Danielk141 You are starting to get into realms that I don't deal with but here but here is the statement for the S-100 manual.
From input to output, the S100's circuits are engineered for very-low-distortion Class-A operation, with a vanishingly low output impedance (long an NAD hallmark) that reduces the sonic impact of cable impedance to near insignificance. And it provides a choice of primary outputs: conventional, unbalanced RCA jacks, and fully balanced XLR jacks. Unlike those in many consumer products, the latter are true "pro-audio" outputs capable of delivering up to 20 volts to 600-ohm loads while significantly reducing susceptibility to external hum and noise.
Maybe you can interpret that. I listened extensively to the Adcom GTP-750 since I owned Adcom equipment before this system. I felt that the NAD was just much more smooth and balanced to my ear. I also discovered during testing different gear that I like the balanced connections between the preamp and amplifier but the single ended connectors between the CD player and the preamp just sounded better.
So what I am getting from most is that there may be a difference in amplifiers but the real difference is in the preamp in my system. I have been listening to a Sim Audio Moon P-5 and was thinking about taking it home soon but I have not heard that much from it that would make me think that I am lacking at home.
GregM, when I am speaking of sterile due to a lack of tonal balalnce, I am repeating what I am hearing from some. I am not stating that I hear that. But I am wondering if I am missing something since I don't know any better. You don't know what you are missing until hear it in something or some where else. I tend to like my listening a but more analytical (favor SS ) than smoothed out (tubular) so I will favor towards something that seems to sound more accurate than something that may sound more musical but lacking detail. So I have to like the sound. My mileage does vary obviously. Dale