Matching power at maximum rating for?


Hello everyone. First off I'd like to thank everyone at the forum who has helped me along the ways. I have learned a great deal and have been enjoying my music listening a whole lot more. So after a month of annoying everyone in the forum and going out and auditioning I finally got this set-up.

Totem Rainmakers (Sonus stands)
Nad c320bee
SB2 Modified
Straightwire octava II
Analysis Plus Oval and Straightwire Interconnect (haven't decided which to keep).

Had my friend over and he told me that I needed to change my Nad because it's not powerful enough. It can drive the rainmakers but not to it's full potential. He told me that most people never match the speaker at the recommended power level but match the minium. According to him this requires to speakers to work alot harder to produce the sound and usually wear down speakers quicker. Now is this true? If so what kind of Integrated do you suggest or power amp can I purchase used here on audiogon for around 5-600 dollars?

daimbert
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I would agree with Pabelson. Your speakers require 20 watts minimum and 100 watts maximum. The NAD is rated at 50 watts. Unless you're trying to fill a huge space this should be more than enough.
Good advice from Pabelson. You've got a perfectly fine setup and the important thing for now is just to enjoy it.

After you've listened to it a lot, with all kinds of music at different volume levels, you'll be able to accurately judge what you're hearing from it and, more important, you'll have a reference from which to compare other equipment if you decide to audition something new.

Ultimately you might find a higher powered amp you like better but it's probably just as likely you'd enjoy a lower-powered but higher-quality amp. It's a waste of time to start thinking about that now, however. Listen and enjoy.
Yep. If you start hearing strained or distorted sound, then it is time for a larger power amp. If it sounds sweet and smooth at the volume levels you like, more power wont do anything but empty your wallet.