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

Showing 3 responses by bokfudo

bokfudo OP
58 posts
 
I think I agree with you Runnin, this NAD is definitely EQ'ed to boost certain frequencies...Just seems to work well with the ATC's...
bokfudo OP
58 posts
 
Well this throws all my pre-concieved notions out the window. From now on it's listen and decide, forget the specs :-)

I would rather not mention the brands of the pre and amp the NAD replaced as both are very very highly regarded and do sound great otherwise (less the dynamic contrast and punch). We're talking same class as Bryston's, Classe's, Odyssey's, Electrocompaniet, etc...

I guess just like Bruce Lee, Mini Coopers and well sometimes integrated amps, "Big" performance can sometimes come from "smaller" packages :-)

Another thought I have is "sweet spot": if I am using 10 watts from a 30 watt amp it is probably operating in its sweet spot for optimal performance, where as 10 watts out of a 120 Watt amp may be well before its optimal sweet spot kick in. Kinda like driving a high performance high HP car but keeping to the speed limit, the engine never really opens up. In the end who knows.

Thanks for all the valuable input.
Cheers.
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
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