i ran totem rokks (predecessor to the rainmakers)and other less efficient speakers with a 50w nad (i believe the c325) and power was more than sufficient--nad, almost singularly underrates their amps' power specs (or at least most of the other mass marketers overhype theirs) + design their amps with a ton of dynamic headroom--i.e. they can generate extra oomph for short transient bursts where needed. now, because i've had bad luck with the reliability of nad gear (mainly digital sources), i personally opt for arcam or cambridge gear within the same class, but i freely acknowledge that nad makes a solid, lively amp, so if you like the sound, go for it.
NAD c326 enough power for Totem Rainmakers?
Hi.
I've settled on buying a pair of Rainmakers but haven't yet settled on the amp. (I plan to use my iMac as music source and use a Music Streamer II usb DAC.) Michael [over in the misc. section in part of a larger thread] was kind enough to recommend Music Hall Mambo, which used is $650. I'm also considering a Rotel 1062, which is 60W and $499 used. But I'm leaning toward a new NAD c326 which is 50W. I'd prefer to buy new for an amp (which generally carries less risk/will likely have longer life for me, I think); but I'm wondering 1) will the c326 provide enough juice for the Rainmakers to play cleanly? (I plan to listen at low and moderate volumes mostly, with once in a while rocking out very loud) and 2) does anyone think a used amp at around $500 will be so noticeably better that it would be worth buying used over the new NAD? Any opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
I've settled on buying a pair of Rainmakers but haven't yet settled on the amp. (I plan to use my iMac as music source and use a Music Streamer II usb DAC.) Michael [over in the misc. section in part of a larger thread] was kind enough to recommend Music Hall Mambo, which used is $650. I'm also considering a Rotel 1062, which is 60W and $499 used. But I'm leaning toward a new NAD c326 which is 50W. I'd prefer to buy new for an amp (which generally carries less risk/will likely have longer life for me, I think); but I'm wondering 1) will the c326 provide enough juice for the Rainmakers to play cleanly? (I plan to listen at low and moderate volumes mostly, with once in a while rocking out very loud) and 2) does anyone think a used amp at around $500 will be so noticeably better that it would be worth buying used over the new NAD? Any opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
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- 4 posts total