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 2 responses by dsper

dsper
664 posts
 
"Put it all together and you blew it once, and are blowing it again. Just not by as much this time"
Well, life is a personal journey....

I will probably get into trouble for asking this, but what I want to know is what one hears with a 17 Hz bass response like the talons?  How is that better than a speaker with a bass of 23 Hz? This is coming from the perspective that there is not that much recorded material able to provide 17 Hz. Maybe I am wrong in assuming that?
dsper
664 posts
 
Okay Guys, 

Not to steal the OP's thread but I have what I think is a similar question in the spirit of the thread. 

My main speakers are Thiel CS5's and we have talked on other threads  about how they are a difficult load as they dip close to 2 ohms and 82 dbl sensitivity. There has also been associated discussion about how more power can mean more noise.

I have been thinking about the idea of less power creating less distortion and the ability to hear more detail.

Assuming my last sentence has some validity, and wanting to try something a bit different, I am taking delivery on a pair of speakers rated at 8 ohms and 88 dbl sensitivity that I do not believe dip below 6 ohms.

I probably do not listen to most music louder than say 91 dbl at about 9 feet. 

So... what watts do I need to be happy with a good tube amp? I have been hallucinating that a tube amp with a good 25 watts into 8 ohms and that holds 25 watts into 4 ohms should work quite well as a place to start.

Am I anywhere near to correct about this? What else should I consider?

My apologies to the OP if I am too off topic here.

Thanks for listening,

Dsper




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