Maybe Apples and Oranges but... NAD M3 vs Pioneer SC-57??

wudai_e

I don't know if any of you out there have tried those two mentioned above???

I have a NAD M3, lately the volume knob stopped functioning and I'm thinking about sending it off to repair. I'll then be out of an amp.

My current 2ch source is my pc's usb port to a Benchmark DAC1 HDR. Speakers are a pair of Ohm Walsh 2800s. I enjoy this setup

I'm looking for a back up amp but then I stumbled on the Pioneer SC-57s. 1500 is the max of my budget and wondering if this is an option for a one stone kill all birds solution.

Any one out there with this pioneer unit can comment on the amp section and how it stacks up against the NAD?

Thanks

dorokusai

It's nowhere as dynamic or as powerful pound for pound but as a get-by unit it would be fine. The Pioneer is a very solid unit as it stands for it's application if it was to be used for that specifically, so you have a real winner for another project or setup. Just don't expect it to do anything but pass the time while the NAD is away. It's one of the better AVR's on the market.

falconcry72

Is this for a strictly 2-channel setup? If so, you could do much better with separates, especially on the used market.

That Benchmark is a nice piece.:biggrin:

wudai_e

Thanks doro and falc,

and yes, this is strictly a 2ch setup. which seperates do you have in mind? I've looked around and the ones that interests me are way out of my price range.

lanchile

wudai_e wrote: »

Thanks doro and falc,

and yes, this is strictly a 2ch setup. which seperates do you have in mind? I've looked around and the ones that interests me are way out of my price range.

well, Did you clean the potentiometer in your Nad?, because it can be a dirty potentiometer only!. or if you are looking for a good separated components just take a look for those Acurus amps on ebay,they are very good ones!!!.

mantis

Look into Cambridge Audio and Rotel for a back up. THe SC57 would be a waste of money as it's a home theater receiver and not a 2 channel receiver. Yes you could use it for that but why buy that unit when you can get something that is designed for your purpose.
Used is the way to go if you want a high quality 2 channel Intergraded or separates
Check out www.audiogon.com

wudai_e

lanchile wrote: »

well, Did you clean the potentiometer in your Nad?, because it can be a dirty potentiometer only!. or if you are looking for a good separated components just take a look for those Acurus amps on ebay,they are very good ones!!!.

I thought a M3 does not have a analog knob? What I heard it's some sort of digital switch to control the volume, so I can still control the volume with the remote but not the knob.

Anyways, thanks for the advise, i'll see if I can do a diy fix

falconcry72

wudai_e wrote: »

Thanks doro and falc,

and yes, this is strictly a 2ch setup. which seperates do you have in mind? I've looked around and the ones that interests me are way out of my price range.

There's a whole world of equipment at that price range. I guess the question is whether you want to replace the Nad, or just find a temporary backup solution.

If you just want a backup, then that Pioneer is not a bad idea at all. It can serve as a DAC, preamp, power amp, and more, so it can fill a lot of roles should the need ever arise. It's never bad to have a good extra receiver laying around for a rainy day.

If you want to replace the Nad, then that's a different story. That Nad is a very nice piece; I've never heard it, but there are many glowing reviews. Could you best it with 1500 bucks on separates on the used market? My guess, without having heard it, is probably.

I'd look at a Parasound HCA-1500A poweramp for around 400-500 bucks, and then some sort of tubed preamp for the remaining grand. Make sure to leave room for good NOS tubes. I scored my ARC LS-15 for 800 bucks, so i'ts doable. If you need a phono stage, check out the ARC SP-16, but you'll have to stretch the budget a little.

cnh

What are you guys talking about? This is almost a TOTL NAD. It's certainly good enough for anything two channel the OP wants to do, Stereophile includes it in its Class A products!


Stereophile Magazine adds the NAD Masters Series M3 Integrated Amplifier to its Class A recommends components list.


The superbly finished 180Wpc NAD M3 Dual Mono Integrated Amplifier sports a chassis made of 2mm thick milled steel plates with smoothly rounded corners and heatsinks, a front panel of extruded aluminum and diecast zinc, and a finish made of a brownish powder coating and advanced automotive paint. Seven custom-nameable inputs (including one balanced XLR) are provided, and NAD's PowerDrive technology is used to maximize the dynamic power sent to the speakers. Though overall dynamics were sometimes muted, resolution of low-level detail was superb, MF: "The combination of its smooth sophisticated sonic balance, exceptionally silent background, overall musical coherence?and, especially, its freedom from obvious sonic glitches?produced consistently attractive and musical sound.: In his own auditioning, JA was struck by how smooth the M3 sounded: "as smooth as silk." Stereophile Class A Recommended Component.

Dual Mono design, 2799 MSRP?

Just repair the NAD and enjoy!

cnh