I have owned the NAD C350 and also ARC Complete. The NAD actually replaced the ARC Complete. Still I felt the same as you do. I then went back to tube separates. Bought a Quicksilver LS pre and AMC CVT-2100as tube amp. Both of these are "hybrid" designs using both tube and SS. Spent about $1300 for the two. (both were new, but the Quicksilver was an "open box". The difference between these and the NAD was fairly significant. This is not meant to be a criticism of the NAD, which is an excellent amp for the money but the tube separates are in another league. Much bigger soundstage. Lush, airy sound, little or no grain. And this is with speakers placed about 6 in from rear wall and cheap cables.
Any affordable intergrateds known for huge sound?
I know this is speaker/placement dependent as well...but are there any affordable intergrated amps known for huge soundstaging abilities? I am by no means a detail freak...just like big,full,open sound with tight bass...was thinking tubes...but like SS bass...maybe a Jolida hybrid? I like my NAD c350...but it sounds a bit "closed in" at times...any thoughts?