NAD - C -326BEE - Stereo Integrated Amplifier

by Nad

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 15.2 pounds
• ASIN: B0030IY6OU
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,419 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 18, 2009

Product Description

The NAD C320 series of amplifiers have always punched far above their modest weight. Combining the highest levels of audio engineering with an extensive feature list, and more than adequate power for all but the most ambitious systems, the C326BEE keeps the concept of affordable high-end alive and well. With the very high dynamic power and low impedance drive capability of NAD's proprietary PowerDrive circuit, the C326BEE is able to accurately control even difficult to drive loudspeakers while sounding musical, detailed, coherent and relaxed. "The NAD delivers such an enjoyably flowing, supple, and dynamic experience that we don't hesitate to give it Five Stars," reports the April 2009 issue of England's What Hi-Fi? magazine. The 40-watt-per-channel C326BEE is the latest in NAD's range of affordably priced, yet very high performance stereo integrated amplifiers. Neatly slotted in between NAD's most affordable C 315BEE and more powerful C 355BEE, the C326BEE boasts many upgrades and refinements taken directly from the highly acclaimed NAD Masters Series M3 Amplifier. These include application of Bjorn Erik Edvardsen's innovative and patented Distortion Canceling Circuit in the output stage and BEE Clamp in the power supply. An improved tone control circuit and revised PCB layout has reduced distortion and noise to unprecedented levels. Taken together, these improvements mark a sharp upturn in performance that must be heard to be fully appreciated!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars NAD 326bee - Integrated Amp - Few Complaints, August 14, 2009

By 

FatHead (st louis, mo) - See all my reviews

speakers - mid 1990's B&W CDM2 bookshelf; sources: Ipod Touch; Denon DVD-3800 player; Samsung HD T.V. Wonderful integrated amp so far. This amp replaces a Denon AVR-3803 7.1 receiver, which only lasted a little over four years until the unit decided not to work anymore. Complaints: runs volcano hot - so don't plan on putting anything on top of the amp; can't tell the position of the volume dial because the dial is not back-lit, nor are there any markings on the bezel around the volume dial; stupid naming convention for NAD models. Kudos: powerful enough to drive my 2.1 system; amazing clean sound; clean, simple look on the front of the chassis; line level input for a digital media player source, such as an mp3 player. I am not an audiophile snob, but I do like to get quality gear without spending a fortune. I think the NAD integrated amp fits the bill. Paid ~$500 at local store. There probably are better integrated amps out there than the NAD 326bee, but I think the dollar amount would start at ~ $800. I do not see a reason to not get the NAD 326beee, unless the desire is to fill a stadium-sized room. Now go listen to some good 'ol fashioned 2 channel goodness!

update on 11/01/2009
let's hope the following is a fluke and not indicative of NAD quality. The unit is in the shop after ~90 days of use because of popping out of one channel, regardless of source selection. Took the unit to my B&M shop where i bought it, where the shop said that it was getting "fixed." This may be the first/last piece of NAD equipment, depending on the outcome of the correction to the problem.

update on 12/10/2009
The local B&M shop was smart and kind enough to get a new unit from NAD, rather than waiting for the 3+ weeks I was out while waiting on back ordered parts to fix the unit. I still thoroughly enjoy the amp, and still think it's an impressive amp to upgrade a two-channel music system. My original commments about the unit running hot - that should be a clue that there's something wrong with the unit. The replacement runs warm, but not as hot as the original unit did. I've been with the replacement unit for about three weeks, and all seems to working as it should.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This amp woke my system UP., July 18, 2009

By 

J. Schaeffer (SE Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I bought this amp on the advice of a trusted shop in my area. My situation was that I was looking to replace the Yamaha RX-V750 that I was using in my newly started listening room. Mated to a Pioneer Elite 47Ai Universal Player and B&W 685 monitors (and ASW650 sub), I felt that there was plenty of room for improvement in the system but wasn't 100% sure which way to turn or which component I should focus $500 on. The advice was to try this amp out with the assurance that I could return it if I wasn't impressed.

I'm not through the break-in period and I'm 100% thrilled with the difference this NAD stereo receiver has made in the sound of my 2 channel setup. My B&W 685's sound 100% better with this receiver than they did with the Yamaha (even in its respective "Pure Direct" mode) - and I was still quite pleased with the way the Yamaha sounded. I was really skeptical about how much improvement I might really notice swapping receivers, thinking that the Yamaha might actually just have more than what I needed and it's 2-channel capabilities might be just fine. But really the straight-forward design, high-current NAD design is EXACTLY what my ears were looking for. I can't be happier.

Overall, the full spectrum of sound sounds more robust, the highs are more clear, and without a doubt the lows are punchier. Everything seems far more clear. My biggest surprise is how much better SACD's sound with this receiver. This has been an eye-opening switch.

5.0 out of 5 stars Just what I needed!, July 24, 2010

By 

Darren R. Guffey - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

I am more than satisfied with the sound production of this amp. I have set this amp. on a wire cage shelf which issues of heat are not noticed. I love the simple nature of the design and easy function switching.

The only item of improvement would be: Include a light indicator on the volume control. I generally listen to music in low light conditions.