2. amps-preamps
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Help with NAD C320BEE brightness. Break-in???

I'm the new proud owner of a NAD C 320BEE integrated amplifier. I’ve been playing it for about 2 weeks now and feel that is a tad too cool & bright sounding – bass & mids are very nice! While I’m not a person that like the lushness of certain tubs amps, I feel this amp need a touch of warmth and smoothness in the high frequency range. I’m wondering if the amp need more break in time?? Or should I run Tara Labs I.C.’s instead of the AMP/PREAMP jumpers. I was considering trying “The Missing Link” jumpers or Reference Gen 2’s ($100.00) interconnects. Thanks in advance.
pinestate
stvncar
36 posts
 
you might want to give virtual dynamics cables a try. i recently bought the c320bee, and the virtual dynamics nite interconnects and speaker cables really make this unit come alive. i will be doing a mod to be able to use the nite power cord as well. the cables aren't cheap, but in my opinion, worth every penny.
subaruguru
1,374 posts
 
I don't think I'd squash down the top octaves with VD cables just yet. The NAD has a nice linear top end. Let it break in longer, and perhaps reassess room damping issues in the meantime, as well speaker toe-in/sidewall stuff.
I'm a firm believer in spectral tuning via transducer matching rather than cable coloring, except for very small adjustments. I use a Harm Tech Truthlink to soften FM birdies on my MD100, for example. The VD take too much of a treble cut, and therefore sacrifice much top end air, IMO.
nealhood
199 posts
 
I am driving a pair of Magnepan 3.6s with a C320BEE and the sound is glorious. This was suppose to be a temporary set up a little over a year ago while I procured an upper end digital amplifier but, the sound is so natural and sublime that I have been reluctant to change anything. Even the power is enough for my limited volume listening.

The C320BEE is a very good solid state integrated amplifier within its natural limitions. Much better than the price would indicate. A classic example of quality engineering no longer being a justification for an expensive product.

If you have brightness problems then take a hard look at your source. I am using a Jolida JD-100 and, the sound is awfully nice.
pinestate OP
20 posts
 
I returned the NAD and purchased a NEW MODEL Jolida 1501 (Four months old – Silver faceplate) used on Audiogon for $500.00. This was the best choice I made for my room/system. To me the Jolida is a solid step-up in performance. Beautiful solid bass, warmer and detailed mids & highs. It's in the same ballpark sound wise, as my previous system -- Krell KSA 200s / McIntosh pre. set-up.

For $500.00 it would be hard to beat. Keep in mind this is the New Jolida 1501 with new factory upgrades as the standard. I am very happy to own the Jolida!!
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