Deleterious effects of bridging ??


I am considering the following two options for purchase, both being approximately equal in price.

(1) NAD C370 integrated and C270 power amp in bridged mode (300 wpc @ 8 ohms, 70 amps peak)

(2) Parasound PLD1100 pre and HCA1500A amp (205 wpc @ 8 ohms, 60 amps peak)

I cannot biamp with the NAD amps because my Magnepan SMGa's are not biampable nor biwireable. Thus, the NAD's must be run bridged.

According to the salesman, bridging stereo amps has undesirable consequences by "trashing the damping factor of the amplifier." Thus, he suggests going with the Parasound separates.

Given that I believe in so little that I hear in regard to either audio or politics, my question is simply is there any foundation to the salesman's claim, or is he just talking out of his ass, so to speak?

The remainder of my equipment is as follows:

Adcom GDA 600 DAC
Monarchy Audio DIP Super Drive
Pioneer Elite PD-F27 CD Changer
Apogee Wyde Eye 75 ohm & 110 Ohm digital cables
MIT T2 interconnects and speaker wire
Monster Power HTS2500 Power Center

Any feedback that you can offer would be most graciously appreciated.

Mil Gracias
Ag insider logo xs@2xdocwarnock

Showing 1 response by hifixpert

Bridging will obviously increase the power by a factor of three or four. However, it also increases the distortion and, in addition, limits the ability of the amplifier to drive lower impedance loads. With many bridged amplifiers, 8 ohms is the preferred load. However, with those precautions in mind, I have used bridged amplifiers several times in the past 36 years and never had a problem; and did in fact enjoy the markedly increased power delivery. Also keep in mind that the hook-up instructions for some bridged amps can be a bit tricky, so read the instructions very carefully.