2. amps-preamps
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Any opinions on NAD quality?

As with nearly all listeners, I believe the NAD sound to be just about the tops for the money expended. However, I have heard reports of quality control issues (nothing specific) to the point of being much worse than other manufacturers. Along with a lot of other audio equipment, I own a NAD c 740 receiver, less than a month old, and so far it's working quite well. Still, I wonder what's ahead.
jdh9
mp19
5 posts
 
I bought an NAD receiver in about 1990 and kept it for about 7 years, even using the preamp section for the last two years when I got a new amp (a long story). The thing never gave me any trouble; I gave it to some friends when I got a new preamp, and they're still using it, trouble free. Has never needed any servicing. Maybe I just got lucky, but I think you're in for many years of hassle-free audio. Enjoy, Mark
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Nad sells alot of equipement...so I feel any "lemons" are grossly overexaggerated...but like I stated earlier...I would stick with their amps...as my dealer says..."these never come back"....
cpdunn99's avatar
cpdunn99
639 posts
 
I agree with Phasecorrect. NADs amps, however one might judge them sonically, are quality-wise, warhorses. My only complaint has been the skipping issue with the 521i cdp.
ogs20
6 posts
 
I'll second the CD skipping issues. I've got a C540 that skips occasionally -- not related to bad CDs, the skips almost cannot be duplicated. Then again I only paid 160 bucks for it new (B-stock) so can't complain. Sonically I don't think it can be beat for the price.

BUT, these CDP issues are not limited to NAD; almost all the CDPs on audioreview with bad ratings are due to quality issues. (Sonys, older Rega Planets, etc etc ...)

Cpdunn, regarding the bass issue, I've got a C370 and a 3BST and I think the NAD has more bass :) Maybe just the associated equipment I guess.
cpdunn99's avatar
cpdunn99
639 posts
 
Ogs20,

Yes, the CD skipping has nothing to do with the CDs themselves. Just last night I was listening to a Stacey Kent CD that skipped. It had never done so before. When I reversed the CD to before the place it skipped, it then played fine. This happens about once a month, and with different CDs. It's definitely something going on in the player. At one time I thought it was static building up, but that's not the problem, particularly in light of other owner's comments.

As for the NAD C370 and bass issue, I never meant to imply (in my comments above or in my Review of the Plinius) that the NAD is somehow deficient. On the contrary. I think the NAD packs a wallop, and is underated/underappreciated. However, I simply feel that the Plinius' bass is better (and it damn well should be considering the price tag!).

I have both the Plinius and the NAD; the latter sits proudly as the centerpiece of System #2 (NAD, Tannoy).

cp
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