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
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...
djones51
4,947 posts
 
The Aerial speakers are not that hard to find an amp for, your criteria limits your choices but you should find something appropriate. If memory serves Crutchfield paid return shipping on a preamp I tried about a year and half ago. I hate doing returns but the with no B&M stores close I've resorted to it a couple of times.
nakam
38 posts
 
Millercarbon, are your Talons for sale?
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

n80 OP
George, the amp I was referring to is the Proceed HPA2.

Should be a great amp for the 7T’s linear amp and dual power supply, 12 x bjt output transistors per channel.

Don’t listen to anyone here keep what you’ve got with this Proceed, it’s will be a very good amp with the 7T’s.
250w-8ohm and said to be 500w-4ohms
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LgnrqKWmaoA/maxresdefault.jpg

n80 OP
I’m looking for an integrated with DAC
The 6T’s "could" be just as difficult to drive the only integrated with dac I can recommend is a used John Curl Parasound Halo "Hint" or a new "Hint 6" Both these have ESS Sabre dacs in them, but are normal size not mini or small
https://parasound.com/hint.php

Cheers George
n80 OP
2,107 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 Classe' and Bryston (which I am selling for an estate) in there now are not making my wife very happy. And it wouldn't hurt that whatever I end up choosing has a nice design factor like the Peachtree stuff.

She won't be excited about the spare look of the NAD but it would suffice in that department.
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