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Current NAD integrated amps, what are your impressions?

I just picked up a C326BEE and wanted to hear if my results are common, or what the general consensus is for NAD. I did some searching on this forum, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of love or threads directed at NAD.

I actually acquired a C372 about 3 years ago, but sold it within a year as it seemed pretty bland and laid back. I’ve heard that this vintage wasn’t as reliable and my remote control did die. When I shipped it to the buyer it showed up DOA in one channel! I helped him with the repairs but it left me with reservations regarding NAD. From what I can gather, the current models are much more reliable.

So Spearit sound is clearing out refurbished NAD components, and I couldn’t resist the price(no affiliation). Bottom line, the 326 sounds way better than I expected. I’d been using a Denon AVR3801 in 2 channel with a second system, and the imaging, clarity and punch is easily better with the 326. I’m driving Tannoy DC4 bookshelf speakers and what a soundstage!. Diana Krall tracks are recorded with the piano mic’d so the lower register starts in the left speaker and the highest notes in the right. I’d not heard that with the Denon, but the 326 sets it out so clearly.

So what has your experience been with NAD?
213runnin
213runnin OP
914 posts
 
 OK, round two on the power cable comparison about 130 hours in. I should mention that on the CD player I have a Pangea 14 SE  Power cable.  My results haven't changed much.  The PS Audio AC5 has a quieter  background with a little more detail. The ringing I get with the 18 gauge cable with mid range frequencies is completely gone with the AC5.  

 My only other cable is a Morrow audio MA3 on the CD player.  I wonder if moving up the morrow audio line would give me more 3-D effects but that's a topic for another time.

I suspect that each of the better quality cables used for the pre-amp jumpers, speakers, IC's and power all add a little to the end result, depending on the electronics of course.  I've read that speakers  with more difficult ohm loads and phase angles benefit from better speaker cables, which makes sense.

Anyway, I hope this helps.  And  i've got to say again how impressed I am with the Nad C375BEE.  If it's in your budget, it's a worthy addition to your shortlist.
213runnin OP
914 posts
 
So here’s a surprise. I recently delved into the world of DAC, and ordered a Bifrost Multibit. Feeding crappy MP3 files from my phone to it, all I can say is WOW! The music has more detail which gives a better soundstage. Also, the bass is tighter, probably a result of more detail across the board.  I had thought I had reached the end of what the C375BEE could do and am impressed there was more.

The DAC was not cheap, but the space it creates is easily noticeable. I’ve got to feed it some high rez music and see what it can do with that.  
mesch
3,524 posts
 
I am using a Schiit Bifrost with Uber output stage and a M2Tech USB/SPDIF converter with my 356BEE and very happy with this. 
213runnin OP
914 posts
 
I'm still enjoying the C375BEE and Schiit Bifrost Multibit.  I've acquired a few different pairs of speakers and the latest is a pair of Totem Rainmakers, which is a 4 ohm speaker.  

I'm not sure why, but when I A/B a pair of Tannoys against the Rainmakers, the 8 ohm Tannoys are significantly louder than the Totems at the same volume(just employing the speaker selector)

Nad says the 375 does 150 watts into 8 OR 4 ohms, and I suspect it might take a 4 ohm load to the lower voltage rail, or something like that.  I don't have the limit switch engaged, so it's kind of a head scratcher.  I've been watching the volume, keeping it under the 10 o'clock position for the most part because I'm still breaking in the Totems, which require 100 hours of easy play, says they.


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