Chipamp or my NAD

[nvrgdenuf]

I am sure there have been similar posts but I can't find them. I am thinking of making multiple channel amps for 3-way active speakers and wondering about comparisons of the chipamps to the likes of my NAD, a Rotel or similar. Sound quality, driver control, sonics, dynamics etc.. I just can't seem to find any comparisons.
I am using HawthorneAudio open baffle drivers in a H/T and listening setup and currently Behringer cx-2310 X-overs.
thanks for you help
nvrgdenuf

[Nuuk]

I'm currently listening to my Hawthorne Duets using a four channel GC for the SI woofers and tweeters. Cost-wise, it is a better option than your NAD IMHO. I haven't heard the NAD but I doubt it is better than what I am listening too now!

A regulated GC will power the Augies but I have to admit that they are better with something with a bit more power - perhaps a bridged GC?

[gmilitano]

For the cost, you get great performance from a chip amp that will rival the brands you noted.

[nvrgdenuf]

The Nad sounds pretty good but I have been kickin' around the GC idea because of the hype. And, like a tinkerer, making a separate enclosure with the amps and Marchand x-overs for each speaker, low profile and custom Birch and aluminum to match the speakers. This would sit on a heavy solid wood or granite slab behind each speaker. I think my biggest concern was control of the speaker cone, simply would the GC have equal to, more/less control than a Bipolar or Mosfet amp? Would it be as dynamic?
thanks
andy

[philpoole]

This is a good question.
One day, after geeking with DACs, I would like to get into amplifiers.
I probably will start with a chip amp as its simpler than a discrete amp, and I'm interested in bi-amping, so it should be a cheap way to play with active crossovers, but I do like the challenge of building a discrete amp one day.
I suspect the reason why chipamps punch above their weight (especially perhaps with regards to something like a NAD) s because it gives more time and money to the builder to concentrate the power supply.

However, I do wonder how it would compare to a discrete class AB or B amplifier.
And if one competes well, to what sort of level? Better than a NAD 3020? an Audiolab 8000? a Naim NAP250? I don't know many more expensive amplifiers

[Nuuk]

I think my biggest concern was control of the speaker cone, simply would the GC have equal to, more/less control than a Bipolar or Mosfet amp? Would it be as dynamic?

In my experience with the regulated GC and the SI's, the answer is yes, and that's with passive crossovers. I can imagine what it would be like with active crossovers and that is what I hope to try for myself soon. And remember, your drivers are not 'fighting' against a 'spring of air' as they are not trapped in a box!

Philpoole, the GC versus discrete amp debate has gone on here for years. It's more a question of 'horses for courses' and when you need 4 or 6 channels for an active speaker project, the chip amp looks a better bet than discrete unless you have unlimited time and money. It says quite a lot if Siegfried Linkwitz is happy with chip amps for his Orion speakers!

[Byrd]

Depends on what kind of NAD and what kind of chipamp. Mauro Penassa's MyRef is alot better to my ears than any of the run of the mill NAD / Rotel amps in the same power range.

A side note though is that it did not do all that well with low impedance loads. In that area I would say that NAD discrete design is better

[Nuuk]

A side note though is that it did not do all that well with low impedance loads. In that area I would say that NAD discrete design is better

Good point! The SI's (6 ohms) work much better with 27 volt rails than 36 so if you go with a GC use an 18 VAC transformer, or better still use the Pedja Rogic discrete regulated supply!

[nvrgdenuf]

So I ordered a LM4780 kit from Peter. I will hook it up left and with the NAD on the right, we'll see (hear) what happens! With active x-over one board will be tweeter and the mid. The other will be parallel for the woofer. I will have to get the kit to make the signal balanced to bridge the second one. Anyone know which one or where to find it?
Thanks
andy

P.S.
Nuuk,
I will be getting the Radian tweeter for the Si's for this project. I am sure you know about this one from the Hawthorne site. Hopefully 'blows away' the stock tweeter.

[Nuuk]

I will be getting the Radian tweeter for the Si's for this project. I am sure you know about this one from the Hawthorne site. Hopefully 'blows away' the stock tweeter.

I await your report of them with interest!