+1 for a tube integrated. But if you don’t want to deal with the quirks of a tube amp - more heat, tube replacement, etc, get either a Hegel integrated or Musical fidelity integrated. I’ve owned/own both and can highly recommend them. They both drive difficult loads and sound very enjoyable. I listen to my tube amp often, but the 2 SS amps mentioned come very close.
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
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