Best solid state amp upgrade from NAD 214?

One of the biggest upgrades I've done was when I went from an Adcom solid state GTP preamp (450?) to a quicksliver linestage with my NAD 214. The jump in performance was huge. I'm not familiar with the NAD 1000 but I wouldn't be surprised if you got the same gains I got.

After the Quicksilver, I went through several more expensive power amps before I found one that was much better than the 214. That there is a pretty good amp.

Wow. That's all good to hear about the NAD 214. There's one on ebay for about $100...maybe I should get a second one and get increased power by bridging them, and replace the preamp to start out my experimentations. Thanks for the feedback

I bridged a pair of 214s and really didn't notice much improvement, but if you can get one for $100 then what the heck, maybe with your speakers it may help (I had Magnepan MG12s at the time)

Bridging increases 1 ch. power but you have to use 8 ohm spks. I personally would not get the extra amp for that reason alone. You'll notice louder but not necessarily better quality sound. Go for a better pre-amp and use quality yet afforable interconnects and spk. wires. Also, look into APC power conditioners, surge protectors and voltage regulators. I got their $200 model (model # escapes me @ the moment) and for the $ extremely well worth every penny.

Well, the Gallo Reference 3.5's are indeed 8 ohm, so I'm good there. Just got the second NAD 214 for $105 on ebay. Looks to be in great shape. I think I will focus on a great pre-amp under $2000 for now and stick with the bridged 214's. I'm sure I will eventually upgrade to a better amp, but for $105, we'll see how this goes.