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NAD C272/C162 vs C372

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After receiving positive fedback on the NAD amplifiers I have decided to make a purchase.
As I mentioned before I have the B&W 704 speakers. What would be the difference in sound between the NAD C272 Amp and C162 Pre-Amp combo versus the C372 Integrated amp. They both have the same power output but there is quite a difference in price. Also is the C320BEE Integrated Amp a good match for my speakers or is it underpowered. I also plan to purchase a NAD CD player. What are your thoughts on the C521BEE versus the C542 players. Who has the best prices on NAD components. Thanks again for all the great information and advice.

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Re: NAD C272/C162 vs C372 - manek 07:32:46 06/18/04 (0)
go for the pre power combo....being separate amps your preamp will be quiter and wont be sharing power supplies. your power amp will pack a bigger punch since it has its own power supply.
704's require good amplification and 162/272 is the best in the nad classic line so go for it. BTW the C162C has a decent phono stage as well.
manek.
Re: NAD C272/C162 vs C372 - DrBoom 07:13:46 06/18/04 (1)
Also is the C320BEE Integrated Amp a good match for my speakers or is it underpowered.
You may have different expectations, but my C320BEE drives my low impedance (4 ohm), low sensitivity (86dB/W/m) Dynaudios with great authority. Assuming the C372/C272 amps have the same "house sound", we're only talking about ~4.8dB of headroom between them and the C320BEE. I haven't listened to them side-by-side, but I will say that IMO the power difference isn't enough to base a decision on -- get the best sounding amp.
Who has the best prices on NAD components.
There doesn't appear to be much discounting on NAD stuff as some other brands, and you definitely want to buy from an authorized dealer if you're buying new; NAD takes a pretty strong position on their warranties only being valid for units purchased through authorized dealers. I managed to pay just a little more than some of the lower online prices at a local dealer, without negotiating. http://www.yawaonline.com/ seems to have pretty good prices, but I felt it was worth a few bucks to deal with someone who would take care of me if there was a warranty problem, etc. It's hard to make one's presence felt via email, eh?
Good luck, and try as hard as you can to do a home listening test before committing: out advice is no substitute for this critical last test.
- Sutpid kebord mkaes tyops - DrBoom 07:17:56 06/18/04 (0)
  Though I suppose it's a poor workman who blames his tools. ;-)
  out advice is no substitute for this critical last test.
  should read:
  our advice is no substitute for this critical last test.
Re: NAD C272/C162 vs C372 - Rattle 07:02:50 06/18/04 (1)
Hey Drpje,
It's me again! :)
I've been using a NAD C542/C372 combo driving a pair of modified Monitor Audio Bronze B2's (thanks to Rick of Selah Audio who did a great job with the mod) with great results. Although I have not heard the C272/C162 combo, I bet it has a similar sound to the C372, which I find very musical. The C272 & C372 are both rated at 150w/channel into 8ohms, however, the C272 - a pure power amp - will have more current gain than the C372 which plays a very important role in getting the best out of your 704's.
The 704's are not as easy to drive as suggested by their rated sensitivity, they really are power hunger and therefore require real power/current to perform their best. This is due to the complex crossover designs of the speakers, as I was once told by a commercial DIYer friend of mine who has been in the business for quite a few years. The 320bee, in your case, is simply out of question unless you don't want to hear what you are supposed to from the 704's. :) Again, happy listening.
- Re: NAD C272/C162 vs C372 - Clem G. 17:15:18 06/18/04 (0)
  Absolutely..I know of few integrateds that will compare to a good pre / power amp combination. I own a NAD C350 that ( while good enough for my purposes ) pales in almost every category in comparison to the C162/C272 combination. IMO this NAD pre/power combo is the best bang for the buck going and would be more than sufficiently punchy and resolving for a "good" set of speakers - whatever their efficiency.
  I also have the Bronze B2s and would be interested in finding out what this mod consists of...for a $400 pair of speakers, I love these things.

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