Integrated 2 channel amp with A + B Speakers

CCNJ

I mentioned in a previous post that my NAD integrated 355 BEE amp died after 3 years of flawless use. Unfortunately it came with a two year warranty which expired 8 months ago. It was used to power my outdoor speakers (POLK Atrium 55s and living room ambient speakers (Silverline minuets). Need a replacement and am looking for suggestions between $500 and $1000 (used OK). Not many integrates have A + B speakers posts. Considering NAD 356BEE and Cambridge 651A. Any suggestions?

Also, would the internal DAC of the Cambridge or stepping up to the NAD 356DAC be equal to or worse than the separate Cambridge DAC Magic that I currently own.

Thanks,
Chris

adb3da

Contact your dealer before you write off the NAD. Perhaps they would extend the warranty for you. I've had other companies do that when something went out shortly after the warranty period. If not, maybe they'll sell you something at cost to keep you as a happy customer. Just a thought...

skrol

The Marantz PM5004, PM6004 and PM8004 have A+B speaker outs decent phono sections and very decent headphone sections. I have a PM5004 that I am contemplating selling because I don't need it but it is such a neat, nice sounding little amp.
Stan

Drenis

I'm running a Cambridge Azur 340A for my desktop setup which has A + B outputs. This little puppy has more than enough power for a desktop setup. However, YMMV. Really enjoy the sound.

If looking for an internal DAC, the 651 is new and should fair well. I would go demo one if you can.

nhhiep

hk 3490 has a, b outputs

CCNJ

Thanks for the suggestions. So here's what I did...

I contacted NAD and they would not extend the warranty on the NAD. They did however hook me up with a very reputable smaller electronics repair guy in Northern NJ. I read reviews on-line and he seems to be fair, honest, and good at what he does. The downside - he is a one man show that works out of his house and he is 6 weeks backlogged. I will probably end up getting the NAD fixedby him but 6 weeks is too long.

I need a replacement integrated in two weeks because my daughter is graduating High School this year and senior Prom pictures are at my house. I can't imagine 75 people at my house without backyard music so I need an interim solution. I bought a Marantz PM6004 from Crutchfield today. I will use it for the prom and keep whichever one sounds better.

styx

I think you'll like the Marantz.

mcnarus

I wouldn't necessarily fix the NAD. They have a terrible reputation for reliability.

CCNJ

mcnarus wrote: »

I wouldn't necessarily fix the NAD. They have a terrible reputation for reliability.

Funny thing, the NAD started working again. Nothing worse than intermittent problems. The new marantz is coming on Tuesday

skrol

A friend of mine had a NAD amp that developed problems. It turned out to be bad solder joints. Your intermittent problem very well could be solder joints also.

tonyb

Personally, I think the Marantz is going to surprise you. Good luck, and congrats. Be nice to hear your thoughts on the 2 if you get the time.

CCNJ

tonyb wrote: »

Personally, I think the Marantz is going to surprise you. Good luck, and congrats. Be nice to hear your thoughts on the 2 if you get the time.

Thanks Tony. I will post my impressions. I also bought a new pair of outdoor speakers (klipsch aw-650). They have a 95 efficiency rating and should pair well with the marantz. I just got a bunch of landscaping and pavers done in my backyard and wanted to upgrade the outdoor speakers as well. I'll have to see if they are a big improvement over the Polk atrium 55s that I currently have.

Chris

skrol

The little sister Marantz PM-5004 has a very nice character. I was surprised how similar the tonal quality was to my old Denon (similar warmth) but a little more refined. I imagine the PM-6004 is similar but with a little more oomph.