Are NAD amps any good?

[stevos2005]

I posted a message earlier about the yamaha receiver. I'm going to try swapping the left and right channels in the pre-out main in, and that'll determine if it's the amp or the pre-amp (I think). So if it's in the amp, the actual left speaker would still sound weak, but if it's the pre-amp, the right speaker would sound weak.

If it's the amp, are NAD amps any good? What do you think of the C272? I want a good overall sound. Something that'll be better than the Yamaha's amps, drive my current Polk speakers well, but be very well matched for the Definitive Tech speakers I'll eventually get. I'm new to separates, but I like the versatility and the improved sound quality. Is there any particular amp you recommend (2 channel at least 100wpc under $1000)?

Also, if the pre-amp is bad, but the amp in the Yamaha RX-V2095, what do you guys recommend? I'm pretty lost if that'd be the case.

I appreciate the help.
Thanks!

[RGA]

It is difficult to say how a particular speaker will do with a particular power amp - sometimes there can be a startling improvement and other times almost none or just plain no difference. Get them to give you the amp over a weekend to let you try it out.

Power amplifiers are the strength of NAD and the C272 I believe has been popular for many years. Power supplies in receivers are so bad that I would bet you would notice a good improvement - but speakers have a say here --- and i can't be sure - so best is to try out the stores demo model and if you like it buy it if not return it.

[swampcat]

Sound like rec. is shot, why bother. Find an adcom dealer the gfa5400 power amp is 125wpc and lists for $600. The gfp710 Pre amp, lists for $600. Thats list ,you can negotiate at least both for $1000. I would think even less. The adcom power amps are really nice, good work horses, that sound really good. The gfa 5400 is the replacement for the gfa 545,and 545II. I own the original 545 and its a really good amp,Its 19 years old and works as good as the day I got it. I also own a Adcom gfa 555II and the same(15 yrs old). From reviews I've read Adcom has improved these amps alot (sound). The adcom pre amp is a entry level pre amp that should sound much better than a reciever. This pre amp has an on board phono section for mm or mc catridges(this could be a plus if interested in Turntables still). I also have an old adcom Pre amp very reliable and sounds good. All adcom pre amps can be switched from having tone conrols and the like or can be switched out, to be more like the pure approach of a striaght line pre amp (still not as pure).You would need to listen and see if you like them . Your ears need to be the judge, but its an idea for $1000. Adcom has no lights bells and whistles like you find on receivers today. Just what you need .Well thats it for my adcom commercial.

[swampcat]

Hey just realized you'll need a tuner. I dont use one myself and always forget about it( I hate radio). I have an HK tuner ,I keep it in the closet though. Any way Adcom and many other have tuner pre amp combos that have become quite popular. Try some of these. Sorry I dont Know prices of these. Probably entry level out there for $500 though. If you don't like radio, forget the tuner.

[pelly3s]

I have used both NAD and the old Proton stuff and they are great amps. A lot of power for the money and some of the best sounding amps in their price range. i would take them over the adcoms anyday

[AudioAlleyCat]

A older NAD 214 amp is good if you can find it. Try there integrated amps too. Other good value amps to try are Audiosource one and two, Rotel 980, B&K ST140. Good value preamps try Creek 42, B&K Pro 10 or Superphon Revelation I and II.

[swampcat]

I have used both NAD and the old Proton stuff and they are great amps. A lot of power for the money and some of the best sounding amps in their price range. i would take them over the adcoms anyday

Proton, come on, get real, these were cheap power houses with huge power meters. (lights ,bells + whistles). These came out at the same time of the big Adcom gfa555 Stereophile magazine craze. I can't tell you about NAD though, never seen one, let alone hear one. I've read reviews and comparisons in stereophile wich weren't to favorable.

Why jerry rig a rec. to an amp, if you can replace the entire thing with a pre amp and an amp or posibly a pre amp tuner combo if you need a tuner. The adcom will out perform any reciever. Dont know of many others at comparable prices. I think theres a B+K at tweeters store for around $600 but dont know about a pre. or pre-tuner combo for same price. Ive also read some less than favorable reviews on B+K as well as Adcom too. Need to listen to these systems and decide for yourself. We need to remember the goal here is to replace or add to a rec. for $1000 or less. Another suggestion would be ebay or a stereo trading post. A solid state amp is pretty hard to kill . May be able to get some great deals on power amps of all types. In my area we have two stores that sell and trade stereo equip. I picked up a pair of $1200 speakers for $300 (2years old) mint cond.

[bappy]

Sound like rec. is shot, why bother. Find an adcom dealer the gfa5400 power amp is 125wpc and lists for $600. The gfp710 Pre amp, lists for $600. Thats list ,you can negotiate at least both for $1000. I would think even less. The adcom power amps are really nice, good work horses, that sound really good. The gfa 5400 is the replacement for the gfa 545,and 545II. I own the original 545 and its a really good amp,Its 19 years old and works as good as the day I got it. I also own a Adcom gfa 555II and the same(15 yrs old). From reviews I've read Adcom has improved these amps alot (sound). The adcom pre amp is a entry level pre amp that should sound much better than a reciever. This pre amp has an on board phono section for mm or mc catridges(this could be a plus if interested in Turntables still). I also have an old adcom Pre amp very reliable and sounds good. All adcom pre amps can be switched from having tone conrols and the like or can be switched out, to be more like the pure approach of a striaght line pre amp (still not as pure).You would need to listen and see if you like them . Your ears need to be the judge, but its an idea for $1000. Adcom has no lights bells and whistles like you find on receivers today. Just what you need .Well thats it for my adcom commercial.

I agreed with you 100%, definitely Adcom. I have Nad 372 with my Dyna Audience 70 and now I added Adcom 555II, no question the improvement is almost 100%. Nad can not go even near to Adcom, when it is question to drive a very high power speaker.

Go for Adcom you will not regret it.

Good luck,
bappy
unquote

[Chris Early]

NAD amps are really ok if you want to hear a lot of detail, clarity and a nice bass.Personally I find NAD most of the time quite harsh. I prefer amps like the Rotel 1062,m with a less pure but more warm and relaxed sound. It's all a mater of taste.... If it's your taste, NAD is always good value for money.

[Dharris]

Audition as many amps as you can or would want to, and amke up your own mind.
When looking for opinions on a site like this one is exactly what youare going to get from most, opinions. Use these opinions as a starting point and enjoy your auditioning.