Stay away from the nad

I concur with the panel that NAD took a big hit when it junk-sourced to china. I wanted to buy into the Master Series, changed my mind quickly due to reported QC issues.  The older NAD from 80's and 90's is very good in comparison.

I have had a number of NAD products, amps, preamp, tape deck, receiver and none had ever failed.   A few years ago I bought a M51 DAC and it took a dump during a firmware update after only three weeks of use.  Was it my fault? Bad firmware? Bad hardware ?  Who knows but NAD sent another one to Spearit to for an exchange.  They could have easily said send it in for repair,  but they didn't .   I would buy another NAD based on that experience and how great that DAC sounds.   

Hi.  Older duffer with about 40 years in "the chase."  Sorry about your experiences with NAD.  A few years ago, I had to make a tough call.  Had been using a modded Moscode 300 with great success (left up full time) that bellied up.  I listen nearfield in a small room and am highly critical.  After much search, I found a clean MUSE 160 from a Gon member with a great track record.  A couple months in, fireworks from the right channel...surprisingly, the other channel kept playing until I got to the switch.  Now what?  Years prior (about 7 now) I had read strong positive reviews about the NAD M2 digital box (dac/pre/amp) ...strong across the board around the build, innovation, and of course, the sound.  Full retail was $6k, beyond my means.  And, yes, I also had heard the negatives around NAD's service ills.  Well, as these things go, I was able to find a used one within budget, a tough call considering my recent experience with amps.  So far, the gamble has paid off richly.  Since then, I also landed an 80's NAD 3140 integrated for the bedroom that has a terrific headphone section.  That piece is now driving my son's system, the heart of his recorded music and solid body guitar playback.  Folks, this hobby IS a gamble in my experience.  I left an Electrocompaniet Ampliwire II (which had a British sports car reputation) on for 20+ years with no issues, VENTED PROPERLY ON ALL SIDES.  Remember always, heat is the enemy.  Good luck with you future choices...it's all worth it in the end.  Best, Norm     

I would think NAD/Lenbrook would be helpful. I called them to talk about parts for my PSB speakers and they were fantastic. I also called tech support for my Bluesound Node 2 and they had a real live Canadian person on the telephone to help troubleshoot. They solved the problem in minutes with professionalism.

I also have an NAD M51 DAC. It’s been flawless, but maybe a year old at best. It’s quiet, well built and does not seem to be laden with cheaply sourced parts.

The OP’s predicament is frustrating. It’s also either indicative of some really bad luck (as he/she had 3 NADs fail) or a real quality control problem.

My experience in the past 2 years with NAD and Lenbrook has been fantastic though.

NAD used to be good stuff.  I am sorry to hear your experience.  Why did NAD not offer to make it good?
I enjoy my 45 year old Crown International DC150A series II   everyday.  Also use a 40 year old Crown SL1  PL1 every day.  Still sounds great.  Both still hit lows hard and clean highs. No service on it since it was purchased. Can anyone beat that for reliabiliy?  It will be fun to hear.