need advice on NAD components...

[monstertruck]

hi everybody,

 

ok, i'm a sucker for anything NAD, because i simply like its dark colours and simple yet elegant design, and the Gordon character played by John Cusack in High Fidelity is using NAD!!, and moreover it's budget for me. i almost bought an amp and a cd player from a ground-level shop at Adelphi (KEC sound? can't remember) a number of years ago (on impulse).

 

and now i'm renewing my interest in anything NAD (except speakers, perhaps?)

 

1) i have a huge problem with space constraint (as my mum does not want my room to be stocked with too many cds, dvds, electrical stuff and any wu-aye-bo-aye [rubbish in her eyes]) and a lack of adequate power socket (only 2 in my room, and one is being used up heavily by computer). so i can't afford to have something too big :(, too heavy :(, too many power supply needed :(, etc etc.

and hence i chance upon this cute combo! i understand that it may not be better than separate components, but it's good enough for me perhaps. :-[

 

NAD C715

http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-receivers/C-715-Compact-Music-Systems/details

 

my first choice would still be buying separate components and hook them up. any idea of where the C715 can be found, and whether is it actually even available in local shores? if there's anyone has tried this before (by luck), is it any good, compared to separate NAD components? i like to have good bass for my music.

 

2) am thinking seriously of changing my current CMI system. a micro hifi panasonic. ;D if you ask me, i strongly dislike the sound as it doesn't engage me at all (as expected), but i had no choice, coz it was cheap at the point of purchase, and it is indeed space saving, as each speaker is light and extremely small, smaller than Mordaunt Short 902i by more than a third. I place this on the top of my bookshelf which brings me to another concern.

 

this Vhive bookshelf is extremely sturdy, but i don't think it can withstand weight of the C715, let alone the separate components plus new speakers added together. this original 'setup' is only at most 4 kg, and if i am to change everything with better stuff, i'm afraid that the top of the bookshelf may not be able to withstand the tremendous pressure, though i can shift the bookshelf speakers elsewhere.

 

and hence can anyone enlighten me on whether a good bookcase can withstand the C715 at least? or at least a NAD cdplayer and a NAD amp (i don't need tuner actually).

 

3) i'm willing to consider untried and unheard of components, especially the weight looks right. but can anyone give me feedback or opinions on these below-mentioned, esp to those NAD lovers?

 

NAD C515BEE

http://nadelectronics.com/products/cd-players/C515BEE-CD-Player

NAD C315BEE

http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C315BEE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier

 

though i greatly prefer the grey-looking components.

 

4) i had missed the lobangs in the buy/sell forum but not in the right frame to buy anything now, as i need to get rid of my worthless micro hifi, and save up more money to buy second-hand NAD. my whole budget is incredibly low, around 300 for both cd player and amp, excl speakers, though i may consider new ones if i save up enough. therefore, my main option is to buy affordable second-hand NAD.

 

but can anyone enlighten me the most-advisable, best second-hand price for NAD? i understand that it's mostly between 120-150 bucks, and there's no lack of demand for it, but still, i would like to know what's the most advisable price to pay for a second-hand NAD. PM me if needed. i really wish to spend wisely and carefully.

 

and what are the things to especially look out for a second-hand NAD? the amp knob, the display light, the cd tray mechanism, the lens?

 

 

 

I understand that i'm asking a lot of (silly) questions, but i hope that any kind soul can offer me the advice that i need. i intend to fulfill my dream of having a NAD system without busting my pockets, yet enjoying an audio quality just good enough for my ears. :D

 

I apologise here right now for any ignorance on hifi setup, disrespect towards any forumers who are sincerely selling their NAD players (as i'm really tight on my wallet strings), and for all the difficult questions posed.

 

 

Thanks in advance, for reading, and more thanks for racking the brain.

[imbest]

NAD ---------------> powered by passion....... 8)

[civicguy]

NAD C715

http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-receivers/C-715-Compact-Music-Systems/details

 

my first choice would still be buying separate components and hook them up. any idea of where the C715 can be found, and whether is it actually even available in local shores? if there's anyone has tried this before (by luck), is it any good, compared to separate NAD components? i like to have good bass for my music.

 

WOW.. chio lei..... Maybe u can ask the distributor for NAD in SIngapore. That's Lenbrook Singapore

 

enquiry@lenbrook.com.sg

http://www.lenbrook.com.sg/

 

 

[monstertruck]

thanks for the contact, civicguy!

i tried calling today, but i suppose they don't work on weekends.

 

and so i went down to sim lim square, and went to the audio shop on the ground level. i made an enquiry about the availability of the C715 and the assistant told me that maybe it had not reached local shores yet, and that he would get back to me on Monday after he made the phonecall about this model. very helpful and sincere.

then i asked about the price of C542 which is absolutely hefty and out of budget for me, which i have not take the cost of amp and speakers into account yet.

the C541BEE model costs two hundred less, around 500 bucks. i couldn't tell much of the cosmetic difference, except for the display screen.

 

then i made my way to Adelphi, and went to the KEF shop on the ground level. TERRIBLE, is the word and it's an understatement.

i made the similar enquiry about the C715, and the guy gave me a bewildered look and immediately shot back at me, 'where got such model?'. *damn, i did my research ok? did you do yours?* so i told him 'yes, there is, and it's on the NAD website (for goodness sake)'

 

then he went to check his pricelist and made the claim that there's no such model again. this time, i'm almost furious, and told him in a not-so-nice manner, 'IT'S NOT THAT THERE'S NO SUCH MODEL, IT'S ON THE NAD WEBSITE. (did you even bother to keep yourself updated?) IF THE MODEL THAT I BROUGHT UP IS NOT ON YOUR PRICELIST, IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE MODEL DOESN'T EXIST.'

then he said that maybe the C715 is a new model and they have not heard of it yet.

fair enough. but i had enough of these nice-looking shop with nice set-up, but incompetent and uninterested staff.

the other KEF guy just mind his business. good service eh?

 

the experiences in Adelphi and SLS are poles apart.

 

conversely, i went to buy a vacuum cleaner today at Best Denki Tampines. surprisingly, the service is soooooo darn good that my dad and I praised the salesman for his patience, knowledge, and commitment when there are so many other interested customers waiting for him.

[Guest vinn]

thanks for the contact, civicguy!

i tried calling today, but i suppose they don't work on weekends.

 

and so i went down to sim lim square, and went to the audio shop on the ground level. i made an enquiry about the availability of the C715 and the assistant told me that maybe it had not reached local shores yet, and that he would get back to me on Monday after he made the phonecall about this model. very helpful and sincere.

then i asked about the price of C542 which is absolutely hefty and out of budget for me, which i have not take the cost of amp and speakers into account yet.

the C541BEE model costs two hundred less, around 500 bucks. i couldn't tell much of the cosmetic difference, except for the display screen.

 

then i made my way to Adelphi, and went to the KEF shop on the ground level. TERRIBLE, is the word and it's an understatement.

i made the similar enquiry about the C715, and the guy gave me a bewildered look and immediately shot back at me, 'where got such model?'. *damn, i did my research ok? did you do yours?* so i told him 'yes, there is, and it's on the NAD website (for goodness sake)'

 

then he went to check his pricelist and made the claim that there's no such model again. this time, i'm almost furious, and told him in a not-so-nice manner, 'IT'S NOT THAT THERE'S NO SUCH MODEL, IT'S ON THE NAD WEBSITE. (did you even bother to keep yourself updated?) IF THE MODEL THAT I BROUGHT UP IS NOT ON YOUR PRICELIST, IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE MODEL DOESN'T EXIST.'

then he said that maybe the C715 is a new model and they have not heard of it yet.

fair enough. but i had enough of these nice-looking shop with nice set-up, but incompetent and uninterested staff.

the other KEF guy just mind his business. good service eh?

 

the experiences in Adelphi and SLS are poles apart.

 

conversely, i went to buy a vacuum cleaner today at Best Denki Tampines. surprisingly, the service is soooooo darn good that my dad and I praised the salesman for his patience, knowledge, and commitment when there are so many other interested customers waiting for him.

Ah yes, KEC, had an unpleasent experience there couple of weeks ago too.

 

Was intending to get a marantz 4001 + a Epos M5 at KEC.

Saw a tan or malay fellow and made my enquiry about Epos speakers, he said they don't carry them anymore, and before i can even

ask to checkout  the marantz 4001, he had already turned ard, walk to  the counter, sit there doing nothing.  :-X

[SiriuslyCold]

are you sure its a 541BEE - and not the 521BEE (this is the lower model and does not do HDCD)

[Hitokiri_Battousai]

I've had excellent service from all three dealers mentioned above, KEC, Alpha Audio and GP Acoustics, so I guess either you got a cranky, screw-loose salesperson, or they treat different customers, well differently.

 

Anyway, that's not important here...Monstertruck, quick go to this sales thread in Echoloft... http://www.echoloft.com/cgi-bin/buysell/YaBB.cgi?board=hifi&action=display&num=1188701029

 

You might just be able to buy your NAD stuff on the cheap! Good Luck!

[monstertruck]

I've had excellent service from all three dealers mentioned above, KEC, Alpha Audio and GP Acoustics, so I guess either you got a cranky, screw-loose salesperson, or they treat different customers, well differently.

 

Anyway, that's not important here...Monstertruck, quick go to this sales thread in Echoloft... http://www.echoloft.com/cgi-bin/buysell/YaBB.cgi?board=hifi&action=display&num=1188701029

 

You might just be able to buy your NAD stuff on the cheap! Good Luck!

 

thanks Hitokori_Battousai!

 

i went to KEF yesterday, the one near the escalator and not the KEC one... kekekek...

KEC used to carry in NAD stuff, but when they made the irresistable offer to me last time, it was the last set before they discontinue bringing in NAD. that was a few years back.

 

KEF (did i get the name right), near the escalator one, is and was terrible, as the last time i went, the service staff were also uninterested in doing business (i suppose they already have good NAD sales liao).

 

 

Thanks!

 

[Hitokiri_Battousai]

thanks Hitokori_Battousai!

 

i went to KEF yesterday, the one near the escalator and not the KEC one... kekekek...

KEC used to carry in NAD stuff, but when they made the irresistable offer to me last time, it was the last set before they discontinue bringing in NAD. that was a few years back.

 

KEF (did i get the name right), near the escalator one, is and was terrible, as the last time i went, the service staff were also uninterested in doing business (i suppose they already have good NAD sales liao).

 

 

Thanks!

 

 

The one carrying  KEF stuff is GP Acoustics. KEC is indeed no longer carrying NAD stuff, and for quite a long time already.

 

Good luck with your purchases!

[monstertruck]

The one carrying  KEF stuff is GP Acoustics. KEC is indeed no longer carrying NAD stuff, and for quite a long time already.

 

Good luck with your purchases!

 

oops! kekkekee... my bad.

 

by the way, too late already, the amplifier is sold liao. and i'm not very interested in the C522 cdp model...

 

too bad then. got to wait again.

[Hitokiri_Battousai]

Considering your budget, it might be difficult to get a NAD cd player for any of the models C521Bee or higher (I sold my spare C542i cdp last year for $320), and still have enough for your int. amp. Even if you get lucky and someone decides to sell one that cheap, you'll have to be really quick to get it. The main difference between the cdps models are generally better refinement and bass control as you get to the upper priced models. With a generally off-neutral warm, good mid-low bass signature sound, NADs are good value for money. It should also be worth noting that the costlier models are less warm and more open sounding and detailed compared to the lower end models; I know this as I have gone the NAD way in the past, and even today, i have an NAD M5 for my sacds, and to my ears, it outperforms the Marantz SA-11 on audio cds but sounds almost as competent with SACDs.

 

If you can double your budget to $600 for both cdp and amp, you'll have a good chance at echoloft for your occasional NAD items. Maybe save up a bit more than get so that you won't have to keep upgrading (thus saving more money in the long run).

 

Best of luck!

[monstertruck]

Considering your budget, it might be difficult to get a NAD cd player for any of the models C521Bee or higher (I sold my spare C542i cdp last year for $320), and still have enough for your int. amp. Even if you get lucky and someone decides to sell one that cheap, you'll have to be really quick to get it. The main difference between the cdps models are generally better refinement and bass control as you get to the upper priced models. With a generally off-neutral warm, good mid-low bass signature sound, NADs are good value for money. It should also be worth noting that the costlier models are less warm and more open sounding and detailed compared to the lower end models; I know this as I have gone the NAD way in the past, and even today, i have an NAD M5 for my sacds, and to my ears, it outperforms the Marantz SA-11 on audio cds but sounds almost as competent with SACDs.

 

If you can double your budget to $600 for both cdp and amp, you'll have a good chance at echoloft for your occasional NAD items. Maybe save up a bit more than get so that you won't have to keep upgrading (thus saving more money in the long run).

 

Best of luck!

 

thank you! i'll up my budget! since now i'm finally starting work and earn my own income, i should have more freedom in buying the stuff that i want, though that's subject to my parents' disagreement on the spending on good sound. kekeke

 

but can i ask y'all a question? do you think the top of my bookcase can withstand the weight of both an amp and cdp, though i can put the speakers elsewhere...?

[Hitokiri_Battousai]

Considering the light weight of the NADs, bookcase should be okay if shelf is at least 1.5cm thick mdf/fibreboard, but frankly, even getting a cheap rack will help lots with the sound quality than using the bookcase. Same goes for the speakers, better to have them on stands.

 

My suggestion with hifi, go slow and save up to buy exactly what you want, rather than suffer from buyer's remorse by rushing into it with a low budget to buy everything and keep upgrading later.

 

It can turn out to be an expensive hobby as well, considering your cds, cables, isolation devices, racks, stands etc.!!!

[monstertruck]

Considering the light weight of the NADs, bookcase should be okay if shelf is at least 1.5cm thick mdf/fibreboard, but frankly, even getting a cheap rack will help lots with the sound quality than using the bookcase. Same goes for the speakers, better to have them on stands.

 

My suggestion with hifi, go slow and save up to buy exactly what you want, rather than suffer from buyer's remorse by rushing into it with a low budget to buy everything and keep upgrading later.

 

It can turn out to be an expensive hobby as well, considering your cds, cables, isolation devices, racks, stands etc.!!!

 

thanks for the advice!

yep, i'm factoring in the cost of rack, cables, and a good pair of speakers as well, which will all amount to quite an enormous sum. won't tell my old folks on the final cost anyway. heh

 

but i'll try to save on the cables and rack. as all i'm asking for is better bass and more crystal-clear vocals emitting from the player and speakers. i have too many cds around, and not an ardent fan of mp3 devices (yet), so i'm serious in getting a good, budget (2nd hand therefore) setup.

 

but seriously speaking, i do not wish to have too many furniture in my room, as it will make it look cluttered. and hence the top of my smaller bookcase suits just fine, as it is 29cm in diameter, same with NAD players. it's pretty sturdy, as i put the micro compo on top, with absolut vodka and coke bottles. more than 1.5cm thick, and it's not those removable shelves, so i suppose it can hold weight pretty well (but of coz it better not crash, otherwise all the equipment will go pee-chak)

 

i had missed the previous NAD sales thread. think it'll take some time for owners to sell theirs liao.

[domho8]

I still got my NAD320BEE & nvr regretted it.

Looking for a used C372!!!  ;D

[eyepower]

i second that. NAD320BEE is for rock and metal! Bght 2nd hand recently. Best hifi piece I've ever bought. Cld it be the toriodal transformer/ caps??

[domho8]

i second that. NAD320BEE is for rock and metal! Bght 2nd hand recently. Best hifi piece I've ever bought. Cld it be the toriodal transformer/ caps??

 

I find it very musical!!! Was able to drive my previous ATC SCM 20 than. ;D

[fireballmivec]

I have 2 excellent condition NAD 218THX power amplifiers. 220 watts per channel.  Interested?  Name your price.

[monstertruck]

I have 2 excellent condition NAD 218THX power amplifiers. 220 watts per channel.  Interested?  Name your price.

 

hola fireballmivec,

haha, pardon me for my ignorance, but i am not looking for any THX stuff at the moment... just want a pure good CDP (good bass, clear vocals) for my CD collection, otherwise the latter will be very wasted anyway.

 

by the way, i had gotten myself a power setup in my own opinion!, through the help of some kind audiophile souls.

C522 cd player, C320 amp, and a pair of Wharfedale 8.1 speakers.

 

 

thanks everybody, for your support and assistance wherever rendered!

[domho8]

hola fireballmivec,

haha, pardon me for my ignorance, but i am not looking for any THX stuff at the moment... just want a pure good CDP (good bass, clear vocals) for my CD collection, otherwise the latter will be very wasted anyway.

 

by the way, i had gotten myself a power setup in my own opinion!, through the help of some kind audiophile souls.

C522 cd player, C320 amp, and a pair of Wharfedale 8.1 speakers.

 

 

thanks everybody, for your support and assistance wherever rendered!

 

Congrats on your new setup!!

Always trust your own ears & not others.  ;D

[sty]

Congrats on your purchase. I use to own the Nad 522 with 320 n I find it extremely musical. The only difference with my setup is that I am using the Monitor Audio B1 speaker on Atacama stands. Let us know how is your setup doing ok.  :)

[monstertruck]

Congrats on your purchase. I use to own the Nad 522 with 320 n I find it extremely musical. The only difference with my setup is that I am using the Monitor Audio B1 speaker on Atacama stands. Let us know how is your setup doing ok.  :)

 

thanks, domho8 and sty!

 

i have to get a pair of smaller speakers due to space constraint, but i think this compromise is well worth it... kekeke

 

i'll keep y'all updated (though mine is not as high-end and advanced), when i hopefully be free enough to get my speakers this weekend or so.

 

[sty]

thanks, domho8 and sty!

 

i have to get a pair of smaller speakers due to space constraint, but i think this compromise is well worth it... kekeke

 

i'll keep y'all updated (though mine is not as high-end and advanced), when i hopefully be free enough to get my speakers this weekend or so.

 

 

No worries. For me (Only for me) hi-fi does not neccessarily be Hi-End or Hi-Price. As long as the sound is value for money that I pay for is enough for me. My ears r not that hi-end tune also. Let me listen to over 10k set n I may not be able to listen to all its worth so no point, n I also cant afford it.

 

My hall setup now is only a Marantz PM 4000 integrated amp with a old Pioneer PD S503 as source n the speakers is a pair of very old Mission 761. Total setup with cables n interconnects is not over $350 and I listen to this set almost every night. The sound especially vocals is just simply right for me.  :)

[Gizmo]

Wat's the price like for a 2nd hand C522 cd player and C320 amp?

[monstertruck]

No worries. For me (Only for me) hi-fi does not neccessarily be Hi-End or Hi-Price. As long as the sound is value for money that I pay for is enough for me. My ears r not that hi-end tune also. Let me listen to over 10k set n I may not be able to listen to all its worth so no point, n I also cant afford it.

 

My hall setup now is only a Marantz PM 4000 integrated amp with a old Pioneer PD S503 as source n the speakers is a pair of very old Mission 761. Total setup with cables n interconnects is not over $350 and I listen to this set almost every night. The sound especially vocals is just simply right for me.  :)

 

thank you, Sty! personally i'm most proud of my own setup, as i had gotten the components smoothly with great help from some audiophile guys, and NAD stuff are the ones that i've hanker after for a long time, and for me, it's already the best that i could ever get.

 

i like what i get, instead of looking at price tag. like what you said, i suppose many of us can't tell the difference of a 10k-worth sound and a sound of a fraction of that cost. it's just that i balked at the prices of some of listed prices in the buy/sell forums. i just want to enjoy my NAD and cd collection.

 

Wat's the price like for a 2nd hand C522 cd player and C320 amp?

 

yoz Gizmo, there's a thread previously in the echoloft and this forum's buy/sale thread, so you can check the price there. it was what i paid for. some seller was selling both C522 and C320. coincidentally, he sold them off before i could get them and so i'm not that buyer of that thread's stuff.