2. amps-preamps
  3. 1368320041

How can a 30 watt, 28 year old amp sound more

I recently connected a 30 watt NAD 3130 integrated to my 85 db efficient 8 ohm ATC SCM 12's. The amp it replaced was a 120 Watt high current and very highly rated amp. The sound I got was bolder, deeper, punchier and more dynamic. It took hold of the mid/woofers and whipped them into total submission. What the hell?

What would account for that? I always thought more watts, high current equals more dynamics and control. This proves me wrong. The NAD is also a high current design, but 30 watts??? is it damping factor? is it slew rate? the 120 watt amp has a damping factor of over 500 and is stable to 2 ohms. The spec on the NAD does not include damping factor or slew rates. It too is stable into 2 ohms.

Can anyone explains why in this case, watts did not matter? any idea what makes this 30 Watt integrated sound so bold, dynamic, and punchy?

Thanks
bokfudo
ddd1
261 posts
 
I have an amp that would eat that NAD for lunch, but I would rather not mention the brand. Hope that helps.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
NAD integrateds most-likely have passive line stage preamps so impedance match could be a problem.
bokfudo OP
58 posts
 
Point taken Ddd1... I am not mentioning brands for the 120 watt amp and Pre as I may be selling them and would rather not give the impression that they are not great pieces.

I was only looking for input from the more "technical" folks as to what could give a good indication for control and dynamic punch with Amps. I always thought damping factor (higher equals more control), slew rate (ability to respond quickly) and wattage (power output) would give those indications. Now I'm not so sure...

Cheers
ddd1
261 posts
 
A lot of it is synergy, matching the amp to whatever speaker is partnered with it. The 120W amp, whatever it is, might sound better with a different pair of speakers and suit a listener who plays music at louder levels and/or in a larger room. Years ago I used to own a NAD C370 integrated and enjoyed it very much in my system.
laviathon
84 posts
 
Have a NAD 7140 that I have not used in over two years sitting on top of an excellent sounding Sansui AU 919.
Decided to run the 7140 for a while after playing with another recent find that surprised me.
I revived a thread I wrote about the 7140 in comparison to a Nakamichi Stasis 2 which it easily thumped, and had better build quality.
It's right up there with the Sansui on both power, and sound quality.
Using a pair of Yamaha NS 1000's with it.
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