Anyone compared NAD and Cambridge Intergrateds?

Fair enough Tobias. I didn't mean to call out anybody personally; I was merely stating that the two amps seem to me more similar than different - at least with the speakers I listened to them on. Now, to a large extent, the differences may only be apparent with certain speakers that are either very revealing or difficult loads to drive. Also, I only compared at moderate levels; the differences at high levels would likely be greater than what I heard.

BTY, measurement and design-wise the Zamp/ passive pre compares very favorably to the $1,500 Sim I-1. Maybe better as there is no added bass boost like with the Sim, YMMV. Just doesn't look as good and has no remote.

Again, I appreciate everyone's help. While I left budget gear behind long ago, I think it's critical to help anyone who's even slightly interested in SQ to find gear that meets that person's unique needs. My Dad could get better sound if he went with seperates and a tube pre w/out a remote...but he'd be frustrated by the lack of convenience and worried that a tube would " malfunction." Less fun. Instead, he's getting a darn good solid state integrated with a remote and warranty for a bargain, which allows him to buy a Shunyata Venom 3 power cord and *still* come in under budget. More fun.

I've had newer NAD, and while it's OK, it still does not compare to the natural sounding vintage 3020a I have.....

There is just some sonic magic there that fires off something in the brain.

If I had to have just three amps,it would be one of them,there's just a rightness about it.

You may want to check out Virtue amps and use a regulated supply with them, heavenly sounds...way above the price point.

OR maybe an older Arcam Delta 90 or maybe a Accuphase E-202 some of those might need TLC. The Virtue is a lot of sonics cheap...
Best!

Beave thanks for the volume control comparison, it seems right and explains the 'jumpy' volume control on the NAD, a bit of a pain on low volume stuff...