Before I delve into my plug about two NAD Amplifiers, I’d like to mention the RMAF , the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest and how it appeared to have not only a revived entourage, but has been stated by many, WHAT A GREAT SHOW FOR THIS 2018 YEAR!. For those not in the know, what is it specifically?
Well, from the Company, here’s their definition/description: The Rocky Mountain International Audio Fest (RMAF) is the largest consumer audio and home entertainment show in the United States. Simply put: “mega stereo systems!”
Okay, nuff said on that. “mega stereo systems” is the take away.
Here at Audible Images AV, we are all about excellent, spectacular sound. Not fancy bells and whistles of mass market that distract from an excellent sound emphasis, but just really really well chosen and designed Audio Systems. Ranging from Modest High Performance to Ultra Ultra High End systems.
So needless to say, I was pretty stoked to read the excellent reviews by Neil Gader of TAS (The Absolute Sound mag) February 2019 issue in his portion of the SHOW REPORT for Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2018 about a couple of NAD products at the show. The NAD C 658 BluOS DAC/Preamplifier/Streamer, the NAD D 3045 Integrated Amplifier. And in the same magazine issue, Paul Seydor wrote “Prepare to be astonished” review (not mentioned in the RMAF section) , but nonetheless a very upbeat 7 page article and plug about the NAD C 328 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier and C 546BEE CD Player.
If you are a new Audiophile, or a seasoned one looking for an Amplifier that sounds great and is priced under $800, then you’ll be pleased to find this post. I just want to focus on two of the NAD products mentioned. The NAD D 3045 Integrated Amplifier and the NAD C 328 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier.
Why am I focusing on these two? Because NAD has a vastly superior sound to that of equivalent priced products of competitors. And if you read the intro on our Brands page at Audible Images, and come into our Showroom, you’ll learn that Ed Masterson, Owner, Engineer is all about the Sound Quality and Tuning to make great systems sound even better. Not pushing product… (that happens just by folks hearing our systems and learning Ed’s passion)
So what’s great about the NAD D 3045? I offer up a bullet list. (See the gallery below the bullets)
Plusses
- the Sound quality is great
- the price is only $699
- we have the D 3020 connected to an office computer and with the PSB Speakers Imagine Mini Bookshelf speakers, it sounds great at 30 Wpc
- the D 3045 has 60 Wpc
- has an asynchronous USB 24/192 input
- support for MQA and DSD
- Bluetooth powered by aptX HD
- a high quality MM (moving magnet) phonostage for vinyl enthusiasts
- owners can choose between horizontal or vertical orientation for the amp
- in addition to BluOS streaming content, MQA decoding is available on all digital inputs
- both preamp and subwoofer outputs are included for additional connection flexibility
- and as Neil Gader mentions, “icing on the cake” is the premium quality headphone jack on the front panel
NAD D 3045 Gallery
So what’s great about the NAD C 328 Hybrid Digital Amp? I offer a bullet list. (See the gallery below the bullets)
- the sound quality is great
- price is only $549
- 50 Wpc output (20Hz-20kHz at rated THD) both channels driven
- THD 0.005% at 1 V output
- 3 line level on RCA analog inputs
- 1 mm phono
- 2 Coaxial digital input
- 2 Toslink optical inputs
- Bluetooth
- You can run your TV with optical out right into the amp for great TV sound with the onboard DAC in the C 328
- Line level Subwoofer out RCA jack
NAD C 328 Gallery
Did I mention, NAD is a 45 year old company? No shame, I know 🙂
Though we don’t stock the 2 Amps mentioned on our floor (we don’t have the room), we have plenty of NAD/BlueSound amplifier products (NAD amps are built into Bluesound units) on the floor for you to completely convince yourself that in the $399 to $899 range and beyond, you will really enjoy the sound of your new NAD Amplifier should you choose to bring one into your home.
In Summary, I mentioned the plug for these 2 NAD items because for years, Audible Images AV in Melbourne, FL has been very impressed with the High Performance sound of NAD Amplifiers. And when folks walk into our showroom, sometimes they think we only carry Ultra High End gear. That is not the case. Now Ed or one of us will do our best to have you listen to all 3 listening rooms so that you will always have a Reference for what is out there, and for the most Spectacular sound you will ever hear. A visit to our Showroom will blow your mind, and that’s what makes it really fun.
We all would probably enjoy driving a 2019 Porsche 911 Turbo, even if we couldn’t own one 😉
But we are all about providing you Great Audio Sound in whatever your budget.
Thank you.
