Pairing older NAD power amp with newer preamp

It appears that the C316BEE integrated amplifier does not provide pre-out jacks, so it could not be used in conjunction with the 214. With the C326BEE, which is also an integrated amplifier but does provide pre-outs, you would be paying for a power amplifier section that you would not be using, so that doesn't seem like a good choice either.

I have no specific knowledge of the C165BEE preamp, but after looking at the documentation on it I'd expect it to be a reasonable match.

If you don't need a phono stage in the preamp, however, in addition to considering passive preamps (which can work well but for good sonics require short lengths of low capacitance interconnect cables), you may want to consider the tube-based Antique Sound Lab Line Two DT.

Some years ago I temporarily used its predecessor model, the Line One, while my much more expensive preamp was down, and based on that experience I suspect it would give you better sonics than most solid state components at or close to its price range. Also, you would be able to tailor the sound by substituting tubes of various makes and vintages for its one tube (a 12AU7). My one slight concern, though, would be that if any of your sources have particularly high output levels (upwards of 2 volts or so), its apparently high gain might limit you to using the volume control in the lower part of its range, especially if your speakers have high sensitivity. That is true of a lot of preamps these days, though, when used with digital sources.

Regards,
-- Al

A minor point, Sandspur, but the ASL preamp also has a power indicator LED. It is located just above the logo.

Also, something to consider is that I believe 6N16B's have leads which are probably soldered to the circuit board in the SA-31 and other audio components which utilize them, rather than being socketed. Although IIRC that tube is rated for a very long lifespan, so replacement would presumably be required rarely if ever.

Good luck, however you decide to proceed. Regards,
-- Al

Sandspur, I believe that the 6N16B was developed for some specific military applications, which is one reason it is rated to have a very long lifespan, as I mentioned. It is unusual in that it connects via wires which emerge from its bottom, rather than solid pins. I am aware of just a few audio components that use it, although all of them seem to be generally well regarded at their price points.

The 12AU7, which as with most tubes that are used in audio applications is installed by being plugged into a socket, is widely used in audio components at pretty much all price points, even in some cases in components costing well into five figures. And as I mentioned earlier, the sound of a component which uses it can be altered and tailored significantly by substituting tubes of different makes and vintages. Here are some examples most of which are currently manufactured, and here are some mostly vintage examples.

Also, in case it wasn't clear, "IIRC" = "if I recall correctly." I usually try to minimize use of Internet shorthand, but I don't always succeed :-)

Regards,
-- Al

I found this pic of how the tubes are installed in the SA-31. Although it's hard to tell conclusively, I would have to think that since the tube has wires instead of pins the wires are most likely soldered to the board. Or possibly they are soldered onto terminals on the part which surrounds their base, and that in turn has pins which plug into some kind of receptacle underneath. But looking at the picture I'm doubtful that it's the latter.

Regards,
-- Al