2. amps-preamps
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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 kairosman

kairosman's avatar
kairosman
295 posts
 
The NAD C388 will drive your speakers just fine if you don't play your music at rock concert levels.

But since you own/like a Levinson amp, which I think are all Class A/B, the NAD's Class D module may not make your speakers sing a tune you like.

Safer to buy a Class A/B amp like the Cambridge CXA81 (which has a decent DAC), which is 80/140 watts into 8/4 ohms, and is within your budget. I have heard that amp make a pair of Monitor Audio Gold 100 5Gs sing, which are only 86 db sensitive and dip at various points under 4 ohms. 
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