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
I'm good with the not blowing up part. That's a feature that I find reassuring. ;-)

Also, from what I am able to understand from this thread is that since I am not likely to ever use more than 50% volume and usually around 30% I should not be taxing the amp to any degree.

The Onkyo does not get any warmer than would be expected at these volumes.

Bottom line: If it sounds worse than the Onkyo then it goes back to Sonos at no cost and falls into the live-and-learn category.

I do understand that this amp is beneath the 'dignity' of these speakers.  And it does bother me a little bit.....I don't know why. Kind of like putting Prius tires on a Ferrari. It would still do a lot of what a Ferrari does well....but not what it does best.

And I don't want to sell the speakers. They cost me nothing and one of these days I might find an application for them in which they can be driven properly.
Don't know about the sonos but nowadays don't most amps go into some kind of protection mode before blowing up.? 
I think you are definitely going to enjoy it, solid, sounds like you will have great features.

my bday is tomorrow, 72, congrats for your upcoming bday prize.

what Sonos amp are you getting?
Thanks and happy birthday. So far these speakers have sounded wonderful with several less than ideal component combinations and with my far-from-golden ears I think the Sonos will be fine.


I'll be 57. My mom says I've always been an old man.