A.T.E.
Member
Hi,
One of the channels of my integrated amplifier, a NAD 310, stopped working.
As it is a cheap device bought in the mid nineties, it is not worth to pay for a reparation, so I understand that I need to purchase a new amplifier.
I have literally zero expertise skills on how to choose an amplifier according to its specs, so I am approaching the people in this forum hoping for some good advice.
This is my hifi setup, in my sitting room:
Source: a Raspberry Pi with a Hifiberry DAC, that has a RCA stereo output. I don’t have any other device: I have ripped all my CDs to FLAC files; I don’t have a CD player or a radio tuner anymore.
Amplifier: NAD 310. Specifications:
Power output: 20 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%
Damping factor: 100
Input sensitivity: 210mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 106dB (line)
Loudspeakers: KEF IQ50. Specifications:
System type 2.5-way
Enclosure type Bass-reflex
Frequency response ± 3dB 40 - 40000 Hz
Nominal impedance 8 Ohm
Amplifier Requirements 15 - 130 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 88 dB
Maximum output (SPL) 109 dB
Midrange 130 mm (5 in.)
Woofer 130 mm (5 in.)
My future amplifier shall have:
I see that nowadays there are new types of amplifiers (class D) made by unknown asian producers: are these devices comparable to my current amplifier or are they of a lower category? As I don’t know anybody that owns them, nor I know any hifi shop that sells them…
I have considered buying the NAD D3020, to stay on the safe side (as it is the same brand I already have): would it be a good fit for my loudspeakers? It costs 3-4 times the price of the above mentioned class D amplifiers: is that price difference justified by a corresponding better quality of the product?
Otherwise, would, for example, an amplifier like this be a good fit for my needs?
One of the channels of my integrated amplifier, a NAD 310, stopped working.
As it is a cheap device bought in the mid nineties, it is not worth to pay for a reparation, so I understand that I need to purchase a new amplifier.
I have literally zero expertise skills on how to choose an amplifier according to its specs, so I am approaching the people in this forum hoping for some good advice.
This is my hifi setup, in my sitting room:
Source: a Raspberry Pi with a Hifiberry DAC, that has a RCA stereo output. I don’t have any other device: I have ripped all my CDs to FLAC files; I don’t have a CD player or a radio tuner anymore.
Amplifier: NAD 310. Specifications:
Power output: 20 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%
Damping factor: 100
Input sensitivity: 210mV (line)
Signal to noise ratio: 106dB (line)
Loudspeakers: KEF IQ50. Specifications:
System type 2.5-way
Enclosure type Bass-reflex
Frequency response ± 3dB 40 - 40000 Hz
Nominal impedance 8 Ohm
Amplifier Requirements 15 - 130 W
Sensitivity (2.83V/1m) 88 dB
Maximum output (SPL) 109 dB
Midrange 130 mm (5 in.)
Woofer 130 mm (5 in.)
My future amplifier shall have:
- One analog RCA input
- Quality: there shall not be any audible "hiss" when it is switched on; so a basic good quality
- A volume knob (which shall not make electrical noises when it is turned)
- Match with my loudspeakers: powerful enough for a sitting room, in an apartment with neighbours (so, no need for a very high volume; by the way: the NAD310, in spite of the 20 Watt per channel, is powerful enough to make me keep the volume knob pretty much down), and it should not distort if I occasionally play the music louder
I see that nowadays there are new types of amplifiers (class D) made by unknown asian producers: are these devices comparable to my current amplifier or are they of a lower category? As I don’t know anybody that owns them, nor I know any hifi shop that sells them…
I have considered buying the NAD D3020, to stay on the safe side (as it is the same brand I already have): would it be a good fit for my loudspeakers? It costs 3-4 times the price of the above mentioned class D amplifiers: is that price difference justified by a corresponding better quality of the product?
Otherwise, would, for example, an amplifier like this be a good fit for my needs?
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