NAD C372 Integrated or Bel Canto s300i Integrated

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.

Sorry, I meant NAD will soon ship the NAD C275 as a power amp. C375BEE is an integrated.

Thanks to all for your input. I like the idea of the Bel Canto amp, Benchmark as a pre. I have been VERY happy with the Benchmark= the very best sound I have to date is-

1 fav cd of the day
2 Apollo transport
3 Benchmark ext DAC and headphone amp
4 Grado 60 cans
5 ears
6 smile

Seems like this thread has mostly run it's course, but some comments in case anyone is still listening.

I have the NAD C372, and also the NAD T753, and the NAD C275BEE.

I use the 372 in a second system, which is computer based with the CA DACMAGIC feeding the 372.

I have also tried to use the 372 and the T753 both as pre-amp to the 275BEE. Strangely, I preferred the pre-amp section on the T753 over that of the 372. The 372 alone is a much cleaner sounding amp in 2 channel than the 753. The 372 is also very neutral. So if you have dry or thin or bright sounding speakers and/or ancilliaries, then the 372 might be too edgy.

The 275BEE is another story. Wow, what a great sounding amp. It has the best qualities of the 372 and the 753, and then some. It has way more more clean power (before clipping) than does the 372, even though both are rated for 150 w/ch. It also has more bass, better mid range, and sweeter highs than either of the other 2 amps mentioned.

You really can't go wrong with the 275BEE. Michael Fremer in a recent report said if you are looking for an amp below $10,000, then put the 275BEE on the list. The 275 runs for about $1,200, so quite a claim to make, but I understand why he said this. With my modest B&W 603 S3 setup (good cabling and power all around though) and Cambridge Audio 840C, it sounds phenomenal. I use the 753 as pre-amp for the 275, so that I can use the 275 for 2 channel and as part of my surround setup as well. I can imagine the 275BEE would sound pretty special with a better setup than I have. I expect I am going to own it for some time and make it the center piece of my 2 channel system as I make modest upgrades. BTW, the 275BEE is also receiving very good reviews from Hi-Fi News and others as well, with a lot of `giant` killer comments being made. Does not surprise me a bit.