2. amps-preamps
  3. 187320-186532

Is my amp good enough?

Hello everyone. New here and looking for some opinions.

My system comprises of mostly NAD components. The pre amp is the C165BEE and the amp is the C275BEE. They are currently driving an older pair of Monitor Audio Silver 8's. I have always been rather happy with this set up.

I am now looking at upgrading the speakers to a brand new set of Monitor Audio Gold 300 5G speakers and I am wondering if my amp has what it takes to get the best out of the incoming speakers. I am not sure if I would get an honest answer from a salesperson as they might convince me I need a $6000 amp to drive the speakers.

I have included the specs on my amp and the speakers I am looking at. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Some details:

NAD C275BEE

OVERALL SPECIFICATIONS

FIXED IN, SPEAKER OUT

Continuous output power into 8 Ω and 4 Ω (both channels driven) >150 W (ref. rated THD, 20 Hz – 20 kHz)

Continuous output power into 8 Ω (Mono, Bridge mode) >330 W (ref. 20 Hz - 20 kHz, <0.02% THD)

Rated THD (250 mW to rated power, CCIF IMD, DIM 100) <0.008 % (ref. 20 Hz - 20 kHz)

Clipping power (4 Ω and 8 Ω) >170 W (ref. 1 kHz 1% THD)

IHF dynamic power - 8 Ω 250 W

4 Ω 410 W

2 Ω 600 W

IHF dynamic power (Bridge mode) - 8 Ω 800 W

4 Ω 1200 W

Peak output current >50 A (ref. 1 Ω, 1 ms)

Signal/Noise ratio >102 dB (A-weighted, ref. 1 W)

>123 dB (A-weighted, ref. 150 W)

Damping factor >180 (ref. 8 Ω, 50 Hz and 1 kHz)

Frequency response ± 0.1 dB (ref. 20 Hz - 20 kHz)

3 Hz - 100 kHz (ref. -3 dB)

Input impedance (Fixed IN) 10 kΩ + 200 pF

Input impedance (Variable IN) 100 kΩ + 100 pF

Input sensitivity 1.2 V (ref. rated power)

Voltage gain 29 dB

Minimum input level for AUTO TRIGGER 10 mV at 1 kHz

Time to power OFF at no signal in AUTO mode <10 minutes

POWER CONSUMPTION

Normal operation 312 W (ref. 230V AC 50 Hz; 120V AC 60 Hz)

Standby power <1 W

Idle power <100 W

 

Monitor Audio Gold 300 5G:

Specifications
System Format 3-way
Frequency Response (-6 dB) 30 Hz – 50 kHz
Sensitivity (1W@1M) 90 dB
Nominal Impedance 4 Ohms
Minimum Impedance 3.5 Ohms @ 1 kHz
Maximum SPL 117 dBA (Pair)
Power Handling (RMS) 250 W
Recommended Amplifier Requirements 100 – 250 W
neversatisfied

Showing 2 responses by terry9

terry9
2,243 posts
 

I've done it both ways, successfully. You are in a very good place to make an upgrade to a forever system, one piece at a time.

One piece at a time is the key. I heard speakers that I fell in love with, Magnapan Tympani 1A's. Bought them with the cheapest electronics available. They sounded Great, upgraded electronics to match, bit by bit. Sounded better and better.

Later, I had to recover. Had a decent system, like yours, with NAD electronics. Went to the dealer intending to buy Magnpan Tympani IVa' s, one of M's greatest efforts ever. But an ARC preamp made more difference in my system, so that's what I bought.

Thing is - upgrade one component at a time so that you don't lose half on resale. Buy it once and buy it right. Worked for me. YMMV

terry9
2,243 posts
 

Don't forget used. There are some pieces that are indestructible, like Bryston electronics with their 20-year warrantee. Sounds very very good, not quite like the very best, but a pretty good approximation. You can buy a 20-year old design for fairly cheap, 2-3K.

I use old Bryston (9B-SST) with my new Magnapan / Quad ESL home theatre, because I prefer the sound - a little on the mellow side, can listen for hours and hours, and still want more. I use a 4B-SST for the sub in my audio system, 20-year old design, just coming out of warrantee. Best sub you ever heard, keeps up with my ESL's.

Good luck and Enjoy!

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