Ron Ribaudo Posted October 10, 2021 Share Posted October 10, 2021 (edited) I have paired a NAD C298 stereo amp with my Forte IV speakers. The amp has an option for the gain -- either fixed or variable. The Forte IV's recommends a 100 watt amp . The NAD C298 runs 185 watts per channel into 8 ohms. Questions: Should I run fixed gain? (The gain is 28.6 db.) Or should I run a variable with a lower gain? If the latter, what should the gain be set at/how should I select the gain? I ask these questions because my prior speakers were powered Elac NAVIS, which had a gain option (low or high), and I always preferred the low setting. My fear is that if I set the gain TOO low I might risk clipping. But I also worry that 185 watts with a 28.5 db gain might be OVERPOWERING the speakers (and, at a minimum, introducing distortion). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Edited October 10, 2021 by Ron Ribaudo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebse2a3 Posted October 11, 2021 Share Posted October 11, 2021 4 hours ago, Ron Ribaudo said: I have paired a NAD C298 stereo amp with my Forte IV speakers. The amp has an option for the gain -- either fixed or variable. The Forte IV's recommends a 100 watt amp . The NAD C298 runs 185 watts per channel into 8 ohms. Questions: Should I run fixed gain? (The gain is 28.6 db.) Or should I run a variable with a lower gain? If the latter, what should the gain be set at/how should I select the gain? I ask these questions because my prior speakers were powered Elac NAVIS, which had a gain option (low or high), and I always preferred the low setting. My fear is that if I set the gain TOO low I might risk clipping. But I also worry that 185 watts with a 28.5 db gain might be OVERPOWERING the speakers (and, at a minimum, introducing distortion). Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks The variable gain (ie: Input Level Control) might be your best option as it relates to the optimum S/N of your system and would probably allow you to optimize your Pre-amp’s Volume control range for typical listening levels you prefer. miketn 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrestonTom Posted October 11, 2021 Share Posted October 11, 2021 Listen to Mike's advice. If the issue of getting "all the watts possible" is keeping you up at night, then rest easy since you will probably only ever use about 5 or 10 watts. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubo Posted October 12, 2021 Share Posted October 12, 2021 On 10/10/2021 at 4:28 PM, Ron Ribaudo said: I have paired a NAD C298 stereo amp with my Forte IV speakers. The amp has an option for the gain -- either fixed or variable. The Forte IV's recommends a 100 watt amp . The NAD C298 runs 185 watts per channel into 8 ohms. Definitely set the gain for 40-50% The speakers are sensitive, so most of your listening will be below 2 watts this will also allow finer adjustments on your pre amp volume control. On a personal note, I wish all amps had output meters on the front, preferably analog needles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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