2. amps-preamps
  3. 159074-115924

Same watts at 8 and 4 ohms?

I'm in the market for an integrated amp and trying to sort through tech specs. My understanding of the tech aspects of hi-fi gear is limited. Looking for some clarity in regard to watts-per-channel specs.

It is my understanding that wpc at 4 ohms is typically 1.5x -2x the wpc at 8 ohms.

But I'm seeing a number of respectable mid-fi integrateds with the same wpc for both 8 and 4 ohms. The NAD 388 is one and I think this is true for several of the Cambridge Audio units at a similar price point ($1500-$2000).

The NAD features make a point of saying " 4-ohm stable for use with a wide range of speakers". 

Would appreciate any insight to what these specs mean and what 4 ohm stable really means to me. My speakers are 4 ohm speakers.

Thanks,

George
n80

Showing 1 response by baconboy

baconboy
35 posts
 
djones51 -- You're the first to mention McIntosh autoformers which raises a question I've been puzzling over... I have a wonderful pair of Magnepan 1.7 that sounded great when I reviewed them through the sellers McIntosh tube amp, (I'm not sure of the power).
Bringing it home and hooking it up with my Peachtree Nova Pre and 220 (class D) amp, it sounds very good but not as great in my recollection. Of course room size and positioning come into play but now I'm wondering if I'd get better performance by upgrading to a McIntosh or other high powered (AB) amp.
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