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New Integrated or Older Power amp?

So I currently have a 20-yr old NAD 7240PE receiver and am trying to decide how to upgrade. I'm currently looking at replacing the receiver with a new C326BEE integrated or simply adding a used (~10-yr old) C270 power amp and keeping the receiver as a tuner/pre (for now). My question is, aside from the difference in power, which setup is going to give me the better sound quality - the C326BEE or 7240/C270?

Thanks,
Steve
sbruno
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
Steve,

That is a tough question. The 7240PE/C270 will definitely give you more power. Why not just try that combo and see for yourself. If it does not fly the way you want it, sell them both and get the C326BEE or the C356BEE for that matter. The C326BEE probably has better quality circuitry than the 7240PE, but does the amp section fall short? Demo and decide.

Bill
geph0007's avatar
geph0007
184 posts
 
The old NAD stuff is impressive but the 326BEE is a giant killer. I was surprised by it. It reminds me of the Exposure 2010s I had. I tried a 355BEE and was unimpressed. Thought the 326 was much cleaner and more musical and the 355 was warmer and had a smaller stage. Your milage may vary. keith
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
Well, if you decide to keep the receiver, there are things you can do to improve the sound. I'd personally add the sep. dedicated amp and use the receiver for it's pre-amp/tuner sections. It will save you some $ and you could later add a seperate NAD pre-amp which should sound much better than the int. amp. (BTW, tuners are cheap and you then pick-up an older NAD to complete the system.) Good Luck!
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