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Current NAD integrated amps, what are your impressions?

I just picked up a C326BEE and wanted to hear if my results are common, or what the general consensus is for NAD. I did some searching on this forum, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of love or threads directed at NAD.

I actually acquired a C372 about 3 years ago, but sold it within a year as it seemed pretty bland and laid back. I’ve heard that this vintage wasn’t as reliable and my remote control did die. When I shipped it to the buyer it showed up DOA in one channel! I helped him with the repairs but it left me with reservations regarding NAD. From what I can gather, the current models are much more reliable.

So Spearit sound is clearing out refurbished NAD components, and I couldn’t resist the price(no affiliation). Bottom line, the 326 sounds way better than I expected. I’d been using a Denon AVR3801 in 2 channel with a second system, and the imaging, clarity and punch is easily better with the 326. I’m driving Tannoy DC4 bookshelf speakers and what a soundstage!. Diana Krall tracks are recorded with the piano mic’d so the lower register starts in the left speaker and the highest notes in the right. I’d not heard that with the Denon, but the 326 sets it out so clearly.

So what has your experience been with NAD?
213runnin
catcher10's avatar
catcher10
77 posts
 
Define "good" and define "cheap"......I auditioned speakers 2 months ago and heard an Ayre AX-7 60wpc amp, a $2950 int amp, this was powering the speakers I ended up buying. They can keep that Ayre amp, it was muddy with no definition...nothing exciting about that amp. I bought the speakers in spite of this bad audition only cause I knew they would  sound good, plus I had 30 days to return them :) 
The NAD drives the speakers easily and the sound is well above the Ayre amp....Proof enough for me and my ears.
carmenc
293 posts
 
@catcher10......agree with your take on NAD.  Can't comment on the Ayre as I've never heard the AX-7.  Truth be known, some of the ones that now talk ill of NAD probably owned one at one time or another.   I have owned more costly gear, and believe me, not all of it bettered my older NAD!  All about what one can afford and synergy....no matter what the price bracket.  I still own a "vintage" NAD 7400 receiver ( made in Japan ) that is like new and sounds very good to this day.  Use it in a secondary system for radio mostly as it has a great tuner.  Regards.......

beernut's avatar
beernut
297 posts
 
I've owned 2, the 372 and 326BEE. The 372 didn't stick around long. The 326BEE was in an "interim" system and really surprised my with it's punchy sound. Speakers were Klipsch or Wharfedale bookshelf types, 2 different animals I know but the NAD shined with both. Never had an issue with it but owned for less than 1 year. The looks leave a lot to be desired IMHO....
ben4
4 posts
 
First post — I have a c720bee (the amp/preamp section is equivalent to the c320, the predecessor of the 326 I believe) and Totem Rainmakers. Never had a problem of any kind, and the amp has never gone into protection with these 4 ohm speakers.  I have had the volume control up past 11 on some quiet recordings.  I wonder whether the 326 is less gutsy than the 320 or the Dreamcatchers are a more challenging load than the Rainmakers?
mesch
3,524 posts
 
I believe the 320 was predecessor to the 325 which was in turn predecessor to the 326. Possible that they differ in ability to provide power. Also possible that these speakers possess different load characteristics. 

What is the sensitivity for the Rainmakers and Dreamcatchers?
Also, though both are rated as nominal 4 ohms they could represent quite different impedance loads across frequency range. And then there is phase angle.

What are thoughts on the use of the soft clipping function?


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