I have the 326BEE and also think it great for the $$$. I use it in a 2nd system. When I tried it in my main system I was impressed with the performance. Tonal character, dynamics, soundstage quite good driving Esoteric MG-10s. Probably a great match with the Focals, I am thinking of buying a used pair of the Focal 706s to try with mine. Currently have B&W 685s. |
Forgot to add, with 87dB sensitivity, 8 ohm nominal 12 o,clock the amp is maxed out, playing louder than I need. If running like that I would want more power. |
I believe the 326BEE is best suited for speakers that are 87dB sensitive and nominal 8 ohm, possibly dropping not much below 4 at some point in frequency range (few 8 ohm nominal speakers truly are) . A nominal 4 ohm load at 87dB sensitivity is probably not too difficult a load. |
Opps, I wrote...probably not too difficult a load. Not! on not.
I am happy with the 326 for a second system. There are so many quality speakers, at the budget I would pair such an amp with, that will not challenge it power wise.
I am currently using a 0.5m audioquest interconnect to replace jumpers.
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I believe the 320 was predecessor to the 325 which was in turn predecessor to the 326. Possible that they differ in ability to provide power. Also possible that these speakers possess different load characteristics.
What is the sensitivity for the Rainmakers and Dreamcatchers?
Also, though both are rated as nominal 4 ohms they could represent quite different impedance loads across frequency range. And then there is phase angle.
What are thoughts on the use of the soft clipping function?
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Thanks ben! I was going to look them up. It seems to me that the amplifier load that these 2 speakers represent are similar with the Rainmaker being slightly more difficult.
I believe the B&W 685s are somewhat easier to drive however not exceptionally so. I have never turned the gain on my 326 past 11 driving them. That is quite loud with my system set up outside on the deck.
Back in 1982 I bought a NAD 3050, the 50wpc version of the infamous 3020. I know 2 people who still have functioning units. 35 years later. |
I am also using the AQ type 4 speaker cables with mine. Also AQ 0.5m Diamondback interconnects in place of jumpers. Soundstage and imaging as well as detail is improved.
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I recently bought a used Wyred4Sound DAC2. It allows selection of output gain with fixed output. I reduced the output such that I could remove a greater portion of the attenuation on my 326BEE such that I now can turn volume to 3 o'clock to get desired loudness. Amp sounds less congested, more refined. It also seems to me that the degree of attenuation/volume sweep distance is less between 12 and 3 o'clock than between 9 and 12 o'clock. I intend to continue exploring this. |
I am thinking of going up the NAD line, though I will likely look for a used unit. I tried the soft clipping function on the 326 however think it reduces dynamics. How much better does the 356 drive speakers over the 326? I am thinking I could use a little more juice. |
Thanks for the reply. Yes I understand the power issue. In my primary system I use a BEL 1001 MK5 which is also rated at 50wpc however pushes 200wpc into a 2 ohm load. It offers far more control over any speaker than the 326. Regarding the two NADs I am thinking the 356 would better drive a 6-8 ohm speaker of medium sensitivity knowing most of them drop to 4 ohms somewhere below 2K Hz. As do the current speakers I am using (B&W 685s). Thinking more toward control, the 326 provides the desired loudness however the 356 would offer greater control at higher volume, as your statements indicate. As I like to play around with different speakers, the extra control will open up more possibilities.
There is a NAD356 and a Arcam A19 up for sale on AG now... I will keep everyone posted.
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I have always been a fan of NAD integrated amplifiers for their sound, however when you get past the price of the C356BEE, the competition gets stiffer. Let us know how things progress with the 375. |
I look forward to your report. I just received a 356BEE yesterday and will check it out today and report back as to what I think compared to the 326BEE. |
Well, I compared my 326 to the 356 driving a pair of Esoteric MG-10s in a 12x15' room. Not surprising they sound more alike than different. I agree that the bass might be a little tighter with the 356.
I do believe that for my outside system I will like the added power of the 356, having somewhat less strain on the amp at loud levels. Don't believe the 356 would hold much advantage over the 326 when paired with the B&W 685s (or other speakers representing a similar load) with system placed in bedroom size room. This statement based on retail price.
Next sunny day, I will take the two amps outside for a walk with the 685s and possibly the MG-10s. |
I forgot to mention, I don't understand why NAD can't make an integrated such that the preamp gain requires so much attenuation that the amp is at capacity when volume is at ~12 o'clock. |
Avanti, at what volume level did you find the 356 running out of steam with the PSBs? I have not owned the Marantz integrateds, however have heard them in dealer systems and believe them to be of great value. I purchased my 326 new from a dealer friend of mine, and the 356 from a dealer online as new, both at exceptional price. If not for that, I would have watched for a used Marantz PM800X series used.
Runnin, I am with you regarding the new NADs, I am not yet willing to go class D. The preamp gain on the 326 or 356 is not a major problem once one understands the limits of the amp. I think the 326BEE to be the better value over the 356 considering retail price. The competition broadens at higher price points. |
Chris, in as much as I like the NAD sound, if I had your experience I also would avoid the brand. If something go's wrong with my NAD356 I will look for a used Marantz 800x series integrated. |
I can't see using a 18 ga. cord on any amplifier.
Willland, I agree that the Yamaha integrates also merit consideration. |
213runnin, The one that came with my 356BEE is 18GA. It wasn't in the original packaging so may not have been the original. I never used the one that came with the 326BEE as I have other after market cables. I have the 326BEE and original cable double boxed up for shipment as I have that integrated up for sale. I believe it is similar to the one that came with the 356. Mostly I use Pangea AC14 with the NADs and all source electronics. I use the AC9 on my BEL 1001 power amp in my primary system.
I am not one to spend a great deal on power cables. However I feel that the Pangea cables can be had at a price point that it makes sense to use them over the far poorer quality cables that come with most electronics. I confess that I also find the sonic difference between these cables to be subtle, however real (Pangea vs. stock).
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Yes the soundstage on the NADs is one attribute I like about these amps. The harshness may more be due to the CD player not being warmed up. |
I am using a Schiit Bifrost with Uber output stage and a M2Tech USB/SPDIF converter with my 356BEE and very happy with this. |
What is sensitivity rating of the Tannoys vs. the Rainmakers? |
Speakers with the same impedance and sensitivity ratings can differ significantly regarding power demands. |
