About The NAD C316BEE Stereo Amplifier
With the C316BEE V2, NAD set about improving the budget reference amplifier and once you look a little closer you may just agree that they have achieved just that.
NAD has a distinct reputation for creating some of the best performing budget amplifiers of all time. The lineage is impressive, all the way from the 3020 of 1978 to the current C316BEE V2, with many "Best Amp" awards and five-star reviews along the way. The C316BEE lived up to expectations, garnering multiple accolades including an EISA award for 'Best Product 2008-2009' and top recommendations from the world's leading audio publications. That was more than a decade ago and it is still a best seller with the V2 having just small updates.
With the resurgence of vinyl NAD decided to update the design by including NAD's highly acclaimed RIAA Phono Stage. This sophisticated circuit combines low noise with high overload margins to eliminate noise and distortion. RIAA equalisation is extremely accurate (a rarity at this price) and there is even an infrasonic filter to reject airborne vibrations that can cause parasitic feedback
Proven Technology
NAD's PowerDrive Circuit has been proven to offer a remarkable combination of high current drive needed for complex loudspeaker loads, and high levels of undistorted dynamic power. By monitoring the precise operating condition of the power amplifier, PowerDrive uses this intelligence to automatically optimise the power supply settings for uniformly low distortion and maximum power in the real world of music listening. As featured in their top Masters Series models, PowerDrive uses a complex analogue computer to determine the optimal settings. For the C316BEE V2, NAD's Director of Advanced Development, Bjorn Erik Edvardsen, developed a clever new computation circuit requiring fewer parts at a much lower cost without any reduction in effectiveness.
All the hallmarks of NAD technology are present, from the generously sized toroidal power transformer and low ESR smoothing capacitors, to the multiple regulated secondary supplies, to the heavy duty discrete output transistors, the C316BEE V2 is every bit as refined and sophisticated as other NAD amplifiers.
In The News
"I really liked the C 316BEE V2's ability to organise musical detail smoothly and coherently. It sounded much better than the price may suggest, keeping its brand's traditional virtues and maintaining the value for money promise. For something that's small change in broader hi-fi terms, this little integrated covered all the bases rather well.
If digital and/or Bluetooth isn't important to you, then this has got enough inputs for most, plus a decent phono stage and a capable headphone output. Then there's the handy front-panel 3.5mm line-in, a cute little remote control and the NAD's useful standby function – all of these little things make it very easy to live with. Pair it with a decent entry-level turntable and some capable bookshelf speakers, and you've got the heart of a satisfying little budget system. In other words, after all these years, the C 316BEE V2 is a worthy product to carry on the company tradition." StereoNet
Our Take
While the C316BEE V2 has everything necessary for musical enjoyment, it is refreshingly limited to the essentials: six inputs, one set of speakers, a headphone jack, and full function remote control. It has a compact size and a handsome yet understated exterior. It is essential NAD.
We are confident that the C316BEE V2 has set new benchmarks for performance, both measured and audible, at this affordable price point. Unless you have power hungry speakers, listen at dangerously loud levels, or have a very large room, the C316BEE V2 will be the amplifier for you. Fundamental specifications for noise, distortion, power, stereo separation, and volume control tracking, are all class leading and would be impressive on an amplifier costing many times its modest price.
While its bells and whistles may not be as extensive as NAD's more expensive offerings, the C316BEEV2 is far from a "stripped down" product. With five line level inputs, an MM Phono Input, full IR remote control, defeatable tone controls and a front panel input for a phone or tablet, the C316V2 is fully equipped to be the control centre for a high performance music system. Continuous power is a conservative 40 watts, and dynamic power (more important for music listening) is impressively more than 100 watts! This is far more usable power on tap than other amplifiers at this price, and this power is available across the entire audible band at a class leading 0.03%.
The sonic result of this high technology is a relaxed and inviting sound that digs out the subtle details in your favourite recordings and presents them across a panoramic stereo sound stage. The impressive dynamic power reserves make the C316BEE V2 sound both articulate and alive. The silent background and low distortion gives a sense of solidity and presence to your music and brings out the best your loudspeakers have to offer.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: Stereo amplifier with the basics for a simple system
- Power Output: Continuous Output Power into either 4 or 8 Ohms (ref. 20 Hz-20 kHz at rated THD, both channels driven)
- Clipping Power (at 1 kHz 0.1 % THD):
- >45 W in 8 Ohms
- >60 W in 4 Ohms
- IHF Dynamic Power:
- 8 Ohms: 90 W
- 4 Ohms: 120 W
- 2 Ohms: 170 W
- THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.03 % (250 mW to 40 Watts, 8 Ohms & 4 Ohms)
- Frequency Response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz, Tone Defeat ON)
- Toroidal Power Transformer: Yes
- Line Level Inputs: 5 Line Level Inputs
- Phono Input: MM Phono Input for turntable
- Front Panel Input: For Portable Media Players
- Bass and Treble Controls: Yes
- Tone Defeat (Bypass): Yes
- Headphone Output: Yes
- IR Remote Control: Included
- Speaker Binding Posts: Use bare wire or 'banana' plugs
- Standby Consumption: <0.5 Watts
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 435 x 90 x 285mm
- Net Weight: 5.5 kg
- Shipping Weight: 6.4 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE