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 2 responses by mt9894

mt9894
7 posts
 
If you're ready to consider a serious setup - amp and not integrated - I would recommend the H2O Audio S250 Signature.

Old school linear power supply, dual big transformers, B&O Class-D. Puts out 250/500W into 8/4-ohms. Handles 1-ohm Apogee Scintillas with ease.

It will easily run any of your speakers. You can leave it on all day and it doesn't get warm. A solid piece of gear, I had it for a while with Scintillas and Duetta Signatures and it was a great match.

Read a review or two and check it out...
mt9894
7 posts
 
@mt9894, one of my restrictions is that for these speakers to stay in the living room, the stuff driving them needs to be fairly small and discrete.

The H2O is only 14x14x 6-in tall. All black and one small LED in the front, it easily disappers.

If performance to you is most important then it can't be beat. Look at the inside in that 6moons review. You will not find that in any $2K amp and the ability to drive Scintillas.

If size and looks are more important then there's plenty of class-D amps that are simply modules thrown together in a shiny chassis.

You can't have it all.

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