Which amp for Tannoy Dorset T185?

[audio2]

I'm actually not interested in amps with a tuner built in. An easy to use and reliable integrated amp is fine.

I've been checking NAD C352 specifications and it is 4 ohm capable.
Continuous power 80W both at 8 and 4 ohms.
Dynamic power output range: 8Ω/115W, 4Ω/185W and by 2Ω/240W.
(I'm mentioning this technical details for the audio gurus out there, but I have no idea about the difference between continuous and dynamic power...I'll take my time to learn about this stuff)

Newbie question: why is important to verify if the amp is stable at 4 or 2 ohms if my speaker's impedance is 8 ohms?



So, on my quest for an "affordable price/value4money" amp to pair up with Tannoy Dorset T185 I came down to the following [ please don't boo at me, I swear that I've been carefully reading all of your comments ]:

Denon PMA-900V
NAD C352

From reviews found here and there they're both rated as good and performing integrated amps with a warm and detailed sound. Denon is a vintage item and I like it (I know someone's quote is "It's a listening test, you do not need to see it to listen to it! ") and as suggested by 'theaudiohobby' the Denon amp was designed in the same era as my Tannoy loudspeaker so there might be some synergy there. At least this sounds logical, although is a presupposition....

On this website the PMA-900V scores higher then NAD (High-performance,Reliability,Ease of use,Value for money), although there are not as many opinions given as for NAD:
http://home-cinema-amplifier.diplo-b...DENON/PMA-900V
http://home-cinema-amplifier.diplo-b...eview/NAD/C352

On this other website the NAD C352 is the winner of a test with other SS amps:
http://www.avreview.co.uk/news/article/mps/uan/652


This is it for now, tomorrow I have an appointment to check out a used NAD C352.
...to be continued...

[RGA]

There is nothing wrong with the NAD C352. But these comparisons can be somewhat skewed and it is important not to put all your faith in a review where a product gets 4 out 5 or 9 out of 10 versus something they give 5/5 or 10/10 to.

Here is why. Plenty of products in those tests that don't win are actually preferred for sound quality. I have read enough instances and reading between the lines that the reviewers actually liked the unit that got 4 stars better than the test winner. The 352 sounds a little more like a brute force amplifier - it is - it is more capable of driving tougher loads but it can sound a little pushy while another amp may not have the overall power and drive but it sounds better on subtlety and fine detail - which to me is more important. Also, at the time of this review you posted the Rotel was at the end of its production run - it has now been replaced by a different model. Further, it is not just the amp but how it reacts with the speaker - Ie which amp is a better match for the Tannoy. It may be that the NAD is but I would try and listen to both. A lot NAD dealers here also seem to carry Rotel so maybe in your area they do as well.

The specs don't mean very much. An 80watt amp will provide a 3db gain in volume level over a 40watt amp. 3db is virtually inaudible and only when played at the very extreme volume levels would it be differentiated.

As for your question about 8ohms that is the nominal or average rating. Some speakers can dip down to under 4ohms usually in the bass and or treble. This requires an amp to double it's power (or more than double its power) during passages where content is at those frequencies. Speaker makers usually don't provide the info. Generally though 8ohm speakers rated at 8 ohms won't go below 4ohms so they're pretty easy on amps. But not always. All of those amps will likely be fine with most 87db sensitive 8 ohm speakers. Tannoy is generally pretty benign here as well which makes them desirable for lower powered amps.

[theaudiohobby]

Tannoy is generally pretty benign here as well which makes them desirable for lower powered amps.

That statement is not correct, Tannoys are generally sensitive but not necessarily benign loads, an amplifier comfortable driving 4ohms would work best, its also a better quality amplifier.

The specs don't mean very much. An 80watt amp will provide a 3db gain in volume level over a 40watt amp. 3db is virtually inaudible and only when played at the very extreme volume levels would it be differentiated

Hmmm....3dB could be all the difference between an amp driven into clipping and one that's not..

I've been checking NAD C352 specifications and it is 4 ohm capable.
Continuous power 80W both at 8 and 4 ohms.
Dynamic power output range: 8Ω/115W, 4Ω/185W and by 2Ω/240W.
(I'm mentioning this technical details for the audio gurus out there, but I have no idea about the difference between continuous and dynamic power...I'll take my time to learn about this stuff)

Newbie question: why is important to verify if the amp is stable at 4 or 2 ohms if my speaker's impedance is 8 ohms?

• Continous power - amplifier can deliver the amount of power all day long without suffering any damage.
• Dynamic power - amplifier can only deliver this amount of power momentarily

Personally, I would try the vintage Denon before the NAD, I have nothing against the NAD but the Denon has some retro appeal, especially in gold livery. And its been around for a while, which should suggest a certain level of quality.