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NAD C372 Integrated or Bel Canto s300i Integrated

I am interested in the following two integrated amplifiers:

NAD C372 Integrated Amplifier
Bel Canto e.One S300i integrated amplifier

Any thoughts on these two units? Budget is $1000 to $2000. Here is some info about what I am interested in-

1 Enough power for a medium size room- with no amp strain
2 LOW NOISE unit
3 Good tonal balance and a can produce low, mid and high frequencies without bloom, harshness and with smooth midrange.
4 Neutral in presentation of the music (not warm or otherwise adding it’s own sonic signature)
5 Wide soundstage
6 Dynamics, microdynamics and quick transient response
7 Great detail
8 Musical

I will be using a Benchmark DAC with an optical switch between a Rega Apollo as a transport or
Itunes library played through a Slimdevices Squeezebox. Speakers will be 4ohm floorstanders or 6ohm bookshelf of average sensitivity.

I can also use my Benchmark as a preamp, if anyone has any OTHER suggestions for an integrated OR stand alone power amplifier.
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everest_audio
285 posts
 
Mapman's suggestion is a good one. As long as you don't have analogue sources, the Benchmark should make for a good preamp eliminating the need for an integrated amp. Considering your interest in the Bel Canto S300i integrated amp, the Benchmark into the Bel Canto S300 stereo amp would work well for you and cost you less than buying the integrated amp. Your list of criteria describes the Bel Canto amp quite well in my opinion. I am a Bel Canto dealer though, so feel free to take my opinion or leave it. More than anything, I just wanted to 2nd Mapman's suggestion.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,151 posts
 
I think with the newer BEnchmark pre-amp DAC model, there are analog line level inputs as well so you could add a phono with outboard phono pre-amp later as well with that model if you were so inclined.

jhold
116 posts
 
Mapman's suggestion to run the Benchmark into a power amp is a fine idea -- unless you want remote control. I've owned the NAD C372 -- did not keep it long. Had a big, powerful sound, but lacked something in subtlety and musicality. I don't know the Bel Canto. I can suggest one more contender for you to consider -- the Naim Nait 5i. It turns up used on Audiogon fairly regularly. Since buying one, I've had no desire to change amps (and I've been through many, tubes and solid state, integrateds and separates).
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hieule5
115 posts
 
I never auditioned a Bel Canto so I cannot comment on that. I currently own a NAD C372 in my primary set up, driving a pair of Dynaudio monitors.

One thing I like the C372 is that it is not excessive warm in the midrange like its less expensive brother C325BEE so I can say the C372 is pretty neutral. No complaint on my NAD C372 so far and it's grown on me.

Using the DAC as a volume control/passive preamp is not a bad idea while you already have a good transport like the Rega Apollo.

If you go with power amps, I suggest you go with Sim, Classe, or NAD classic lines (C375 BEE will be shipped soon) Right now, you can get a new C372 for around $800 brand new. A used NAD M-3 integrated is also worthy of a test drive.

I have heard that MF could be a bit edgy for some speakers so make sure you listen to the amp before you buy MF power amps. From my experience of owning both Canadian and British amps, I think most Canadian amps are a better buy than most British amps.
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