2. amps-preamps
  3. 187320-186532

Is my amp good enough?

Hello everyone. New here and looking for some opinions.

My system comprises of mostly NAD components. The pre amp is the C165BEE and the amp is the C275BEE. They are currently driving an older pair of Monitor Audio Silver 8's. I have always been rather happy with this set up.

I am now looking at upgrading the speakers to a brand new set of Monitor Audio Gold 300 5G speakers and I am wondering if my amp has what it takes to get the best out of the incoming speakers. I am not sure if I would get an honest answer from a salesperson as they might convince me I need a $6000 amp to drive the speakers.

I have included the specs on my amp and the speakers I am looking at. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Some details:

NAD C275BEE

OVERALL SPECIFICATIONS

FIXED IN, SPEAKER OUT

Continuous output power into 8 Ω and 4 Ω (both channels driven) >150 W (ref. rated THD, 20 Hz – 20 kHz)

Continuous output power into 8 Ω (Mono, Bridge mode) >330 W (ref. 20 Hz - 20 kHz, <0.02% THD)

Rated THD (250 mW to rated power, CCIF IMD, DIM 100) <0.008 % (ref. 20 Hz - 20 kHz)

Clipping power (4 Ω and 8 Ω) >170 W (ref. 1 kHz 1% THD)

IHF dynamic power - 8 Ω 250 W

4 Ω 410 W

2 Ω 600 W

IHF dynamic power (Bridge mode) - 8 Ω 800 W

4 Ω 1200 W

Peak output current >50 A (ref. 1 Ω, 1 ms)

Signal/Noise ratio >102 dB (A-weighted, ref. 1 W)

>123 dB (A-weighted, ref. 150 W)

Damping factor >180 (ref. 8 Ω, 50 Hz and 1 kHz)

Frequency response ± 0.1 dB (ref. 20 Hz - 20 kHz)

3 Hz - 100 kHz (ref. -3 dB)

Input impedance (Fixed IN) 10 kΩ + 200 pF

Input impedance (Variable IN) 100 kΩ + 100 pF

Input sensitivity 1.2 V (ref. rated power)

Voltage gain 29 dB

Minimum input level for AUTO TRIGGER 10 mV at 1 kHz

Time to power OFF at no signal in AUTO mode <10 minutes

POWER CONSUMPTION

Normal operation 312 W (ref. 230V AC 50 Hz; 120V AC 60 Hz)

Standby power <1 W

Idle power <100 W

 

Monitor Audio Gold 300 5G:

Specifications
System Format 3-way
Frequency Response (-6 dB) 30 Hz – 50 kHz
Sensitivity (1W@1M) 90 dB
Nominal Impedance 4 Ohms
Minimum Impedance 3.5 Ohms @ 1 kHz
Maximum SPL 117 dBA (Pair)
Power Handling (RMS) 250 W
Recommended Amplifier Requirements 100 – 250 W
neversatisfied
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,376 posts
 

Find a Vandersteen dealer

gdnrbob
4,417 posts
 

I would contact John Rutan. His tag here is Audioconnection. If he can't help, he knows someone who can.

 

kairosman's avatar
kairosman
260 posts
 

Your NAD pre/power stack is good enough for now to break your speakers in and get to know them in comparison to what you had before. Indeed, your speakers might be such a revelation that you may not feel the need to upgrade your stack. BUT as a source-first then synergy next guy, I spend a higher % than most on source components, cables, power conditioning and isolation tweaks including a high quality stand. All the components in a hifi chain count. Rather than diving in to upgrading your stack, you could try an incremental approach starting with all the gear/tweaks you might have ignored to maximize your existing stack before you spend big money on a new stack. One thing others have mentioned about their amplification priorities and preferences ie preamp vs power amp, my preferred combo is tube preamp and SS amp with more $ spent on the preamp than the amp, particularly paying attention to the quality of the volume control parts/implementation. Just my 2 cents, hope it proves useful!

neversatisfied OP
69 posts
 

Yes thank you kairosman. I’m already doing my on line shopping and reading reviews in preparation. Cheers!

immatthewj
1,365 posts
 

To me watts are watts

I don't know any of the equipment you are running and buying, but regardless, I found this to be an interesting and informative (not to mention civil) discussion.  I will only chime in to add that not all watts are created equal.

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