Does it make sense to add an amp?

[TomC]

I have a NAD C-372 integrated amp and I am considering the value or benefit of adding an NAD C-272 amplifier. The C-372 drives a pair of B&W 703s. I should biwire and biamp them to get the best sound, right? Or, is adding the C-272 a waste of time and money? The power rating is the same for both. I would greatly appreciate this forums feedback.

TomC

[Geoffcin]

I have a NAD C-372 integrated amp and I am considering the value or benefit of adding an NAD C-272 amplifier. The C-372 drives a pair of B&W 703s. I should biwire and biamp them to get the best sound, right? Or, is adding the C-272 a waste of time and money? The power rating is the same for both. I would greatly appreciate this forums feedback.

TomC

Although the gains might not be as much as you expect.

[TomC]

Would you be kind enough to elaborate on the gains? If the gains are marginal, I was thinking of holding off for a couple of year and then maybe upgrade the amplification with Adcom or Rotel. I appreciate any insight.

TomC

[TomC]

Are the gains marginal in any biamping situation?

[TomC]

Would it be possible to add a more powerful amp, say a Rotel that puts out 2x180 vs. NAD's 2x150.
Thanks

[MGFalc]

i am sure you can bridge these amps as well! i wouldn't go by figures as most amps can be understated (or overstated) and i know for a fact that both the NAD and Rotel amps are built extremely well for high current handling, having owned both myself. also, maybe not in the sense of loudness levels, but you will notice that you will have much more control over the B&W's and not have to turn the volume up as much for the same desired effect. you can never have too much power when it comes to amplifiers!

[snodog]

I was kind of wondering the same thing myself TomC. I dont know if I would benefit from biwiring or having an amp. If so, do I need a preamp or would an integrated amp work with my reciever?

[RGA]

The speakers are 90db sensitive 8 ohm min 3 ohms but the NAD should be fine with 3 ohm.

The difference between a 150 watt amp and a 180 watt amp (assuming all other things such as preamp are equal) is inidauble.

Not all speakers benefit from bi amping or bi-wiring -- some speakers are MADE for this while I suspect most put the jumpers on the back to play along since they'll be viewed less high end if thye don't have them.

I would not be buying more power bigger amps -- but "better" sounding ones which in fact may have FAR fewer watts than any NAD. The 703 just is not that hard to drive.

Find out what it is that is lacking and what it is you want corrected specifically -- throwing money at amplifiers that are "deemed" higher end may end up causing and endless series of expensive upgrades leading to more upgrades than satisfaction.

[accastil]

tomC, your integrated amp is almost as good as a dedicated power amp. yes, bi-wiring will give you better sonic performance but i dont think bi-amping will do unless you will consider tube amps to provide the mid/highs and your pre-existing integrated amp to provide the bass freqs.