speakers I took my naim 5i amp and speaker cables to the store because of concerns about their ability to control them - turns out 50 watts (of naim power) was more than enough. Some brands my work better and some not as well - you have to hear them
When I first started this hobby, matching components was far more critical - things like input and output voltages had to be matched- then the manufacturers got together and settled on standard input and output specs, but even today other factors still come into play, which make certain component combinations excel in their performance - yours is one such case.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to know what combinations excel, other than plowing through forums like Agon and soliciting advice and then try some options.
But bottom line - 28 year old NAD's were an exceptional design and a quality build.