Hi everyone,
I have just bought a used NC502MP 3 channel power amp for my Marantz Cinema 40. But I need to set the channel levels +6db to get the same output as before.
After more reading I find that the Ncore 502MP are 2.4v input while the Cinema 40 apparently only outputs 1.4v. But I also read that it can output 4v. Can anyone confirm what is correct?
I have alle channels set to pre-out mode.
You
cannot go by the input sensitivity spec alone,
unless you know the details of the specs provided by the manufacturers.
a) Without knowing the input voltage if for what output, it is meaningless.
b) Regarding a)above, manufacturers may define input sensitivity as the input voltage required for the amp to output its rated power output, but that is not always the case, for example sometimes, some manufacturers such as Parasound, may define input sensitivity as the voltage for the amp to output 28.28 V into 8 ohm, that would be about 100 W.
It is better to focus on the gain, when trying to compare the sensitivities of two power amplifiers when you have level match them.
What it the gain of your NC502MP, it it is something like buckeye amp, it will be about 25.5 to 26 dB, in that case, to level match with the Cinema 40, you should only have to increase the level trim by 2.5 to 3.5 dB, not 6 dB, but different NC502MP amps may have slightly different gain.
while the Cinema 40 apparently only outputs 1.4v.
I lost count how many people seem to think those D+M AVRs can only outpus 1.4 V. That is totally false!! But Amir's comments just sticks with people, no matter how many time I posted to try and debunk that myth obviously is not working, it is frustrating..
The fact is, those AVRs can output much higher voltages, often >4 Vrms based on specs and measurements (even Amir's on ASR), but distortions would increase as voltage increases.
Will this combo work? Or do I need to flip / sell the power amp?
It will absolutely work, but again, what is the gain of your NC502MP? I can't imagine it lower than 25 dB, but some have different gain settings that are user selectable.