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I can get both of thee amps locally for a decent price- $200.00 for the Onkyo and $250.00 for the NAD. They both appear to be in great shape both coming with remote, and the NAD even has the original box and manual. Im not sure when they were made, but these amps aren't that old so I don't think it matters. Whichever I choose will be driving a pair of PSB Stratus Mini's that ive had forever and don't see replacing anytime soon. Iv'e actually heard the NAD with my speakers and liked it, but didn't care for the Denon PMA 2000ivr I once had ( too laid back). Anyone have experience with these two amps and is this a good deal... maybe I should just buy both then sell whichever I like least.
Edits: 07/09/14Follow Ups:
Well I tested both amps and the NAD is the winner with the PSB's, I think mostly do to the extra power. The Onkyo actually sound more "open" on the mids/highs, but could also just be because the bass isn't as prominent- who knows.
Anyways, would upgrading the power cord on the NAD c372 improve the sound? Or is this just a waste of money? I would like the sound to open up somewhat and am thinking of this upgrade.
Heck, get both!
Even if you don't like the NAD it has a wonderful power amp built in. That can be used, with great results!, with a passive. Like my one setup.
I find the NAD amps to be quite transparent. Meaning they just amplify and don't muck up the sound. Crystal clear true reproduction from the source. However, I find NAD preamps to be light in the midrange. Why??? but it seems to be a consistent finding. I think it's because NAD wants to bring out more of the upper and lower range to make the sound seem cleaner yet with plenty of bass. But the midrange and lower midrange magic is clearly edged out.
good luck with your choice
charles
I figured why not, after some extensive reading iv'e read nothing but good things about this amp..and for $200.00 I couldn't resist. Also, my first amp ever was an Onkyo TX-8511 and always liked it. I'll try and listen to them both and post results.
Edits: 07/09/14
I went with the NAD but haven't had time to listen yet.. the main reason was the power 150w vs the Onkyo's 85w. This was important since the PSB's are highly insensitive. Thank for the input guys.
I own two NAD products myself, a C-160 preamp used in one system and a T-763 receiver in another. Their sins are largely of omission - eminently musical but a touch dark on top. They offer great bang for the buck.
I think you'll like it.
BTW- The early production C372's had inferior power supply capacitors. The later ones had higher rated cap's. Some reported minor explosions I think. I bought mine in'09, and they had the new cap's in for maybe a couple years by then. I read a notice on the NAD support page a couple years ago. Maybe it's still there if you want the details. Bottom line from NAD was that you needed to pay special attention to adequate ventilation.
Listening to components in your own system really is the best way. Given both can be had for not too much coin, I'd buy both and sell the loser.
Some folks, including me, ultimately find switching amplifiers like the Onkyo unsatisfactory at reproducing music. You need to make that judgement call.
What does this mean please explain.. I know the Onkyo is digital but don't know what this means exactly.
Same thing as digital or class D. It amplifies via digital switching at very high frequencies then must filter out the carrier signal.
The NAD is a traditional analog class AB amp.
'd' was just the next letter in line. 'd' amps are NOT digital.
E-stat is right about high switching frequencies and filters. THAT, IMO is the real problem with 'd' amps. I found them, in the long run, to not satisfy in the higher registers and to produce what I think were phase effects which also diminished the experience.
My new 'A/AB' amps are wonderful.
Too much is never enough
The NAD C372 is just one generation old- the new one is the C375. I haven't heard it but I use a NAD 326 BEE with PSB Stratus Silver i's. I'm very pleased with the sound ( and this after using a Bryston amp and pre)
and haven't upgraded because it sounds so good.
You have nothing to lose by trying both but the NAD seems to like PSBs IMO.
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