2. amps-preamps
  3. 119462-68346

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
213runnin OP
914 posts
 
This confirms my impressions with them as well.  I was thinking of buying another refurb from them, but a NIB was being offered by another seller, and I guess I offered too much, they accepted.  

I've only just received the PS Audio AC 5, and tried it out on the 375 before taking it out of the system(to return it).  Right out of the box, everything was significantly louder.  The sound had more of a 3D presence too, but I understand that these cables need to break in somewhat.  So I guess I'm off to the cable section to get advice on that.
213runnin OP
914 posts
 
I ended up buying from another retailer that has a BNIB 375, and I'm sure it'll sound at least as good as the used one I returned.  One more thing on the comparison between the 356 and 375 as I compared them one more time before shipping this morning.  The 375 has a smoother top end.  The bass of both changed somewhat with the PS Audio AC5, accuracy became better for both, but the AC5 takes a while to break in, over 200 hours or so.  

So now I'm back to the 356 for another week until the new 375 arrives.
213runnin OP
914 posts
 
The new 375 finally came in and I've been burning it in.  Over the previous 375 that was several years old, the new one has finer volume adjustments with remote control operation.  I also find I don't have to use the adjustable gain outputs on the pre section because the output steps off 0db and ramps up more gradually, if that makes any sense.  

Quite a nice improvement.  I'm not doing any careful listening just yet until I've got at least 50 hours on it, but I do notice refinement and it runs a little warm though I'm not pushing it yet by any means.

mesch
3,527 posts
 
I look forward to your report. I just received a 356BEE yesterday and will check it out today and report back as to what I think compared to the 326BEE. 
213runnin OP
914 posts
 
Okay, I'm about 25 hours into the break in.  After about 6 hours, things started going south on the sonics.  A further 10 hours or so and it stared coming back.  This is leaving the unit running for a max of 4 hours at a time, and then shutting off for an hour or more, to run again the next evening, or longer on the weekend.  I didn't want to leave it on 24/7.

The other thing is that I'm breaking in the PS Audio AC5 power cable at the same time, so I'm not sure what exactly may be causing the changes in sound.  But at 25 hours it's getting pretty nice.  I read where another 375 owner was told by Nad dealer that he should break it in 100 hours, but we'll see what it's like at 50.
More to discover