Currently, as an experiment, I’ve been using a music hall 25.2 hybrid headphone amp/pre with two NAD 268 amps that are bridged (300 watts/channel). I think it sounds fantastic. It did not cost me a ton of dough, as I got deals on them. I am partial to my sugden class A and my musical fidelity class AB, but I’m telling you, this combo just works. I got the idea from the rogue sphinx which combines class D topology with tubed pre section. I think they are/were on to something. What prompted me to do this was I did not think my other amps provided the oomph I needed when I wanted to rock out with say AC/DC, zeppelin, etc. I can tell you that I’m no longer wanting for that oomph or volume with the aforementioned combo, bizarre as it may be. The MH 25.2 is a hidden gem of a component when used as the pre. My next test is to sub in my passive pre, combined with the NAD"s. For class D, the NAD 268, to me, sounds warm and detailed with no grating harshness. I was surprised, and it has changed my mind about class D. I use the Tannoy eatons biwired. They are fairly sensitive and also add some warmth to the sound, which I’m sure the MH 25.2 is also adding with its tubes. I’m also using, with the NAD’s, the music hall A3 tubed phone stage, equipped with a volume control. That too sounds great. ASR reviewed the NAD 268, and gave it a very favorable review. Other than that, not much fanfare from other reviewers. Some here may look upon these components as total sh#t, I don’t care, I took a gamble on them and I’m loving it. So Tonight That I Might See by Mazzy Star has never sounded so good! Totally enveloped by the music.
