New Acoustic Dimension Electronics, known as NAD, is a reliable source for budgeting audiophiles. I found that a NAD integrated amplifier is equipped with reliable features, but the cost of their product is budget friendly.
One that I became fond of was the NAD C316BEE integrated amplifier. For an integrated amp, I found that the NAD 316BEE has been one of the most reliable and monetarily affordable. This article is a review of how NAD C316BEE is affordable, why it stands out among other best stereo amplifier, and why choose the 316BEE compared to other NAD electronics?
How NAD C 316BEE Stands Out?
If you are a budget-conscious audiophile, the NAD C 316BEE integrated is your preferred amplifier. NAD was able to produce an amplifier with quality, budget-friendly parts. This is a major factor but there are more details why a NAD integrated amplifier is preferred:
- NAD is a reputable brand, one of the first companies to introduce integrated amplifiers. Since 1972, they have focused on producing reliable audio components with high-level continuous power. In 1978, NAD made its mark in technology over the years when it released its famous 3020. This illustrates reliability within the reputation that has been built in a little more than four decades.
- The integrated complex loudspeaker with dynamic power is usually a high-end product. Brands add new fancy features to their amplifier to target high-end consumers, restricting low-end consumer options. NAD focuses on consumer satisfaction by providing the necessities, allowing products to be more budget-friendly when applying features while consumers with reliable quality. In comparison to other amplifier brands, the C 316BEE integrated may not have fancy bells and whistles but it provides the combination of high levels of undistorted dynamic sound, the main goal.
- Manufacturers and producers lean more towards manufacturing products with fancy features to increase profit. However, this takes away from details, quality of the amplifiers, and reliability. NAD avoids this issue by maintaining quality, defining the term ‘finesse’ with the 316BEE amplifier. Not only by maintaining the core features with budget-friendly components but, by moderating the C 316BEE integrated upgrades. Since then, the NAD C 316BEE V2 was launched with enhanced features, including the phono stage feature, and still maintains an affordable budget.
- Despite the change of technology, NAD has maintained its reputation as one of the simplest amplifiers manufactured by avoiding unnecessary features. Despite the high-quality features, the C 316BEE integrated has been able to maintain plug-and-play simplicity eliminating the need for any additional knowledge.
NAD Audio made sure to keep their audience in mind when applying upgrades, leading to the creation of the C 316BEE V2. In doing so, consumers now listen to a good, hi-fi quality sound stage.
Features
NAD had initially developed the C 315BEE and it quickly exceeded market expectations, becoming recognized as an award-winning design. Then, the NAD C316BEE was developed, exceeding the features of its predecessor.
The NAD C 316BEE integrated is an amplifier that was developed for affordability among entry-level audiophiles but still maintains deep bass extension, improved power efficiency, and musical performance. It is even debated that despite the 40-watt output, the C 316BEE could come on like a 100-watt amp; this is still highly debated among many audiophiles, though. Regardless of their opinions, many beginners and experienced audiophiles alike have found the C 316BEE integrated to be their end-all amplifier because of its affordability and simplicity.
The NAD integrated amp has been upgraded to accommodate for excessive noise, high-level distortion power, high current drive, all a remarkable combination of high performance and dynamic power. The C 316BEE raised the standard bar for the complex loudspeaker’s output performance, continuous power, and high current drive needed for peak performance.
Build
Starting with the on the backside of a NAD amplifier, it is good to note that you CANNOT remove upgrades from the primary cord, but you WILL need a grounded AC receptor or separate grounding. Also, on the backside is a switch, directly below the primary cord, which allows you to save energy in Standby Mode. Of course, there is the usual warning information and hazard labels for you to be aware of but there is also a single set right and left, 5-way binding posts; very useful in the event you have multiple set of speakers.
On the NAD C316BEE V2, there is the moving magnet, or MM, phono input with a gang of 4-line inputs, each coded red and white to identify stereo channels. This is the perfect feature for those who wish to hear their vinyl records played with good THD levels.
NAD provides remote control for convenient control. The inputs, headphone jack, and source selector buttons have been well arranged to help you use one set without disrupting any others that you have set. The controls have not had much adjustment, which is a good thing considering they were not an issue with previous models. The Bass, Treble, and Balance remain, of course, with a tone defeat button between them, however, I have found that the volume button’s upgrade is a small inconvenience because it is not easy to grip. This is easily remedied with the use of the remote-control volume control options.
There are 12 inputs and outputs on the C 316BEE, including headphone output, all of which are labeled but the labels do wear away with consistent use. However, the overall design of the integrated amp is based on the style of its predecessors. With that said, it maintains its simplicity in understanding and overall use for any skill level ranging from novice to expert.
Power Output
The NAD C316BEE sends 40 watts per channel into 8 ohms speakers. This may not be the best performance power, but it still provides great output for light speakers. It has been suspected among audiophiles that C 316BEE can come on like it is 100-watts, but this is still highly debated with no signs of an end. The C 316BEE has a great sound, despite being 40 watts per channel, but if you are looking for something that can handle more power with a guarantee, then this is not the device for you.
Sound
The NAD C316BEE is a cheaper 40-watt integrated stereo amp that offers a high-end amplifier power. It may be simple and easy to use, but, as mentioned above, do not think its performance lacks in any way.
I was skeptical, initially, but when I connected to a pair of Klipsch Heresy III speakers, I was impressed. They did not overload the amp, nor were they even able to challenge it. Next, I experimented with the C 316BEE with low-impedance Magnepan, 3.7 flat panel speakers. The NAD gave its best and I was quite surprised how well they did working together. I played songs from my favorite playlist, including my favorite, “Something Inside So Strong” by the late Jim Reeves. Every vocal and instrument was so clear, even the deep bass extensively touched every part of my spirit, leaving me lost among the chords.
After experimenting, I was able to conclude that the NAD C316BEE is good for all speakers, including headphone output, but the 40 watts per channel does not measure up when working with speakers like Parasound. However, NAD keeps focus on producing quality sound.
Note: The NAD C 316BEE integrated does not come with a phono input for turntables. If you wish to use turntables, you must acquire the NAD PP2i phono preamp.
Pros
- Study design
- Simple to use
- Cost-effective
Cons
- Lacks MM phono input
- 40 watts per channel
Verdict
The C316BEE, a great first option for audiophiles. The amplifier maintains modern features while still maintaining affordability. Just remember, this amplifier has a lower wattage and, while the amplifier provides great sound, it may not possess your power expectations.
