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Fixing a Broken NAD C320BEE

I have the opportunity to buy a used NAD C320BEE that's cosmetically perfect but has "blown a few capacitors" according to the current owner. Does anybody have any opinions regarding whether fixing it is even worthwhile? I called a few local repair shops and they charge $75-100 just to look at it.

I was originally looking to buy a NAD C355BEE new, but wold greatly prefer paying less than the $800 it costs to get one new, if the sound/features are comparable.

In terms of what I'm looking for in a system, I'm trying to put together an entry-level system for listening to music – both CDs and a lot of radio – and occasionally watching movies. I'm open to any recommendations everyone might have. I'm trying to keep the budget around $1000. I'd prefer Stereo to 5.1 and my ideal Amp or receiver would have a Phono input. I'm in an apartment that doesn't need more than 50W/channel.

Thanks!
scatalogics
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
I guess my feeling is IF it gets repaired properly then you got a good deal but sometimes things do not work out that way and then the headaches begin.

I do not want to jinx you, just my feelings...
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,686 posts
 
Bringing it into a shop and leaving it for a few hours does sound like too much of a headache.

DOESN'T sound like a headache, I mean.


You have not put anything in an electronics shop lately,have you? Expect it to be there weeks,if not months.You already know what they are going to charge just to look at it,to repair will probably cost more than a good used unit.Keep ypur eyes on the classifieds here and you will find something much better.Just a thought,good luck.
loomisjohnson
1,941 posts
 
i'm with philojet on this one---you're buying a pig in a poke; you don't really know what's wrong with it. the only thing you're certain of is you'll need to spend a hundred bucks (on top of the $75 for the broken unit) to find out if it's even worth fixing. now, if it was a krell or a meridian, i'd take a flyer, but nads are journeyman units and often unreliable ones, so what's your real upside? if you can't find a working nad at your price, i often see rega, cambridge audio and arcam integrateds listed in the $200-300 range; i think you'll be happier looking at something like those.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I have been in audio close to 5 decades and the number of GOOD repair persons I have known could be counted on one hand.
hifitime
715 posts
 
I think I would pass on it too.I would choose something that is working.It may be an ok buy for a tech.Labor could get high.Are there other caps that might go a few months later leaving you having to start over again.There is one for sale in New York with the same problem.
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