I have an Arcam alpha 8 and M74 speakers.. its a great amp.. very warm and bassy but I would like more grunt.. I want a lot of grunt.. more grunt than I could ever need...
I was thinking of either adding a s/h Arcam Alpha 9p - using 8 as pre or biamp..
or relegating the 8 to the bedroom and buying a s/h NAD 319..
Ive seen a s/h NAD 319 (1999) for £225.. is this a good price? Shopuld I haggle? What's NAD's amp reliability like? Arcam's is great.. how does NAD compare? Would I have fun with the NAD?
You can get a used C370 for similar money and it's better than the C319. As for Nad v Arcam, that's all a matter of personal choice. I've had Nad stuff before and had no reliability problems. Amps are Nad's forte so if you're going to test the water with the company you may as well start there! As for the grunt you're after, you'll not want any more with either the C370 or the 319. Then again, adding a power amp to your Arcam would sound great too, it all depends what kind of a sound you're after. The Nad sound is warm and personally I like this but some do not. Best thing to do would be to try one - other than that, if you buy a used C370 on ebay and then decide you don't like it, you will get more-or-less what you paid for it if you sell it again. They fetch £200-250 consistently.
You can get a used C370 for similar money and it's better than the C319. As for Nad v Arcam, that's all a matter of personal choice. I've had Nad stuff before and had no reliability problems. Amps are Nad's forte so if you're going to test the water with the company you may as well start there! As for the grunt you're after, you'll not want any more with either the C370 or the 319. Then again, adding a power amp to your Arcam would sound great too, it all depends what kind of a sound you're after. The Nad sound is warm and personally I like this but some do not. Best thing to do would be to try one - other than that, if you buy a used C370 on ebay and then decide you don't like it, you will get more-or-less what you paid for it if you sell it again. They fetch £200-250 consistently.
Are you the same poster on the HiFi Choice forum and this Nad 319 is five years old? I'd say that's way too much money when you can pick-up a two year old C370 for the same amount and it's a better amp. I've never heard the Kandy so can't comment but it has had some good reviews. Ultimately it all comes down to personal preference because all the kit you've listed is decent.
newbie007
Unregistered guest
Posted on
Sunking, why do you say the nad 370 is better than the 319, when the 319 is more expensive? Can you explain your justification?
The C370 was the replacement for the 319, which itself has now been superceded by the C372. All these amps are an improvement on their predecessor. Nad doesn't bring out a replacement for an amplifier and make it worse, they merely improve upon the design with each new model. I would rather have a used C370 than a used 319 because not only is it a better amp to start with, it is also newer and the older 319 will be more likely to breakdown first due to worn capacitors, resistors and the like. Wouldn't you rather have a newer car than an older one, classic cars excepted?
newbie007
Unregistered guest
Posted on
I couldn't find a decent priced c370 but i found a new 319 with full 3 year warranty for a little bit more than the price of a 370... Do you think that that a good deal?
If it has a 3-year warranty and you can't get a C370 then yeah, go for it. It's still a great amp, I'm just saying that the C370 is better.
asal73
Unregistered guest
Posted on
IF it is new, and if products are as expensive as I am led to believe in Switzerland, then I'm sure you will enjoy your purchase.. Years ago (1996) I had a NAD 314 and 317.. The 317 was the little brother of the 319.. It kicked real hard.. loved it... always regretted getting rid of it.. hence I have just bought a C370...
yes in switzerland it retailed for 1590chf. (690UKpounds) Switzerland is a big rip off! Can anyone recommend me some good floor standing speakers for around 1000-1500chf? new or second hand...