What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
07 MAY 2008
NAD C325BEE
This NAD is now a fine amplifier that deserves serious c consideration at this price level
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The first NAD C325BEE amplifier we heard received a rather frosty three stars. Once its status as a pre-production sample was explained and a reworked,retail-ready example delivered to our testing rooms, the verdict was a much more positive four-star rating.
We can tell that Bjorn Erik Edvardsen is the key man behind much of the new technology found inside this NAD amplifier – hence the ‘BEE’ portion of its product name. Mr Edvardsen’s initials have graced several of NAD’s best performers over the years, not least a long-time favourite of ours, the C320BEE.
The C325BEE is certainly well specified. There are seven line inputs, plus connections for headphones and MP3 players, together with 50w of power per channel. There’s also a wealth of innovations. NAD’s PowerDrive technology adjusts the power supply levels of the amplifier in line with what your music demands and your speakers can deal with.
Meanwhile, Soft Clipping and BEE Clamp both help to keep your amplifier from being overdriven and keep it stable when stretched. No doubt you’re as familiar as us with NAD amplifiers’ build quality and design, which remain decent if uninspiring compared to some rivals.
Fine composure
Blast out The Raconteurs’ debut album, and you’ll find the C325BEE capable of digging up plenty of detail, while offering a midrange full of body and a decent overall tonal balance.
Compared to the first version we heard this latest one turns out to be a far more cohesive performer. It's has a dynamic and punchy presentation that keeps a firm grip of the music no matter how complex it gets.
Listening to Paul Simon’s Surprise, which requires a delicate hand of control, the C325BEE now delivers a precise and seamless sound. There's plenty of detail on show and plenty of bite when the music requires.
Our only complaint would be a marginal shortfall of rhythmic drive and a slight loss of subtlety. That said, this amplifier is now a far more enjoyable listen than it used to be and is now worthy of serious consideration.