Hi there, I have a Nad C370 which I've been using with a Nad C270 bi amping a pair of Jm Lab 816 speakers.
Lately the sound from the C370 has been distorted a little. I started using the C370 as a pre amp and the C270 as a power amp which was Ok but not as good as the bi amped setup.
The past few days the power light has been red (some kind of protection i believe) and not working for periods. I took the top cover off the amp and was shocked at how dusty it was! I cleaned it off a little and put it back together.
It appears to be working in the bi amped configuration this evening. Without any music playing there are some noises coming from my left channel , kind of like a faint crackle.
Do you guys have any idea what could be wrong? is it repairable?
I'm at a loss as there are no authorised Nad service providers in my area.
If I have to replace the C370 is it worth considering a pre amp to use with the C270?
Or should i write both amps off and buy a new one?
The symptoms indicate an amplifier than requires service. Call NAD and get instructions for who can do the repair and how to contact them. Ask for an estimated cost of repairs before putting major money into the unit if you're not sure it's worth repairing.
Ok, I spoke to a NAD service provider and was quoted around £200 including shipping .
I think I may cut my losses and lose the C370. Do you guys have any suggestions on a pre amp for the C270? Or should I lose that too and get a new amp?
The obvious pre-amp would be Nad's own C162. This will give you more or less the sound you are used to. Otherwise it's demo time! The previous C160 has identical internals to the C162, they just updated the aesthetics to match the C272.
There def. is better then NAD. But not much for the money you pay for NAD. C162 is a nice sounding piece for the price. Perhaps Rotel is another option? They to are a great value. Or Outlaw Audio.
Don't mix Rotel and NAD. You'll get the worst of both worlds. I've heard it a few times, and its not pretty. They don't do each other any favors.
If you're intent on keeping the NAD power amp and getting a new pre-amp, stick with NAD. Unless of course you plan on getting rid of the power amp in the foreseeable future.
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