Anyone compared NAD and Cambridge Intergrateds?


My Dad's 18-year-old NAD integrated stereo amp just shot craps. He's looking for a sub $800 replacement. He uses it primarily for jazz and classical music and the occasional stereo fed of his DVD when he watches movies. His speakers are Meadowlark Kestrels, which are rated 89db but they're easily driven in his small-to-moderate sized room.
I'm considering the NAD 326BEE or one of the Cambridge Azurs.

Thoughts? Recommendations? My Dad has no patience or space for separates or tubes (sadly).
vhiner

Showing 4 responses by philjolet

volume always works but a bit clumsy as mentioned

I do not know about the universal remote but it certainly should work IMO...

just thought it was worth a mention as some people care more about funtion than anything else!

and my unit may just be faulty...

good luck
I have an NAD C326BEE (in a second system) driving Sound Dynamics 300ti speakers and it sounds big and intimate with terrific soundstage width and depth. Tone and dynamics are very good. In short it reminds me of their 3020 but better in all areas.

It's shortcomings are also similar to the 3020, it can be a bit 'opaque' in the upper bass region and is not the last word in detail.

Overall I think it is very musical for the money. I get way more enjoyment than I should out of this system for the money.
hey Vhiner,

one last thing...

may be a dealbreaker for some, but on occasion the remote on my 326 acts up, the other day I could not get the mute button to 'unmute'! Sometimes, if I pushed it too long sources changed! I had new batteries (AAA) as well so no problem there. The remote is kind of clunky as well, the volume is touchy and lags.

But, again, I love the way it sounds and hopefully you will not have the same issues.

best of luck
Beave thanks for the volume control comparison, it seems right and explains the 'jumpy' volume control on the NAD, a bit of a pain on low volume stuff...