2. amps-preamps
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NAD Integrated Comparison

Can anyone offer some experience of differences in sound quality between NAD's C series integrateds?

The C-320bee to C-352 to C-372?
Obviously the amplifier section is different but what about the preamplifier section? I owned a 320bee at one time and found it very musical but lacking in transparency. Are the C-352, C-372 much different/better in that regard or another?

Are the newer C-325/6bee, C-355bee C-375bee much better than the older models?

Right now I'm wanting to drive some Dynaudio Contour 1.3MkIIs but may change things up in the future. Anything else that you'd recommend in the $4-700 price range for them? Heard Naim Nait and Plinius come up a lot in the threads here but they are a little pricier than I'd prefer to go. I could be swayed however. ;) Anything you know of with tone controls(I can hear the snickering already)? How do you think a Bryston B60 would match up?

Thanks.
128x128eyediver

Showing 2 responses by hieule5

hieule5
115 posts
 
NAD 372 is better than 326BEE in terms of bass definition at lowever volume due to more wattage.

NAD 372 is just a bit better than 326BEE in terms of transparency but you have to pay a few hundreds $$$ more for that improvement.

I have used my 326BEE to drive my GF's Dynaudio DM 2-10 and JBL S-38 with ease. IMO, the NAD 326BEE is very refined, noticeably more refined than its predecessor 320BEE.

I like the newer 326BEE more after I replaced the cheap factory metal bars with the Audioquest Copperhead Preamp jumper cables.

Your Dynaudio Contour 1.3mk is probably not efficient and will not sound as loud as my GF's Dynaudio DM 2-10 or my JBL S-38.

And thus you may want to get the 372 or its replacement 375 to make your Dynaudio Contour 1.3mk sounds good at any listening level.

I talked to Dynaudio and they recommended me the NAD 372 for my GF's Dynaudio DM 2-10 and indeed they sound great together.

If you have more $$$, by all means, get a better amp.

My preferences for Dynaudio speakers are either NAD (low-fi) or Sim Audio (real hi-fi)
hieule5
115 posts
 
I purchased my 326BEE based on a review of another kind fella here.

So far, I am content with my purchase. For $400 plus sales tax, you have a no BS amp with several discrete components inside and 2 separate power sub pre-outs to boot which is a nice feature IMO (for movie watching if you do not live in an apt)

This amp however has no phono stage which has not bothered me since I don't have a vinyl collection.

My only critic of the 326BEE is that it comes with a smaller toroidal transformer than its predecessor but with my efficient JBL S-38, I think the 326BEE is more than I need to really rock the bedroom. I am thinking about selling my Totem Storm (light use less than 18 months of ownership) Anyone wants one:-))

I have not fully run my 326BEE in yet. Will report when I get there.
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