NAD vs Yamaha

2

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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    jaxwired wrote: »
    As you can see from my sig, I'm a very big NAD fan. I've owned earlier NAD products as well. I've heard lots of high end amps and owned a couple, and NAD not only is unbeatable in the budget category, but in the words of stereophile's reviewer Sam Tellig "NAD is up there in quality with the best solid state...and performs way, way, out of it's price class." - Oct '09. You cannot go wrong with the NAD amps. You are getting fantastic sound per dollar.

    I agree that the NAD products look dull compared to most competitors. Rotel and Cambridge are miles ahead in looks. But, you have to wonder how much of your buying dollar is paying for looks and not sound. With NAD that's no issue. They pride themselves on a plain black box with all the money spent on the inside.

    Yamaha makes excellent main stream products, but they are not in the same league with NAD.

    +1, that's just their philosophy. I don't care what a box looks like if it's not pulling me into the sound it's producing.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,081
    edited January 2010
    Go nad
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  • Andy_
    Andy_ Posts: 15
    edited January 2010
    Well the consensus seems to be NAD and I was already leaning that way anyhow, so I think my mind is made up.

    Maybe I can find a nice NAD CD player on the next round of upgrades so I can play with my NADs like everyone else around here.

    So now let me ask you this; do I purchase the late model NAD C315BEE at 40 watts x 2 from Crutchfield or do I choose one of the two NADs available locally on the used market: C350 (60 watts x 2 model year 2001) and C320BEE (50 watts x 2 model 2002)?

    -Andy
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    What's the asking price on all 3 of those?
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,420
    edited January 2010
    Conradicles wrote: »
    Go nad

    lol.... leave it to you to put that together.:D

    I do agree with the rest. I like my NAD's
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,194
    edited January 2010
    New NAD gear is not as plain looking as older NAD gear has been (until 2009, basically). I didn't mind the old design because of the performance, but I prefer the new design (which I do not currently own!).

    Although I'd be interested in the Cambridge Audio, I have never heard them yet, and I have been extremely impressed with what my NAD has been able to do with older Polk speakers that are very similar to the RTi8 mentioned, especially in terms of bass and musical detail (JMO). I have also driven very difficult loads over extended periods with modestly rated NAD gear that would have overheated some much more expensive gear (claiming much higher power ratings).

    P.S. I do also own a two channel Yamaha, since this brand was also featured in your poll.
    Alea jacta est!
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  • jaxwired
    jaxwired Posts: 201
    edited January 2010
    Andy_ wrote: »
    Well the consensus seems to be NAD and I was already leaning that way anyhow, so I think my mind is made up.

    Maybe I can find a nice NAD CD player on the next round of upgrades so I can play with my NADs like everyone else around here.

    So now let me ask you this; do I purchase the late model NAD C315BEE at 40 watts x 2 from Crutchfield or do I choose one of the two NADs available locally on the used market: C350 (60 watts x 2 model year 2001) and C320BEE (50 watts x 2 model 2002)?

    -Andy

    Andy, you can get a brand new C326bee for $500 if you can stretch a $100. Then you would have a warranty. I can highly recommend spearitsound.com. They often have refurbished NAD amps that are certified by NAD and come with a full warranty so you may be able to pick up a C326 for $400 from them that has been refurbished. They are authorized dealers. Email them and tell them what you're after. They top notch customer service.

    I think you should buy a C326bee. You also might be able to find one lightly used on audiogon. Not there now, but if you can wait, they come up for sale occassionally.
    2 Channel
    NAD C545 -> Benchmark DAC1 -> Bryston BP6 -> Bryston 4B SST2 -> Dynaudio Contour S1.4
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  • Andy_
    Andy_ Posts: 15
    edited January 2010
    Zitro wrote: »
    What's the asking price on all 3 of those?

    Zitro,

    The new stuff is $349. The used stuff has a $250 asking price.
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,194
    edited January 2010
    If the used is in good condition, it's going to be every bit as good as the new, so I would choose the C320BEE.

    http://www.nadelectronics.com/img/datasheets/NAD_C320BEE.pdf
    Alea jacta est!
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  • refinedsound
    refinedsound Posts: 26
    edited January 2010
    If you want to really consider a powerhouse classic Yamaha 2ch receiver, see if you can locate a clean fully tested Yamaha R9, I owned one and it also has a Class A amp section offering. Plenty of real power in reserve, this is no doubt the type of equipment Dad had:)

    Best to you and even the older CR series receivers such as the 820/1020/2020 are musically wonderful and rich in sound.

    Karl
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited January 2010
    My current setup is a A NAD C-162 pre and C-270 amp (basically the C-370 integrated split up into separates) driving a pair of SDA 1Cs. It is a wonderful setup.

    For a short while I had a NAD C320BEE integrated amp running a pair of 4ohm LSi9s. That too was a nice rig and the little integrated was more than enough to drive the 9's.

    I can highly recommend either setup mentioned above as well as the C-370 or C-372 integrated amps.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    Andy_ wrote: »
    Zitro,

    The new stuff is $349. The used stuff has a $250 asking price.

    If the used amps are in good shape, save your $100 and buy one of those. If you are concerned about warranty, etc, the NAD C315BEE is quite a little powerhouse. I think you'd be happy with any of these at those prices, and they all will do just fine powering your speakers.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Andy_
    Andy_ Posts: 15
    edited January 2010
    Okay, so after digesting everyone's comments (Thanks BTW :D) for a day or two and some intense negotiations with the Admiral (aka wife :D) I took jaxwired's advice. I extended the budget a bit and ordered the NAD C326BEE, brand new, from Crutchfield. Having a warranty is a nice touch also.

    Not sure when the amp will be here yet but the speakers are not due until Saturday. As long it is by or before then I will be good to go.

    I have probably not been this excited since my wedding day or maybe the honeymoon or maybe even Christmas Eve when I was 9 years old.

    Thanks again everyone.
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  • jaxwired
    jaxwired Posts: 201
    edited January 2010
    Andy, Congrats! Super exciting get new gear. Especially when you are in for such a treat having not owned NAD before. As good as Yamahas are, you will quickly realize the NAD is genuine step up. The C326 is a great choice. It has been very well reviewed by the audio press.

    I don't know what you've in mind for a source. If you are going the CD player route, start saving for a matching NAD. They are also way good for the money. I was shocked at the improvement my C545 made over the denon I was using previously.
    2 Channel
    NAD C545 -> Benchmark DAC1 -> Bryston BP6 -> Bryston 4B SST2 -> Dynaudio Contour S1.4
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    Congrats! That was the amp I had intended to get as my 2 channel amp, but I found such a good deal on the C320BEE I couldn't pass up. Great amp you got there; if going CD, get a matching BEE player!
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,501
    edited January 2010
    One of my NADs is bigger, one of my NADs is better, but they both sound great with tubes on the front end and Polks on the back. I love my NADs. :D
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
    Herbies Ti-9 / Vibrapods / MIT Shotgun AC1 IEC's / MIT Shotgun 2 IC's / MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Cables
    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
    GIK panels
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  • AudioFilet
    AudioFilet Posts: 235
    edited January 2010
    Zitro wrote: »
    I've never heard any Outlaw stuff, but IIRC aren't Outlaw products technically more expensive than NAD?

    The RR2150 is $699 now, but when I bought it, I think it was only $599. It's spec is 100wpc, but that's very conservative. It's a meaty 100wpc.
    2 Channel rig:
    LSi9"s (modified xover's) & HSU Sub
    Harman Kardon HK 990 Amp
    Onkyo C-S5VL SACD
    Music Hall MMF 5.1
    Furman Elite 15

    HT rig:
    HK AVR-745 & Polk Monitor Series
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited January 2010
    Andy_ wrote: »
    I have probably not been this excited since my wedding day or maybe the honeymoon or maybe even Christmas Eve when I was 9 years old.

    Thanks again everyone.

    I sense great potential in this one.

    Welcome to the Rabbit Hole, hold on tight and know when to keep your head down and eyes shut.

    To begin your trip remember it is better to seek forgiveness than permission when dealing with WAF.

    RT1
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,501
    edited January 2010
    jaxwired wrote: »
    Andy, you can get a brand new C326bee for $500 if you can stretch a $100. Then you would have a warranty. I can highly recommend spearitsound.com. They often have refurbished NAD amps that are certified by NAD and come with a full warranty so you may be able to pick up a C326 for $400 from them that has been refurbished. They are authorized dealers. Email them and tell them what you're after. They top notch customer service.

    I think you should buy a C326bee. You also might be able to find one lightly used on audiogon. Not there now, but if you can wait, they come up for sale occassionally.

    You bring up a great point about NAD. I have sent several 20+ year old pieces (that still sounded great) to "In House Service Company at 12 Technology Drive, Ste. 13 East Setauket NY 11733" (no affiliation) for a complete rebuild. The point is, not all vintage gear is worth sinking money into to restore, but most NAD components are a safe bet. A couple hundred bucks gives you another 20 good years.
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
    Herbies Ti-9 / Vibrapods / MIT Shotgun AC1 IEC's / MIT Shotgun 2 IC's / MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Cables
    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
    GIK panels
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited January 2010
    If your NAD has a big GREEN button on it.....you are in business and a lucky fellow.

    RT1
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,501
    edited January 2010
    reeltrouble1 wrote: »
    If your NAD has a big GREEN button on it.....you are in business and a lucky fellow.

    RT1

    All 4 NAD components I have sport that button! :)
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
    Herbies Ti-9 / Vibrapods / MIT Shotgun AC1 IEC's / MIT Shotgun 2 IC's / MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Cables
    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
    GIK panels
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    reeltrouble1 wrote: »
    If your NAD has a big GREEN button on it.....you are in business and a lucky fellow.

    RT1

    Eh? lol my NAD pieces have a green button...is that significant in any way?
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,501
    edited January 2010
    Zitro wrote: »
    Eh? lol my NAD pieces have a green button...is that significant in any way?

    Probably in about the same way as coloring the edge of a CD with a green marker was back in the '70's or '80's. :eek: :D
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
    Herbies Ti-9 / Vibrapods / MIT Shotgun AC1 IEC's / MIT Shotgun 2 IC's / MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Cables
    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
    GIK panels
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2010
    inspiredsports wrote: »
    Probably in about the same way as coloring the edge of a CD with a green marker was back in the '70's or '80's. :eek: :D

    That "tweak" goes that far back! . . . I think I'm getting senile.:eek::D
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,151
    edited January 2010
    Go Green or bust:D


    GOTGREEN?
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2010
    tony millard wrote: »
    Go Green or bust:D


    Tried Green gone busted!:D
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  • Andy_
    Andy_ Posts: 15
    edited January 2010
    Speakers due today, amp will be Monday . . . getting close :)
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  • Andy_
    Andy_ Posts: 15
    edited January 2010
    reeltrouble1 wrote: »
    To begin your trip remember it is better to seek forgiveness than permission when dealing with WAF.

    Hmmm . . . The Admiral you know not. Jedi mind tricks, useless on her they are!
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,151
    edited January 2010
    Andy_ wrote: »
    Hmmm . . . The Admiral you know not. Jedi mind tricks, useless on her they are!

    Beware of the LOOK..:mad: Look at it I can not.
    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
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  • martlet
    martlet Posts: 5
    edited January 2010
    While we're on the subject of NAD - I'll cast one more vote for the old systems. I purchased a used 3020a largely to use the excellent phono stage included in the unit - designed by Thomas Holman (same guy behind THX Sound). The new unit that Andy purchased should have an upgraded copy of this and sound great with LPs.
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