Comments on: NAD C 316BEE V2 Integrated Amplifier Review [Updated]

By: Mike C.

Mike C. — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 17:18:09 +0000

In reply to Ian White. My bad, for some reason my garbled brain was under the impression the AXA35 was a Class D. That being said I own a 10 year old $2800 CDN integrated (that now sells for $5000) and am more and more confronted with the reality of modern budget amps delivering a good percentage of the musical enjoyment provided by it.

By: Ian White

Ian White — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 14:01:43 +0000

In reply to Mike C..

Mike,

As I own both the NAD 316BEE V2 and the Cambridge AXA35, I’m slightly confused. Both are Class AB amplifiers. The Cambridge has a softer edge but an equal amount of drive. The MM phono stage inside the AXA35 is very capable with a good MM cartridge. The AXA35 would be better with more neutral sounding loudspeakers.

Best,

Ian White

By: Mike C.

Mike C. — Sun, 03 Mar 2024 13:17:23 +0000

Hi Ian,
Always thought the 316BEE was THE go-to choice in that category. However I have heard that some people who compared it to the Class D Cambridge AXA35 preferred the latter. I have always steered clear of anything Class D but was recently surprised by the cheap Chi-fi Fosi ZA3. Any thoughts?
Thanks

By: Ian White

Ian White — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 16:42:53 +0000

In reply to Mark Spencer.

Mark,

Yes. A Dongle DAC between your laptop and the C316 BEE would certainly make a difference. I would suggest a Dongle DAC over a desktop DAC because of its use as a portable headphone amplifier as well if you ever consider going down that path.

Which loudspeakers are you using?

Best,

Ian White

By: Mark Spencer

Mark Spencer — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 14:10:27 +0000

Hi,

Would you recommend a DAC for the NAD C316 BEE? I have this amp, and I am currently playing through my laptop’s 3.5mm jack connected to RCA inputs. Will a DAC improve FLAC or 320mp3 audio?

By: Ian White

Ian White — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 00:32:47 +0000

In reply to John Ulreich.

John,

Really depends on the tonal balance of the speakers. I need more info. It definitely has the power.

Best,

Ian White

By: John Ulreich

John Ulreich — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 14:12:41 +0000

Hi Ian,Good stuff above. Would this C 316BEE amplifier work well in a small room with B&W CDM1 special edition speakers? I am currently listening to a marantz 1060 at 30w.

By: Ian White

Ian White — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 16:03:12 +0000

In reply to JP.

JP,

It really depends on the tonal balance of the Model 5. The C 316BEE V2 has a slight bump in the midrange that adds some warmth to every speaker. It also some decent energy in the treble that will awaken otherwise reticent loudspeakers in the top end.

Best,

Ian White

By: JP

JP — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 18:19:26 +0000

Hi Ian – great info and thanks for the review. Would the NAD pair well with a pair of the KLH Model 5 in your opinion? Using a Pro-Ject Carbon EVO turntable. Thanks in advance! JP

By: Scott Frank

Scott Frank — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 20:32:38 +0000

I had a NAD 1020 pre-amp and 2140 power amp back in the eighties and absolutely loved the combination. Even added a second 2140 and ran them bi-amped for a while until the electronics in the amps started to break down and I switched to a Rotel pre-amp/power amp setup which I’ve enjoyed for 20+ years. I also restored a NAD 3140 that I’ve been listening to quite a bit. But the Rotel pre-amp just failed, and when I took it in for servicing I saw the NAD C 316BEE V2 and simply had to buy it. I really love the simplistic design approach (I have a component level DAC, Sonos, phono pre-amp, tuner, etc.) and love having a new piece of gear in the mix.