Any opinions on NAD quality?

The problems I've had with NAD equipment deal with the CD player (521i) skipping occasionally. It happens about once a month on a unit that is only about 8 months old. Thanks, Sugarbrie, for the links that report similar issues.

Other than that, NEVER a problem (technical, that is). NAD seems like very reliable equipment. I have NAD equipment ranging from an ancient 6200 tape deck (only every had to clean it and change belts once) to the CD player and C370 integrated amp. They are champs.

My complaint about NAD, though, is that bass is inadequate, esp. with their lower end integrated amps and receivers. The C370 is pretty good, but my Plinius 8200 runs circles around it. The Plinius costs a lot more, so it damn well better out-perform the NAD!

That being said, NAD is much more affordable, and if cost is an issue (which it is for many of us), then I think NAD is a good option.

I agree with Phasecorrect. NADs amps, however one might judge them sonically, are quality-wise, warhorses. My only complaint has been the skipping issue with the 521i cdp.

Ogs20,

Yes, the CD skipping has nothing to do with the CDs themselves. Just last night I was listening to a Stacey Kent CD that skipped. It had never done so before. When I reversed the CD to before the place it skipped, it then played fine. This happens about once a month, and with different CDs. It's definitely something going on in the player. At one time I thought it was static building up, but that's not the problem, particularly in light of other owner's comments.

As for the NAD C370 and bass issue, I never meant to imply (in my comments above or in my Review of the Plinius) that the NAD is somehow deficient. On the contrary. I think the NAD packs a wallop, and is underated/underappreciated. However, I simply feel that the Plinius' bass is better (and it damn well should be considering the price tag!).

I have both the Plinius and the NAD; the latter sits proudly as the centerpiece of System #2 (NAD, Tannoy).

cp

I like the NAD on the whole, but am going to make the switch soon. Probably to Arcam, but the decision is not final (plenty of time for you to steer me elsewhere!).

I agree with you Phasec.. I recommend NAD to everyone who is getting into mid- and high-fi. I just spent the morning comparing the 521i cdp with a high-end tube cdp (BAT). The BAT runs circles around the NAD, but it is one example (IMO) of the extra cost NOT being worth it. For the most part, the NAD can stand it's ground.

There are things I like a little better than NAD, some not. Some I can afford, most not!