If you have time to waste on such questions:

I have a small NAD receiver that always seems to sound better than what should be a slightly better sounding Yamaha - since the Yamaha has more power. (75 watts in specs, but at least 40 watts in real life I would guess. Nad=20 watts). More power = more headroom = less chance of significant distortion.

I am having a hard time convincing myself that this is all in my head - the effect of a smaller receiver impressing me for it's size.

Same set up in same room - only difference is the receiver - and I hear it in both setups - the living room and in my bedroom.

Can anyone explain this to me? I know that ultimately the answer would be - get an Axiom amplifier - much better. But till then...

Thanks

Yamaha
Minimum RMS Output Power for Main, Center, Rear
20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.06% THD, 8 Ω
[U.S.A. and Canada models] ........................... 75 W

NAD
Continuous output power into 8ohm 20W (13dBW) W/min. power per channel 20Hz-20kHz ; Both channels driven w/ no more than rated distortion
Rated distortion (THD 20Hz-20kHz) 0.03%
(Power Envelope technology)

Hello again, Don, long time no hear. It's hard to say exactly what may be the cause of the difference in sound that you hear and it may have nothing to do with the relative power output capabilities of those two units. As far as the Yamaha goes, you can be confident that it actually would provide the advertised 75 watts per channel(with the standard 2-channels driven measurement), otherwise it'd be in violation of the FTC power rating regulation that all amplifiers sold in the U.S have to meet. Those are continuous power ratings and one feature of some NAD amplifiers is that they provide a much higher output for a split second to meet peak demands, so it might actually have a higher peak output than the Yamaha. But again, power output might not be the factor in what you're hearing.

Now for more interesting stuff, I recall your special interest in chamber music and I'm reminded that a few days ago in the Water Cooler section Mike Drew had asked for a recommendation of ten classical recordings, which were given him. His response to them indicated that he especially liked the string music, so I made additional suggestions that included my two favorite chamber works CDs. You might be interested in the two discs that I suggested there containing the Debussy, Ravel, Dvorak, Borodin and Tchaikovsky string quartets.

Hey - thanks JohnK

I looked through your faithful posts on the stunning recordings thread. Much appreciated.

I already have 2 debussy/ravel string quartets cds (Juilliard and Emersons) - but I will read up on the two cds you recommended.

Thanks

Hi Don

Back in the early 90's I traded in my 40 wpc Technics integrated amplifier for a 20 wpc Rotel integraged amplifier. And gained a sig. imporvment in sound quality. I am sure this was because of the better preamp stage in the Rotel. I believe the Rotel, or in your case NAD, uses much better components in the preamp to improve the sound. NAD and Rotel also tend to be more basic on functionality, less bling, have better engineering to keep the singal path as short as possbile. There may also be better power supply in your NAD than you Yamaha. Add all of these together and you get a better sound.

paul

Hi Don and JohnK,

We could get into a fierce discussion over the best interpretation of the Ravel/Debussy string quartets. I have several versions as well, but my loyalty is still with the one I heard as a teenager, which was on vinyl in my parents' collection--The Budapest String Quartet. I guess I "imprinted" on that version and when I hear others, those versions seem to be taking the wrong tempo at times.

Regarding NAD, some models had a very "loose" power supply, which let the amplifiers have as much as 6 dB of dynamic headroom, equivalent to three times as much output on momentary peaks. The late Peter Mitchell, the founder of the Boston Audio Society and a fine audio journalist, consulted on the design of the NAD amplifiers years ago.

Regards,
Alan

I agree with you Alan about the Budapest String Quartet's interpretation of Ravel and Debussy's string quartets. I had a remastered CD of a "mono" early recording. Sound wasn't that great, but the music was all there! But it got stolen! I should actually try to find a copy.

Eric, don't know if they're the same performances that you referred to, but a quick check turned up this set .