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Current NAD integrated amps, what are your impressions?

I just picked up a C326BEE and wanted to hear if my results are common, or what the general consensus is for NAD. I did some searching on this forum, but there doesn’t seem to be a lot of love or threads directed at NAD.

I actually acquired a C372 about 3 years ago, but sold it within a year as it seemed pretty bland and laid back. I’ve heard that this vintage wasn’t as reliable and my remote control did die. When I shipped it to the buyer it showed up DOA in one channel! I helped him with the repairs but it left me with reservations regarding NAD. From what I can gather, the current models are much more reliable.

So Spearit sound is clearing out refurbished NAD components, and I couldn’t resist the price(no affiliation). Bottom line, the 326 sounds way better than I expected. I’d been using a Denon AVR3801 in 2 channel with a second system, and the imaging, clarity and punch is easily better with the 326. I’m driving Tannoy DC4 bookshelf speakers and what a soundstage!. Diana Krall tracks are recorded with the piano mic’d so the lower register starts in the left speaker and the highest notes in the right. I’d not heard that with the Denon, but the 326 sets it out so clearly.

So what has your experience been with NAD?
213runnin
astewart8944
353 posts
 
I just unpacked a PS Audio AC5, plugged it into my 5 year old NAD 375 and compared the new cord sound with the 18ga stock old cord sound on a couple of tracks back to back, one jazz (Coltrane's "Blue Train") and one blues (Bonamassa's "This Train"). 213runnin's 03-08-17 description is as follows:
"I've only just received the PS Audio AC 5, and tried it out on the 375 before taking it out of the system(to return it).  Right out of the box, everything was significantly louder.  The sound had more of a 3D presence too, but I understand that these cables need to break in somewhat."
I'm not experiencing the increased loudness, but more 3D presence is spot on. And I would add that there is improved detail too. If indeed it takes 200 hours to break this baby in, I better get crackin'.
213runnin, let us know when you are at a point to provide another review of how the PC Audio AC 5 is responding with greater time on it.
213runnin OP
562 posts
 
Astewart, on the PS audio power cables I read more recently that 125 hours may see most of the burn in.  I've been meaning to do another comparison with the original cable.  Hopefully by the weekend.
astewart8944
353 posts
 
@213runnin Thanks for the heads up. I will count my hours accordingly and report back what I hear.
213runnin OP
562 posts
 
 OK, round two on the power cable comparison about 130 hours in. I should mention that on the CD player I have a Pangea 14 SE  Power cable.  My results haven't changed much.  The PS Audio AC5 has a quieter  background with a little more detail. The ringing I get with the 18 gauge cable with mid range frequencies is completely gone with the AC5.  

 My only other cable is a Morrow audio MA3 on the CD player.  I wonder if moving up the morrow audio line would give me more 3-D effects but that's a topic for another time.

I suspect that each of the better quality cables used for the pre-amp jumpers, speakers, IC's and power all add a little to the end result, depending on the electronics of course.  I've read that speakers  with more difficult ohm loads and phase angles benefit from better speaker cables, which makes sense.

Anyway, I hope this helps.  And  i've got to say again how impressed I am with the Nad C375BEE.  If it's in your budget, it's a worthy addition to your shortlist.
213runnin OP
562 posts
 
So here’s a surprise. I recently delved into the world of DAC, and ordered a Bifrost Multibit. Feeding crappy MP3 files from my phone to it, all I can say is WOW! The music has more detail which gives a better soundstage. Also, the bass is tighter, probably a result of more detail across the board.  I had thought I had reached the end of what the C375BEE could do and am impressed there was more.

The DAC was not cheap, but the space it creates is easily noticeable. I’ve got to feed it some high rez music and see what it can do with that.  
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