Amp/Preamp Asylum

Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

Return to Amp/Preamp Asylum

Message Sort: Post Order or Asylum Reverse Threaded

From NAD C320BEE to C165/C275BEE

24.140.88.103
Posted on November 23, 2016 at 11:51:26
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Hello, all,

As the heading says, has anybody around here moved from the NAD C320BEE (or any C32x) integrated to the 165/275BEE pre/amp separates. I've had my 320 for more than ten years now. Listening to it now with my Bowers and Wilkins 683 S2s as I type. It sounds terrific and absolutely nothing to complain about with this $400 amp.

But (there's always a "but" isn't there), I have a large room (28x26x11ft) and like to watch movies and listen to music at levels that occasionally go into the low to mid 90dbs. So, I'm looking for a bit more refinement and lots more power. Would like to have an ease to the music/presentation that big amps seem to deliver.

Am I on the right track? Anybody here running and happy with the 165/275BEE combination? Any thoughts would be appreciated. TIA

Cheers,

Scott

 

Hide full thread outline!
    ...
RE: From NAD C320BEE to C165/C275BEE, posted on November 23, 2016 at 15:23:04
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 Yes, I have. I've REALLY like the C275BEE but always had trouble matching it to a preamp. Even the 165.

After years of trying and putting it aside and coming back to it I found the magic combo.

A 25k passive GoldPoint attenuator with the variable/fix switch set to 100k variable position.

It seems ALL the preamps only muddied it up. Skip the 165 and find a really good passive like a Gold Point or better yet the Placette volume controller.

Addendum: the C275 really is a great amp and it does every thing very well once properly setup. Don't force that preamp on it because the amp itself has PLENTY of gain. The one thing that always stands out with the C275 is how effortlessly it handles complex music. Uncommon for a solid state amp to be so clean sounding but never bright. Try it passive first with the selector set to variable 100k input.

 

RE: From NAD C320BEE to C165/C275BEE, posted on November 23, 2016 at 18:21:09
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Thanks for the reply, airtime. I will consider a passive vc. Years ago I tried a Luminous Audio passive with my 320BEE; while I gained smoothness, detail and resolution I lost too much scale and "meat on the bones".

Thanks for you thoughts on the 275BEE. Your comments about how it handles complex music mirrors what reviewers have noted and it's great to hear that from an end user.

I look forward to putting the 275BEE in my system.

Cheers,

Scott

 

RE: From NAD C320BEE to C165/C275BEE, posted on November 24, 2016 at 06:38:18
ABliss
Audiophile

Posts: 1482
Joined: March 16, 2001
Contributor
  Since: August 3, 2002
 I had a 275bee for a short time, sounded nice but build quality was poor.
Started loosing one channel after playing for 10min. Sent it back.

AB

 

RE: From NAD C320BEE to C165/C275BEE, posted on November 24, 2016 at 06:44:05
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I also tried using passives with the smaller integrated amps like the 326 and found the same thing. Kind of hollow sounding. That is NOT true with the C275BE

The C275 is a great amp with a kind of sweetness to it. Not in a vintage amp way by being overly warm and fuzzy. It maintains a high degree of detail while still being easy and non fatiguing. I've had a few new amps and they went from detail to edgy REAL quick.

I like when I'm listening to a full orchestral piece and you can hear all the detail and separation. An it does it with "no fuss". Do try the passive first.

If you want to get an idea of how the 165 sounds just use your 320s preamp section. It is an older model but you may get an idea. the 165 IS the same preamp that is in the newer line like the 326.

 

RE: From NAD C320BEE to C165/C275BEE, posted on November 24, 2016 at 07:24:15
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I've had mine for 3 or 4 years and never a problem. NAD did have a previous history of some SERIOUS QC problems. But they did what a responsible company should do. They went over to China and started enforcing their OWN QC

 

Mostly lateral move, posted on November 25, 2016 at 10:31:39
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 Wait till you can really upgrade. You say you are happy now so that's good.


ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

No way that's a lateral move, posted on November 25, 2016 at 11:04:45
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I have those amps and in NO way is that a lateral move. The C275 takes it up to a high quality audio level. The 326, nice as it is, is an entry level but excellent $500 amp.

I'm using tubes and I occasionally like to rotate my C275 back in the lineup. That says a lot. (no personal attacks please)

 

RE: Mostly lateral move, posted on November 25, 2016 at 18:27:54
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 I'm pretty set on going with the C275BEE. Confident that it will be more than just a little better than a lateral move.

So I have a big room and I'm looking for more than the fifty watts I have now. I want separates, 150 watts or more, not more than $2500 and I don't want tubes. Parasound and Rotel have some good gear that come close to those parameters but I haven't warmed up to their sound.

Any other pre/amp suggestions that I should check out would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Scott

 

RE: No way that's a lateral move, posted on November 25, 2016 at 18:29:16
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 I agree, airtime.

Cheers,

Scott

 

New Schiit separates look interesting , posted on November 26, 2016 at 05:57:45
G Squared
Audiophile

Posts: 8491
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
  Since: May 23, 2023
 Look at the news section of their website. In your budget you could get the better preamp and two of the amps and run monoblock style. Made in the USA. Nice warranty and trial.
Gsquared

 

RE: New Schiit separates look interesting , posted on November 26, 2016 at 06:45:02
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 G Squared, I absolutely agree. The new separates from Schiit look fantastic. I'm not in a big hurry but hope that Schiit will get both the Freya and Vidar out in timely fashion. It seems that the RMAF debut was 3-6 months premature.

They have a great reputation in regards to their DACs. I hope we see some user impressions in the near future. In the meantime I may get the NAD stack and wait and see the reception that the Freya and Vidar receive as the roll out.

Thanks for the excellent suggestion.

Cheers,

Scott

 

RE: New Schiit separates look interesting , posted on November 26, 2016 at 07:31:34
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 That amp has a selector switch on the rear for 10k fixed and 100k variable.

I've tried a LOT of preamps setups and never quite got the 10k to sound "good to ME". However the circuit on the 100k variable has a buffer built in so it can act as it's own preamp.

If your source has at 1-2 volts output, the 275 has the buffer circuit and plenty of gain to do the rest. And do it better than a preamp I might add.

I'm no engineer but I think 10k is just too low of an input and makes matching a proper preamp VERY difficult to impossible.

Get the amp and let it burn in for a few hours. At first it will sound beamy but that will fad - honest! Try it with the variable input only first and then a few preamps if you have them. If you like it with the variable then just go for the Placette and save yourself a bunch of money, trouble and time because I already did the leg work for you.

charles

 

RE: New Schiit separates look interesting , posted on November 26, 2016 at 16:17:52
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Hey, Charles, thanks for the input. It has been helpful. I started thinking about needing another set of interconnects and other issues that you can run into with separates.

I think I'll go with the NAD C375BEE. It'll save me a nice sum and I can try passives and other pre-amps if I desire on down the road with the 375BEE. I once used an outstanding 6SN7 pre from deHaviland with my C320BEE and it was fantastic.

Your input really help me sort through the decision. Thanks again.

Cheers,

Scott

 

OK but, posted on November 26, 2016 at 16:28:42
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 You can get a used CJ MF2500 for $1500 used which is in another league. They are all but bulletproof and can do 900 WPC into two ohms. I can say that it is much better than NAD as a happy former owner of NAD.

Look at a more non coloring passive linestage if you have high output low impedance source(s)

Good luck




ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

RE: No way that's a lateral move, posted on November 26, 2016 at 16:32:33
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 We can agree to disagree. I was an NAD dealer and owner for several years. There are plenty of technical reasons behind what I said. Going ng from 50 to 150 watts adds six dB to the speaker. BFD. You still have that similar NAD sound in the end. You can do much better for the same money as I mentioned in my other reply.


ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

RE: New Schiit separates look interesting , posted on November 26, 2016 at 16:38:43
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I always like integrated amps for that very reason. Parting out. Only I've found that after a while it just worked better as an integrated amp.

Best of luck and you can't go wrong. The 375 IS a 165 and 275.

Post your review I would like to hear it.

 

RE: OK but, posted on November 26, 2016 at 16:51:35
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Thanks, Awe-d-o-file, that is an excellent suggestion. Unfortunately I have what is probably an irrational fear of used equipment.

I think I'm going to step back a bit and grab an NAD375BEE. It'll have the power I'm looking for, save me some money and simplify things.

In the future I can revisit separates and maybe consider a sweet used CJ solid state amp.

I appreciate the input.

Cheers,

Scott

 

Oh I DO agree with you on that, posted on November 26, 2016 at 17:39:06
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 Like getting a VTA ST-70 amp and a even a fair preamp would be better. But the OP doesn't want tubes and to be honest SS is just a big crap shoot. You only find out AFTER you own it.

Price and can you do better be damned. Better to get a review out of the mouth of someone that actually owns that amp than those bull filled reviews that is mostly an ad.

But for $1500 he IS doing just fine.

 

RE: OK but, posted on November 26, 2016 at 17:57:18
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I"m using a CJ Classic 2SE preamp as I type this. Sweet it ain't. Razor sharp and almost completely transparent it IS!!

However properly matched to a warmer amp like my VTA ST-70 using Gold Lion KT88 output tubes - magic!

I may??? also match it up with a McIntosh MC152 for the summer months being tubes will cook you here in Arizona.

 

RE: No way that's a lateral move, posted on November 26, 2016 at 19:43:59
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Yes, six dB isn't a big deal and I'm not concerned with it. What I'm looking for is 150 strong, affordable good sounding watts that the 375BEE should provide.

The 50 watts of my 320BEE is doing a great job but in my large room it struggles when hitting peaks in the low 90dBs even though it should be able to hit 101dB with 32 watts with my B&W speakers (different speaker maybe a different outcome, the B&Ws have a 3ohm low). That's not unique to my 320BEE. The 50 watts of my Arcam integrated runs into the same problem. I'll hand it to my 12 year old 320BEE; it plays with more ease and punch at the higher levels than my Arcam. NAD amps seem to push a lot of current.

So I'm looking for the 375BEE to loaf right along at the low 90dBs for music and movies with my speakers. I won't have to worry so much about damaging my speakers with too little power as well.

I am hoping for a touch more refinement, scale and a sense of ease moving to the 375BEE but you may be right in that I just get the same sound only louder. I'll find out when I hook it up.

Cheers,

Scott

 

RE: No way that's a lateral move, posted on November 27, 2016 at 06:53:56
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 Keep us posted when you get it. But let it burn in for a week first.

 

Definitely a lateral move, posted on November 27, 2016 at 08:11:45
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37666
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 from another NAD owner. More power and more features, but basically the same dark house sound.

 

RE: Definitely a lateral move, posted on November 27, 2016 at 08:32:51
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I can't speak for the C375 which I didn't recommend but the C275 separate is a definite step up. I think the weak link in the NAD is their choice of preamp voicing. A taste thing that I personally don't love nor hate. The separate amp doesn't have that problem.

 

And yet..., posted on November 27, 2016 at 08:38:43
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37666
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 you're constantly looking for new amps. Go figure. :)

Ever hear a first rate SS Pass Labs, C-J or Parasound Halo amp in your system?

 

To me having one system is strange, posted on November 27, 2016 at 08:48:30
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I gave up collecting amps for now. I was considering buying one but what I have really is quite good "to me".

Actually if anything I may look for another preamp to roll in and out of the system. Currently I'm using a Conrad Johnson Classic SE that is QUITE transparent and I do like it. However I may want something a tad "softer" for a change up. But I do NOT plan on letting go of the CJ or any of my current gear because I do like it.

I like to rotate (not sell) my gear and sound on occasion. I don't understand someone having one system and living with it forever and never wanting to try something else - Now THAT seems strange to me.

 

That really isn't the question, posted on November 27, 2016 at 10:17:16
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37666
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 But I agree having several for different areas of the house and garage. And one for HT.

I gather the answer to my question is no.

As for hearing a range of gear, I'll agree again. Having said that, I don't find value in comparing lots of lateral choices. My curiosity went beyond that. I listened to about a dozen exceptional amps including Pass Labs, Edge, ASL, ASR, VTL, Audio Research, Parasound, Atma Sphere and Joule Electra most of which were clearly out of my budget so that I understood what was possible. If budget wasn't a consideration, I think a pair of Siegfrieds or Xs300s would do quite nicely on the stats.

Then I made my decision. Now I enjoy the music. :)

 

RE: Definitely a lateral move, posted on November 27, 2016 at 10:56:05
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Thanks, E-Stat. That's basically what I'm looking for; more power and the NAD sound. And if I gain a bit in refinement (which I believe I will considering how the large power supply of the C375 will handle the load and drivers of my speaker) that will just be the icing.

While a I would like to be more on the curiosity side of hifi, I just don't have the budget or time to be listening/swapping/selling gear.

Some day I will enjoy trying different amps/pres and such. I would especially like to hear Pass or SS CJ. The Parasound, while well reviewed, I have never cared for. I've listened to the P5, JC2, A23, A21, and JC1s.

Thanks for the reply.

Cheers,

Scott

 

RE: Definitely a lateral move, posted on November 27, 2016 at 11:05:22
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Hey, Charles. If I keep reading your replies I still might end up with the C275BEE.;-)

I do feel if I go with the C375BEE I'll be ok. When I added the deHavilland tube pre to my C320BEE I felt it was very transparent. I had all the qualities I loved from that 320BEE amp section combined with the huge tone, richness, and resolution from that sweet deHavilland pre.

Cheers,

Scott

 

That's a nice choice, posted on November 27, 2016 at 11:21:34
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37666
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 but don't expect qualities like transparency or soundstaging to improve.

With that power, avoid power strips and plug it directly into the wall. I would suggest investing in a modestly priced aftermarket power cord as well.

Run sources through a conditioner for RFI/EMI rejection.

 

RE: That's a nice choice, posted on November 27, 2016 at 15:31:33
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Sounds good. I'll be using it with a WireWorld Stratus PC into a Porter Port Hubbell outlet. I have my sources plugged into an APC H15. Thanks for the tips.

Cheers,

Scott

 

RE: That's a nice choice, posted on November 28, 2016 at 09:17:03
bare
Audiophile

Posts: 1879
Joined: April 14, 2009
 As above :-)
Get a Pass labs/Firstwatt Likely the Last Amp you will ever want.
As a pre IF you want one? .. Buy 10k Cheap Chinese Dact 'clone attentuator (s), wire them into a Passdiy.com B1 buffer (~50$)
And never give amplifications a further thought.
Imo :-) B&W speakers Ain't the world's best.
So those may then show up as being limited though.
G luck

 

RE: That's a nice choice, posted on November 28, 2016 at 15:43:08
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Well, with my speaker budget none of my options would be considered "worlds best". I only considered speakers I could easily demo.

I listened to Golden Ear Triton Sevens, PSB X2T, Monitor Audio Silver 8 and my 683 S2s. I almost went with the MA Sliver 8s but they cost 20% more are harder to drive and the B&Ws for me had better bass (quality and quantity) and the treble was more to my liking. The MAs had a sweeter mid-range though.

Cheers,

Scott

 

RE: That's a nice choice, posted on November 28, 2016 at 17:27:41
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I have a pair of MA RX2. Very nice but not as natural sounding.

So far the best speaker I've had are my SR-71. Opps did I mention them again. If I mention them again I'll be banned!

Are you in the market for DIY kits. What kind of music do you listen to? If it's Jazz and rock you should check out the A26 kit over at Madisound.

 

RE: That's a nice choice, posted on November 28, 2016 at 17:45:50
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Thanks, airtime. No DIY at this time but I'd like to in the future. Over the years I have eyed that A26 a few times . I love that 10" woofer.

I think my first DIY speaker would be more this speed though:

Cheers,

Scott

 

Nice, posted on November 29, 2016 at 06:34:47
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 I wish I had the room to use those.

Take your time with speakers. I auditioned a number of them and the MA were good, actually the best in that showroom. But my SR-71 are just perfect and my MA sit in a closet. I understand you want full range. Best of luck finding them and DO let us know what you end up with.

 

Ok E-Stat , posted on November 29, 2016 at 06:39:20
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 Sell me! What is the difference between the NAD C275BEE and a First Watt F7(10k input) or F6(100k input)

If you can convince me I'll buy one next month to replace the NAD in the summer (110 degree summer) solid state amp rotation. GO!

 

RE: Ok E-Stat , posted on November 29, 2016 at 07:04:48
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37666
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 What is the difference between the NAD C275BEE and a First Watt F7(10k input) or F6(100k input)

I cannot speak to those lower powered Pass designs, only that of Threshold and Pass Labs. The equivalent model in terms of power would the the X-150 series of which there were three, the latest being the "point 8".

Sonic differences? Better low level resolution, dynamic punch, midrange clarity and top end extension. Don't get me wrong - NAD offers a great value for the money but is outclassed in terms of refinement by top tier products like this. A friend of mine just purchased an X-250.5 and is thrilled with it. Reno Hi-Fi sells used models with fully factory warranties for good prices. Worried about buying used? My 1981 Threshold Stasis offered over thirty years of trouble free use (driving reactive stats) before I sold it. These amps are hand built to a higher level of quality than you find with NAD.

Auditioning one of these might end your quest for better. :)

edit: If you'd like to see the guts, click here.

 

RE: Ok E-Stat , posted on November 29, 2016 at 07:32:33
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 The Xs-150 and 300 look great!!!! but out of my price range as well. I was checking out the integrated INT-60 thou. $7k is the tippy top I could swing. The Reno site IS a big help - thanks.

 

RE: Ok E-Stat , posted on November 29, 2016 at 08:06:29
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37666
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 The Xs-150 and 300 look great!!!! but out of my price range as well.

Well, $65k-$85k is out of most folk's budget! I gather you get the double entendre of the model designation: "ex-cess".

Note that Reno has an X-150.8 for under $5k. I would prefer using a power amp with a good tube preamp. Which is exactly what I did in 1981 when I matched an Audio Research SP-6 with my Stasis 3 to drive Acoustat 2+2s.

 

RE: From NAD C320BEE to C165/C275BEE, posted on December 1, 2016 at 01:37:00
KanedaK
Audiophile

Posts: 2519
Location: Brussels
Joined: April 27, 2010
 IMHO the enjoyable part of the C320BEE (should I say: of most NAD roducts) is the power amp section. The preamp section is the limiting factor.
I believe the preamp is always the most difficult (and expensive) link to get right; so many of them just plain suck or are so-so!

Wether the C165 preamp will be an upgrade over the preamp section of the 320 I can't comment on; I would think it will, but then there are more refined alternatives if you can go past that (mostly unfounded) fear of buying used...

 

RE: From NAD C320BEE to C165/C275BEE, posted on December 5, 2016 at 15:22:11
Leopard2A6
Audiophile

Posts: 84
Location: So.Cal
Joined: May 21, 2006
 Hello,

I had an NAD C320BEE, which I purchased used and died in 2 years. It would not power up. It sound warm and round, which translated into a comfort sounding.
Then I purchased the NAD C165/C275BEE combo, connected via an audioquest diamondback. It sound a bit cleaner yet retained that NAD sound. I sold the pair and got the NAD C375BEE integrated, which many reviews stated it had a better and cleaner treble transparency but with the robust bass output. Yes, it sounded better than the NAD combo, but I always felt something was missing and it sounded somewhat compressed, especially in the midrange.


After 5 years of the C375BEE ownership with unimpressed & somewhat disappointing sounds, it died. A major and unknown problem that two NAD repair center could not find and fix.

Now, I got a Cambridge Audio CXA60 integrated amp. After 100 hours of break-in, I found some musical details I have been missing for last 5 years.
It does not have the ultimate transparency. But the high notes are audible and a way better midrange presentation. The bass is not robust as the NAD, but it goes deep and tuneful.

No messing around with interconnectors either. I am kind of glad that the NAD died/failed on me. My limited budget does not allow me try other expensive gears, but the CXA60 gives me what I want for now.

I got it through the Amazon Prime with a 30 day trial. On the 20th day, I decided to keep the CXA60.

Best,

 

RE: From NAD C320BEE to C165/C275BEE, posted on December 5, 2016 at 17:22:54
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Thanks for sharing your experience with the NAD 165/275BEE, Leopard2A6. Enjoy you Cambridge CXA60. That is a great integrated. Would you mind telling me the speakers you are using and the size of your room, please? Thanks.

Cheers,

Scott

 

RE: From NAD C320BEE to C165/C275BEE, posted on December 5, 2016 at 19:42:48
Leopard2A6
Audiophile

Posts: 84
Location: So.Cal
Joined: May 21, 2006
 Hi Scott,

My dedicated listening room size is 16'x 19'x 8' with acoustic panels.
My main speaker is the Opera Quinta V (Original model). When I was using the NAD C375BEE, I thought that my speaker sounded too warm and lacked details. I was going to sell my speakers(Opera V)but the new CXA60 renewed the speaker's potential in the mid & highs. Also the bass is presented with more tuneful excitement.

I also use the Peachtree audio/ERA D5 bookshelf speakers with a Boston Acoustics PV1000 sub. I prefer the two way design speakers over 3 way design speakers when I listen to violin/string music. I want to hear the violin sound through the tweeter(mostly).

I also have a pair of Peachtree Audio D4, a little brother of D5, but quite enjoyable for late night listening without bothering my spouse in the 2nd floor bedroom.

The CXA60 is rated 60W at 8 ohms, but the power delivery is more than adequate even for the big Opera V (rated 4 ohms). Also I get to turn the volume control around/over the 12 O'clock position.

With the NAD C375BEE, the volume control can not be dialed beyond 11 O'Clock. I am careful not to exceed 90 dB/SPL.

I also have an NAD C720BEE receiver, which is the same as the NAD C320BEE with a tuner in my exercise room. I play DJ Tiesto's techno stuff when I am on the treadmill. The bass is robust, yet the details in the mid & high are quite muddy and veiled. I will get another CXA60 in the future for my exercise room.

If my NAD had not failed on me, I would not have found the CXA60.

Good luck and Merry Christmas to you.

Leo,

 

RE: From NAD C320BEE to C165/C275BEE, posted on December 6, 2016 at 07:24:58
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
 Leo, thank you for the reply. You have some great gear to listen through. The Cambridge gear is well thought out, sounds great and looks excellent too.

Like you I have found that all the NAD integrateds seem to have high gain and there isn't much room on the volume control before it gets too loud. I would prefer to the the VC between 11 o'clock and 1 for spirited listening. That also helps for dialing-in lower volume listening.

Thanks for the insight and Merry Christmas to you as well.

Cheers,

Scott

 

RE: That's a nice choice, posted on December 6, 2016 at 09:51:31
Awe-d-o-file
Dealer

Posts: 21037
Location: 50 miles west of DC
Joined: January 10, 2004
 I'm resigned to parallel and passive filtering for high current devices.


ET

"If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

 

Page processed in 0.035 seconds.

[ Top Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]