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Adcom "B" stock amp into my NAD C340 integrated?

I'm trying to upgrade on a real tight budget. I wondered how much of an improvement I would get by running an Adcom "B" stock power amp (in the $500 range) thru my NAD C340 integrated, using the NAD just as a pre-amp. I assume the remote control would still work and give me that lazy convenience. I have a 14 by 20 room with cathedral ceiling and right now am using Spica SC-30 speakers (a Stereophile Budget Component of the Year, I believe, in about 1992). I will upgrade to a Triangle or some decent mini-monitor in the $1,000 or so range this summer. I'd like to find a pair of Spica TC-50s or 60s. I listen mostly to female vocalists and light jazz. Thanks!
bmatth3790
joe_b
421 posts
 
While I have not heard the C340, I do have some experience with other NAD components. While I like the sound and value offered by NAD, I do not think preamps are among NAD's strengths. While auditioning loudspeakers last year I had a chance to hear Adcom separates and I have been more impressed by an NAD C350 that I recently heard-smoother and more refined, providing speaker impedance is not too low. If you really want something different than the NAD and only want to spend around $500, I would suggest considering an AMC integrated tube amp (try retrodazeaudio.com) or maybe an AMC tube preamp with a cheap power amp like Audiosource or something used.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
If you are willing to spend $500 and since your NAD is probably worth $250 used, why not sell it and get a much better used integrated for $750.

FYI on the above post; Spearit Sound has brand new AMC tube integrateds on clearance for $499. List is $1000.

rcprince
3,070 posts
 
Sean's advice is some of the best you'll ever get--give it some thought. You're better off avoiding the upgrade bug in a case like here, where you're really not, in my view, making a dramatic improvement over what you already have. Learn from my early mistakes, too!
bowbow
123 posts
 
I upgraded gradually in small increments. So small that in most cases I purchased the slightly better component for the same amount of cash that I sold the old one for. After a few upgrade steps I had a much better system than what I started out with, and it cost me nothing.
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