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12yr old NAD receiver or new?

My 12yr old NAD receiver recently broke and I am deciding whether it would be better to fix or buy new. i am thinking of buying something simple and inexpensive - like a Sony (gasp) because it has a low distortion ratio and I dont need all of the other inputs. my house is too small, as are my kids, to set up dolby surround and multiple speakers.

i want this mainly for music not dvds. am i better off getting the NAD fixed or is the sony good enough? Or if I want great sound, but don't need all of the additional inputs - what brand/model should I look to buy?

I would be happy to shell out a few hundred more bucks if I thought I was paying for improved quality and not additional inputs I won't use. what do you think?
weissmandf100
sean
6,231 posts
 
Most all the receivers on the market today, especially those at Best Buy / Circuit City, are under-built, over-spec'd pieces of shiny plastic. As such, don't believe their power ratings ( NOOOOO WAY ) or their distortion spec's. If it came down to buying a new receiver for $100 - $150 or having a 12 year old NAD fixed for about the same or less money, i would personally fix the NAD. That is, so long as the repairman is both honest and competent and willing to stand behind their work. Sean
>

PS... While he's in there, tell him to replace the bridge rectifier or diodes in the power supply with something that is "beefier" than the original parts. This might be the problem itself.
woodman's avatar
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woodman
152 posts
 
NAD C320bee used. you won't be sorry. Or simpler and less money the Creek 4330 again used. I think you'd be happy with either.
bignerd100
515 posts
 
The new NAD C720BEE is a great receiver for future flexability (A+B speaker outputs, dual zone capability). Plus it sounds good too. If it has extra inputs that you are not going to use you can simply ignor them (that is not where the extra $$$ in the retail price come from by comparison to the el-cheapo Sony).

For a good budget stereo receiver the Onkyo is a big bang for the buck. They are fairly honest about the performance of their gear.
reubent
7,054 posts
 
I agree with Sean. However, if you really want something new, I could make a great recommendation.

The Sharp SD-EX111 is a small "all-in-one" executive type unit. It has a tuner and CD player built-in as well as a 2-channel "Digital Amplifier". The unit comes with a multifunction remote too.

The SHARP unit is really good, even considering the $499 MSRP. However, when it was on closeout for $79 at Overstocks.com, it became a true Deal of the Century.

Take a look at this long post on AudioCircle for some incredible comments. I own the unit and I pretty much agree with the folks that posted on AudioCircle.

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=15694

These units are now sold out at Overstocks.com, but there may be some available somewhere else. I think this unit would still be a good value at more than double the $79 from Overstocks.com.

Enjoy,

TIC
james_lipski
59 posts
 
I would agree with some of the others on this, get the c720bee. The 720 has the c320bee amp which has a proven track record and a tuner..
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