NAD C375Bee or Yamaha A-S2000

Just came across this thread from a number of years ago, but it's the same question that I'm pondering. I have the NAD c375BEE, and it's quite an impressive integrated for the price. Once I added a pair of good interconnects between the pre-out and main-in (instead of the stock metal jumpers) it really jumped in sound quality. The dynamic power of this amp is amazing - apparently it can drive 500-600 watts into 2ohms for short bursts.

However, I am looking for something a bit more refined and smoother/more delicate at the top end. I have tried several well regarded amps (Exposure 2010s2, Hegel H80, Arcam A38), but the lack of dynamic punch really made them sound distant and flat compared to the NAD. I'm afraid that the Yamaha will give a similar result. I'm using Golden Ear Triton 7 speakers (89db, 3.7ohm minimum), so they shouldn't be terrible difficult to drive. Perhaps the NAD is just in a different class with respect to dynamics with the Power Drive technology they use. Or maybe I'm just a high-power SS guy and didn't know it. Perhaps I should be looking at Krell not Yamaha, lol.

I'd appreciate any thoughts.

Scott

Scott,

I own and have owned NAD amps, receivers, integrateds but have not owned the 375. They all have driven my Klipsch Heresys, fortes, Quartets, and RF-63's very well. I presently own the Yamaha A-S1000 integrated and could not be more pleased how it drives my Klipsch RB-75 "bookshelf" speakers. Dynamics are free wheeling, soundstage is wide and deep, very punchy and detailed. Now you are talking about the A-S2000 which is the slightly bigger brother Yamaha. I can't say for sure that the Yamaha integrateds(1000 or 2000) will have the dynamics of the NAD 375, but they are the most powerful sounding 90w/ch amps I have ever had the pleasure to own or even listen to.

Bill

I loved the NAD C375BEE in my system with Dynaudio fronts, particularly with rock and jazz. That amp punches way above it's weight class. I sold it for a Musical Fidelity A5, and its the biggest mistake in audio that I've made.

If your musical tastes range more towards classical, small ensemble, vocals, then another vote for Naim. You may even be able to squeeze a Naim XS integrated into your budget with just a couple more $100s.

I just purchased a Yamaha A-S1000 and really looking forward to setting it up and listening.  The other contender was the NAD C375BEE.  I know this will sound shallow, but though I'm sure the NAD is a great amp, it just looks much "cheaper" than the Yamaha.  A plus for the NAD though is that it does appear to have a tape loop, but I may be wrong.