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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
gakerty's avatar
gakerty
175 posts
 
I’m running a Nad C388 I got here on Audiogon refurb’d from Spearit. Purchased it about 7-8 months or so ago. I’ve had zero problems with it so far and am quite happy. Neutral (but not "clinical") overall sound, but with ample low end. I’m driving floorstanding Tannoy XT8Fs with it, and it’s a good match.

Edit: I was driving some Klipsch RF-82II I used to have with the C388 for a bit and it was NOT a good match, and was really bright, so it all depends.  That could be a fault of the "cheaper" Klipschs, not sure.
mesch
3,524 posts
 
Speakers with the same impedance and sensitivity ratings can differ significantly regarding power demands. 
213runnin OP
914 posts
 
I don't have too much experience with 4 ohm speakers, but I would have thought that at a given volume level, a 4 ohm speaker would be louder than an 8 ohm speaker since the amp would be delivering more watts at 4 ohms.  And in this case, the sensitivity of the two speaker pairs is pretty much the same.
213runnin OP
914 posts
 
Okay, a month later, and having changed speaker cables, the two pairs of speakers are pretty close in decibel level at a given volume point.  And I'd have to say that the 375 is an all around great performer for the price point.  As it turns out, I do miss my Ascend Sierra 2 with its ribbon tweeter, and none of my current speakers can compare to it.

So I'm not 100% sure if it was the speakers or the Parasound Halo gear I had, but voice placement with that combo was more precise.  Also, piano sounded a little more natural or accurate, I'm not sure which.  I suspect the speakers had the greatest part to play in voice placement.  My one critique with the Halo stuff was that the top end warmness reduced that air around the instruments.  

But at its price point, the 375 really delivers, and has that little bit of extra air.  As mentioned above, I have replaced the pre amp jumpers with Morrow cables.  The power cord with a PS Audio AC5, and Morrow  RCA cables  are MA3 with Eichmann bullets.  Also the speaker cables are Wireworld Oasis 7.  Over $1000 for all cables, and that probably helps get the most out of the 375.


gasolin75's avatar
gasolin75
13 posts
 
I have had a 326 about 3.5-4 years ago, it was a hot amp and to me it sounded so dark as if it would miss out of soms detail in the highs, i sold beacuse of the heat and the highs, bass was good as i remember.

Today im waiting for a C355bee to arrive
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