I had mine for 9 years . initially i paired it with my old Wharfadale 8.1 , later I got myself a KEF Q350 and traded in that for KLH model 5. I connect the amp to Ifi Zen Air Blue, a decent cheap bluetooth dac. Been thinking to upgrade to a more powerful amp but everytime i turn on and listen to music, i just enjoy and forget about everything else . Thanks for great sharing about your NAD326.
That’s awesome! Upgrading is one of those things, more fomo than actual need. I’m going to hang onto the NAD for as long as I can. If I need more power I’ll use the preouts.
I’ve had a C326 BEE for 11 years. It’s moved home with me a couple of times and I’ve had 3 different pairs of speakers connected to it in different rooms. It’s currently paired with some Tannoy Revolution XT6F speakers and Tannoy HTS sub. I use digital and vinyl for sources and this amplifier in my opinion is tremendous. It just does what it’s supposed to do and does it so well. It’s not a looker, but it’s completely logically laid out. When you look at the technical data for it it’s amazing how well it performs for such little cost. This amp has ridiculously low distortion, high S/N ratio and the power ratings are conservative. It punches very hard and has a ruler flat frequency response. Like you I feel no need to change it. I feel this is almost like a hidden gem in the amplifier world, if mine dies it’ll be getting repaired.
Your written eight-year retrospective with this NAD is what convinced me to get the same model second hand, for 155 USD and ship it for another 120 USD from The US all the way down to South America. Hope it gets here safely by next week and gives me a fun and long-lasting listening experience.
Greetings from Bloemfontein, South Africa. I just came across this video, and had to smile. I bought my 326BEE five years ago, and was also somewhat put off by its uninspiring looks at the unboxing. My girlfriend (now fiancee) simply called the amp ugly, and was very unimpressed that it was visible in the lounge at all ('it will scare children' and 'only your lame friends could like that thing' were two of the kinder comments). But never mind - the sound is just incredible, for something at that price. I'm a musician by profession, and the 326 is connected to my Marantz CD5003, and a pair of Boston CS260iis, with an 8 inch Yamaha SW for bass heft. Listening to Elgar or Vaughan Williams, Berlioz' choral/orchestral works, Beethoven's piano sonatas or Bach's cantatas is a wonderful experience. The NAD has never overheated, delivers ample volume for the dynamic full orchestral passages at the 9 o'clock volume, and I doubt whether it will ever be necessary to drive it even close to its limits (the sensitive speakers help here, no doubt). So yes, the 326 is an ugly duckling. But in every way that counts, she's a swan. (ps) My lame friends, also professional musicians, are definitely fans too. Even my fiancee, herself a semi-professional musician, has to admit that despite her initial misgivings, the thing sounds good.
I was encouraged to buy the 326 bee when it came out. Within months it stopped working, sent to repair shop. But it's ok now, I hardly use it. I have the Rotel RA-04 SE (special edition) 40w per channel. It's metallic silver and love it's beauty.
@@0102studio I am considering to buy a NAD CS1 streamer (opinion?), but very much doubt if it will be a real improvement.Therefor, while being satisfied, I patiently wait for new, not too expensive developments at NAD. An argument would be in the first place less power consumption (Class D) rather than 'improved' sound quality which is excellent already.
@@glennishammont7414 the Cs1 looks cool. Though I am completely biased to Cambridge streamers (because of their internet radio station capability and app)
I thought mine had died, had to temporarily store it in my garage, and a bit of rain had dripped in it - spend an afternoon drying it - been going for a year since. I bought it at a flea market for very little , it did not have the remote, but don't really need it as I use it now on my desk, along with some B&W m-1 speakers, it's brilliant.
Awesome storytelling. Try to replace factory pre/outs, with some AudioQuest RCA or even better interconnects, like Diamondback. The result may surprise you. I have NAD 302, "only" 2 X 25 watts, ( maybe with the best preamp section NAD ever made ) , and when playing with these cables, it puts a smile on my face. AudioQuest & NAD are spot on for pairing. And when I hook 302 to a power amp, with AQ, than the magic starts. 😊
I just bought a NAD C 326BEE amp on eBay for $130.00. I bought it for only one reason, it had tape in and out inputs. I have a great cassette deck, Nakamichi DR2, and I still record tapes. However, after testing it to make sure everything worked, I was surprised that the NAD sounded as good as my other amps. I own a Audiolab 6000A and Rotel 12. The only negative I have; the NAD gets a little hot.
Love it. I’ve had a 326bee for about the same length of time and also have contemplated replacing numerous times, including most recently with a Rega Brio. Now think I’ll be holding onto it and just buying a new pair of bookshelf speakers to pair with it (and my Hsu Research VTF1 sub). My question is what are a few speakers that you have enjoyed with this amp? Saw that you have a pair of Q Acoustics, have been researching the 303i’s but not sure which way to go. Thanks!
I can’t imagine replacing it anytime soon! I love it with my B&W 685s, 3030is. Sounds great with Monitor Audio Silver 100, wharfdale Evo 4.2s… really anything that’s easy to drive will sound great.
@@michaelb9664 thank you! Pretty much decided not to move forward with the new purchase. This just seals the deal! Planning to experiment with some new bookshelf speakers instead.
Yesterday I replaced my 11 year old 326 with a Bluesound powernode. No regrets so far. But I will not sell the 326, I felt a bit guilty disconecting it.
@@0102studio It was a capacitor that went out! I will do a full recap and use a better quality brand, the ones inside are KSC (low quality Chinese brand).
@0102studio Thanks for your reply! What if the turntable I get has an inbuilt preamp, will that work instead? ... or do I still need an outboard preamp 🤔
I can't say if I like NAD's new gear, no more class A/B amplification and only class D with about 2 usable analog inputs, everything else digital, I think they're trying to go green, be global, everything streaming, rent the music, no more versatility.
@@0102studio I’m not on the fence. I have a C338 and I’m looking to replace it. I’ll say right from the start that it’s an extremely competent, high quality amp. In most circumstances it won’t let you down. What I don’t like about it is that, for me, it’s simply too revealing, especially through headphones. I can hear things in the recordings I simply don’t like and the music becomes less enjoyable. Through speakers, these things are less apparent. But once you hear them they are hard to ignore. I can’t criticise the amp. Its job is to amplify and it does that job extremely well. It has loads of power, despite being only 50 watts. It will run my Dynaudio X34s to uncivilised levels without raising a sweat. People criticise Class D as ‘not true HiFi’, which is total rubbish. But I think NAD has made a pretty brave commercial decision going to Class D exclusively. That’s why I’m looking at C326BEE videos.
had my nad amp for 32 years still running happy
its a nad 3100
What a beautiful expression of affection! I love my little NAD too! I won't ever let it go! Because it's a true comrade. 🤗
Thank you!
I had mine for 9 years . initially i paired it with my old Wharfadale 8.1 , later I got myself a KEF Q350 and traded in that for KLH model 5. I connect the amp to Ifi Zen Air Blue, a decent cheap bluetooth dac. Been thinking to upgrade to a more powerful amp but everytime i turn on and listen to music, i just enjoy and forget about everything else . Thanks for great sharing about your NAD326.
That’s awesome! Upgrading is one of those things, more fomo than actual need. I’m going to hang onto the NAD for as long as I can. If I need more power I’ll use the preouts.
I’ve had a C326 BEE for 11 years. It’s moved home with me a couple of times and I’ve had 3 different pairs of speakers connected to it in different rooms.
It’s currently paired with some Tannoy Revolution XT6F speakers and Tannoy HTS sub. I use digital and vinyl for sources and this amplifier in my opinion is tremendous.
It just does what it’s supposed to do and does it so well.
It’s not a looker, but it’s completely logically laid out. When you look at the technical data for it it’s amazing how well it performs for such little cost. This amp has ridiculously low distortion, high S/N ratio and the power ratings are conservative. It punches very hard and has a ruler flat frequency response.
Like you I feel no need to change it. I feel this is almost like a hidden gem in the amplifier world, if mine dies it’ll be getting repaired.
Awesome to know that you love the amp as much as I do! Happy listening!
Your written eight-year retrospective with this NAD is what convinced me to get the same model second hand, for 155 USD and ship it for another 120 USD from The US all the way down to South America. Hope it gets here safely by next week and gives me a fun and long-lasting listening experience.
Amazing. Please let me know how it goes. I’m actually finally (and grudgingly) selling mine. To make room for some more product to review.
@@0102studio A very lucky person is getting a legendary piece of equipment! I'll update right here how it goes with mine.
@ awesome!
Greetings from Bloemfontein, South Africa.
I just came across this video, and had to smile. I bought my 326BEE five years ago, and was also somewhat put off by its uninspiring looks at the unboxing. My girlfriend (now fiancee) simply called the amp ugly, and was very unimpressed that it was visible in the lounge at all ('it will scare children' and 'only your lame friends could like that thing' were two of the kinder comments).
But never mind - the sound is just incredible, for something at that price. I'm a musician by profession, and the 326 is connected to my Marantz CD5003, and a pair of Boston CS260iis, with an 8 inch Yamaha SW for bass heft. Listening to Elgar or Vaughan Williams, Berlioz' choral/orchestral works, Beethoven's piano sonatas or Bach's cantatas is a wonderful experience. The NAD has never overheated, delivers ample volume for the dynamic full orchestral passages at the 9 o'clock volume, and I doubt whether it will ever be necessary to drive it even close to its limits (the sensitive speakers help here, no doubt).
So yes, the 326 is an ugly duckling.
But in every way that counts, she's a swan.
(ps) My lame friends, also professional musicians, are definitely fans too. Even my fiancee, herself a semi-professional musician, has to admit that despite her initial misgivings, the thing sounds good.
That’s awesome and thank for sharing that story, it’s great to hear from like minded fans of this wonderful amp!
I was encouraged to buy the 326 bee when it came out. Within months it stopped working, sent to repair shop. But it's ok now, I hardly use it. I have the Rotel RA-04 SE (special edition) 40w per channel. It's metallic silver and love it's beauty.
Glad you found something you love!
Great amp i have mine parred with big Speakers High end AV 4 it sounds amazing for the price big sound my first choise - NAD Simply ROCKS!
That’s awesome! Curiously, how is it connected to your avr or did I read it wrong?
@@0102studio I meant Audiovector 4 - its a big old heavy floor speaker with a dynamic sound with the NAD sorry bad english
@@MrNo2es oh ok, that makes sense! Thanks for clarifying!
Also my Amp, connected to Elac BS 184 speakers, and Apple Airport 2. Will only replace it if NAD comes with a new Airplay 2 build-in Amplifier.
I find that adding gear with specific functions is a great way to move forward, vs replacing a great but dated product.
@@0102studio I am considering to buy a NAD CS1 streamer (opinion?), but very much doubt if it will be a real improvement.Therefor, while being satisfied, I patiently wait for new, not too expensive developments at NAD. An argument would be in the first place less power consumption (Class D) rather than 'improved' sound quality which is excellent already.
@@glennishammont7414 the Cs1 looks cool. Though I am completely biased to Cambridge streamers (because of their internet radio station capability and app)
I thought mine had died, had to temporarily store it in my garage, and a bit of rain had dripped in it - spend an afternoon drying it - been going for a year since. I bought it at a flea market for very little , it did not have the remote, but don't really need it as I use it now on my desk, along with some B&W m-1 speakers, it's brilliant.
That’s amazing! Glad to hear it still has life!
Awesome storytelling. Try to replace factory pre/outs, with some AudioQuest RCA or even better interconnects, like Diamondback. The result may surprise you. I have NAD 302, "only" 2 X 25 watts, ( maybe with the best preamp section NAD ever made ) , and when playing with these cables, it puts a smile on my face. AudioQuest & NAD are spot on for pairing. And when I hook 302 to a power amp, with AQ, than the magic starts. 😊
I’ll have to give a shot then!
Love my 326 now upgraded to 356. For keeps
I low key wished I bought the 356!
I just bought a NAD C 326BEE amp on eBay for $130.00. I bought it for only one reason, it had tape in and out inputs. I have a great cassette deck, Nakamichi DR2, and I still record tapes. However, after testing it to make sure everything worked, I was surprised that the NAD sounded as good as my other amps. I own a Audiolab 6000A and Rotel 12. The only negative I have; the NAD gets a little hot.
Its a great little amp!
Is it possible to connect a microphone here?
?
Awww...
Love it. I’ve had a 326bee for about the same length of time and also have contemplated replacing numerous times, including most recently with a Rega Brio. Now think I’ll be holding onto it and just buying a new pair of bookshelf speakers to pair with it (and my Hsu Research VTF1 sub). My question is what are a few speakers that you have enjoyed with this amp? Saw that you have a pair of Q Acoustics, have been researching the 303i’s but not sure which way to go. Thanks!
I can’t imagine replacing it anytime soon! I love it with my B&W 685s, 3030is. Sounds great with Monitor Audio Silver 100, wharfdale Evo 4.2s… really anything that’s easy to drive will sound great.
@@0102studio super helpful, thank you - will check out those recommendations!
A Rega Brio would be a downgrade IMO.
Rega are very shady about their specs, the C326 BEE is genuinely a good amplifier period.
@@michaelb9664 thank you! Pretty much decided not to move forward with the new purchase. This just seals the deal! Planning to experiment with some new bookshelf speakers instead.
@@joesprague4642 you’ll get much better results that way 👍
Yesterday I replaced my 11 year old 326 with a Bluesound powernode. No regrets so far. But I will not sell the 326, I felt a bit guilty disconecting it.
Lol I feel your pain! Right now my 326 is hidden underneath my desk!
Keep it!
Bought one and after 5 years it’s faulty! It turns on but there’s no sound, no relay clicking inside! It was my first…and probably last NAD.
Oh no! That sucks!
@@0102studio It was a capacitor that went out! I will do a full recap and use a better quality brand, the ones inside are KSC (low quality Chinese brand).
How you compare this one with nad c370 ?
Have not heard the c370 yet!
@@0102studio thank you
LOL. Just come back from the HiFi store - trying to justify to replace my C320BEE.
Exactly my thoughts.
Haha! Amazing!
Impressive amps.
Great script, an ode to the ugly amp that won’t go away (for me either). Hooked up to even older Paradigm Titans v4 (and my V1s sing on this rig).
That's amazing, I have mine permanently connected to the DacMagic 200m and set up at my desk. Currently powering the B&W 607 s3's!
No phono out or sub out for under $400 that really sucks!
There are two sub outs.
@@0102studio ok
@0102studio so how to connect a turntable to it? I'm thinking of buying the nad for a turntable setup
@@noname-qj1zj alas you will need an outboard phono preamp. There are a bunch out there, NAD I believe makes one as do brands like Rega, Pro-Ject Etc.
@0102studio Thanks for your reply! What if the turntable I get has an inbuilt preamp, will that work instead? ... or do I still need an outboard preamp 🤔
I can't say if I like NAD's new gear, no more class A/B amplification and only class D with about 2 usable analog inputs, everything else digital, I think they're trying to go green, be global, everything streaming, rent the music, no more versatility.
I’m on the fence a bit too.
@@0102studio I’m not on the fence. I have a C338 and I’m looking to replace it. I’ll say right from the start that it’s an extremely competent, high quality amp. In most circumstances it won’t let you down. What I don’t like about it is that, for me, it’s simply too revealing, especially through headphones. I can hear things in the recordings I simply don’t like and the music becomes less enjoyable. Through speakers, these things are less apparent. But once you hear them they are hard to ignore.
I can’t criticise the amp. Its job is to amplify and it does that job extremely well. It has loads of power, despite being only 50 watts. It will run my Dynaudio X34s to uncivilised levels without raising a sweat. People criticise Class D as ‘not true HiFi’, which is total rubbish.
But I think NAD has made a pretty brave commercial decision going to Class D exclusively. That’s why I’m looking at C326BEE videos.