2. amps-preamps
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Rotel vs NAD

looking at either the NAD 165 pre-275 amp combo, or the Rotel 1580 pre-1552 amp combo. anybody with experience with either i would love to hear your thoughts. i listened to the NAD combo today and really liked it. unfortunately i cant demo the Rotel in my area. insight into sound and build qaulity would be great.
maurager

Showing 2 responses by klaudio

klaudio
113 posts
 
Having had three Nad int amps.....two NAD pre/power amp combos and one Rotel pre/power amp combo I would go with the Rotel.

The Rotel does sound bright at first but I found the Rotel much more musical after break in. NAD's are "loud" for their price, but I found the Rotel much more articulate with a tube cd player.

I still have a couple of NAD int amps. Also own Mcintosh and Classe. Have also used Krell and many others.

Much better warranty with the Rotel. Maybe a better resale value......Just an opinion.
klaudio
113 posts
 
Just to add to the above post....you can run Rotel with
a 4ohm load. I am doing it right now. Contact Rotel if you have any questions. Their customer service is much better than NAD's. Trust me I have more NAD equipment than Rotel.
They just do not advertise it.....but state the power increases with a lower load.

Also try running either the NAD or Rotel with a better
(CJ, old Mcintosh etc.) preamp. Bothe of these amps are much better. I once had a Mcintosh C-15 with a NAD amp(270 I think). Believe it or not it was one of my most favorite systems. I have done this with both brands. Great improvement without killing your wallet for a high dollar amp.
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