Nad C320bee Vs C352
dragon1952
Posts: 4,907
I'm just wondering what kind of upgrade, if any, this would be. I don't really need the extra power but wondering if there would be any other audible refinements worth the effort. It's 50WPC vs 80WPC so not a huge difference there. Neither has a phono stage. The C352 says "weve upgraded the Pure Class A preamp and driver stage modules using the latest high performance semiconductors" and the C320BEE says it uses " low noise FET class A preamp stages". Are those just different ways of saying the same thing...that they both use pure class A preamp sections?
The C352 has a detachable power cord, which I like. And it has an extra pre-out. To be honest I could probably do without those things. I'm more interested in audible qualities such as maybe better bass control, better soundstage and imaging, etc. Not to say I'm necessarily unhappy with the C320BEE in those areas. I think I can go from one to the other for around $100 difference and would probably be willing to do that for even a small improvement, although some have indicated that the smaller C320BEE may be more 'musical' sounding than it's larger counterparts. Any opinions?
Thanks in advance!
The C352 has a detachable power cord, which I like. And it has an extra pre-out. To be honest I could probably do without those things. I'm more interested in audible qualities such as maybe better bass control, better soundstage and imaging, etc. Not to say I'm necessarily unhappy with the C320BEE in those areas. I think I can go from one to the other for around $100 difference and would probably be willing to do that for even a small improvement, although some have indicated that the smaller C320BEE may be more 'musical' sounding than it's larger counterparts. Any opinions?
Thanks in advance!
2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones
Post edited by dragon1952 on
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If you can swing it for the extra $100, I say get the 352. Otherwise, you'll always be wondering "what if?". Besides, a little extra power never hurt anybody.
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If you already own the BEE, and it will cost $100 to upgrade into the C352, it's a no-brainer. That's a nominal price to pay for an "upgrade" these days. The BEE is an excellent unit, but NAD makes a multi-level series for a reason.
I don't really understand why your asking why.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
I don't really understand why your asking why.
I guess it's because I've been so happy with the sound of my system lately that I keep wondering why I continue to chase my tail in this hobby.2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones -
Then stop, happy is good.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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Then why do I keep looking?
There's gotta be some other reason...like the thrill of the chase or something. Has anybody else just stopped cold looking even when they were happy? What the f*cks wrong with us anyway? 2 channel - Willsenton R8 tube integrated, Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC, audio optimized NUC7i5, Windows 10 Pro/JRiver MC29/Fidelizer Plus 8.7 w/LPS and external SSD drive, PS Audio PerfectWave P3 regenerator, KEF R3 speakers, Rythmik F12SE subwoofer, Audioquest Diamond USB cable, Gabriel Gold IC's, Morrow Audio SP5 speaker cables. Computer - Windows 10/JRiver, Schiit Magni 3+/Modi 3+, Fostex PMO.4n monitors, Sennheiser HD600 headphones -
Originally posted by dragon1952
Then why do I keep looking? There's gotta be some other reason...like the thrill of the chase or something. Has anybody else just stopped cold looking even when they were happy? What the f*cks wrong with us anyway?
Because the audio industry needs our "sickness" to constantly upgrading and chasing the latest and greatest, otherwise, we'll be down to few choices (like Bose).
