2. amps-preamps
  3. 1253561422

Preamp upgrade for NAD 320BEE

My current system includes an Arcam CD73, a pair of Wharfedale Pacific Evo 8 bookshelf speakers and a NAD 320BEE integrated amp. As of yesterday I was using an Exposure Super XV integrated amp, but I constantly get a ground loop buzz sound with it, and despite all my efforts it will not go away.

So I'm back to the NAD 320BEE. Coming from the Exposure, its sound is warmer, which I like, but sounds slightly muddy and lacks the soundstage that the Exposure had. I use jumper cables currently to connect the preamp to the amp of the NAD320BEE unit. I think this means I can use a separate preamp.

Any thoughts/recommendations on a good budget preamp that might add some soundstage and clarity back to my music. FYI, I listen exclusively to classic jazz.

Thanks,
David
dmloring
robertbrown
151 posts
 
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vdone&1158801433
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,461 posts
 
David,
You are EXACTLY in the same boat that I was on some months ago. And all I can suggest you is to get a Promitheus TVC. I am sure your NAD will sound much more better than the Exposure you are using. I am using a Reference C-Core version with my NAD C352 (http://www.promitheusaudio.com/frontpage.html). You might get a used Promitheus on Audiogon for much less. Your NAD has great input sensitivity 630mV, which will work superbly with the Promitheus TVC.

What is the rest of your system?
dmloring OP
34 posts
 
Milpai,

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll look into that. Rest of my system:

CD player: Arcam CD73
Speakers: Wharfedale Pacific Evo 8
Cables: audioart (both speaker and interconnects)
PS Audio power conditioner.
Post removed 
dmloring OP
34 posts
 
What about going the other way? I read some reviews last night that the 320BEE actually has a good preamp, but that the sound is greatly improved by a more powerful amp. I'm assuming that just as I would plug a preamp into the NAD, I could have the NAD go out to a separate amp. I think I might have access to an old Adcom amp of my fathers from the 1990s.
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