2. amps-preamps
  3. 1347202026

Old NAD or newer high powered Denon?

I am currently running a NAD 3020 in my main system. I love the amp. When paired with my Sequerra MET7's it sounds great. I also have a pair of Vandersteen 1C's and I am thinking that the NAD's don't have enough power to drive them. I am getting relatively poor sound quality out of the 1C's with the NAD. It closed in and not very dynamic (when compared to the MET7's). I have heard the 1B's in the past and they sounded amazing which is why I initially purchased them.

So my question is: would I gain anything in terms of sound quality of I purchase a higher powered more recent model Denon or am I just hearing the differences between the MET7 and the 1C's?
hifibear
hifibear OP
17 posts
 
Thx all! I would love to have a tubed amp but I am thinking it's not practical for me. I have small kids and I can imagine missing tubes.

Any recommendations on a solid state amp?

Regarding budget: $500 max
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
I friend owns an Exposure 2010S , paid $1400 new, don't think I've heard anything as good under five large, tube or solid state.
I used to like Nad, but there last few generations of gear seem a bit lifeless.
apfdirtdoctor
36 posts
 
I would look for a higher powered NAD integrated....I have tried the high end Denons and Onkyos.....very thin/clean sound...preamp section doesn't touch robust NAD sound. Oh just a thought..if the 3020 has the preamp out jacks.....do what ever it takes to get a Hafler power amp..later models...with jfet driver stage...like XL280. Problem solved.
hifibear OP
17 posts
 
I found a used Hafler SE120 and SE240.
Do those sound any good?
apfdirtdoctor
36 posts
 
Absolutley!! If at all possible go for the SE240 120 watts per channel. This is a scaled down version of the XL280. Fewer mosfets in output stage (4 per channel) and simpler/small driver boards, but it has the same JFet input circuit. I have listened to hundreds of transitor and tube amps over the years and I can not think of a better amp for the dollar.....typical Hafler. And for some fun try to find an old Dynaco ST70 at a garage sale and have some fun compairing.... Larry
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