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 3 responses by lowrider57

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
@atmasphere 
Thanks, Ralph. Both amps listed will voltage drive the OP's speakers, but when said amps don't list separate power specs for 4ohm and 8ohm, it's doubtful that they double down their power rating. Yes?


lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
@georgehifi,
Get an amp like I said for your Aerial 7T’s and you’ll be happy. Your 7T at 84db and 4ohm "nominal" you need 100w-8ohm and close to 200w into 4ohms because you can bet they dive to 3ohm or less with epdr somewhere.
The OP's new speakers are Aerial 6T’s;
manufacturer’s specs are 90dB sens, 4 ohm nominal with a 3 ohm low.
I couldn’t find independent testing or impedance curve. So, possibly sensitivity could be 88-89 dB. The amps being considered could drive these speakers.



lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
My speakers are 4 ohm speakers.
What speakers do you own; brand and name of model?

The most important detail in determining amount of power to drive a speaker is impedance. And the way to research a speaker is to view the impedance curve which shows how much resistance the speaker has across the frequency spectrum. Most curves can be found online. 


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