New C 375BEE and C 326BEE Boast PowerDrive, BEE Clamp, Soft Clipping, Low Distortion and Noise for Audio
NAD Electronics, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio/video components, introduces the C 375BEE Integrated Amplifier and C 326BEE Stereo Integrated Amplifier, which combine superb audio engineering and performance with extensive feature packages.
The C 375BEE shares many of the features and refinements of NAD’s M3 Integrated Amplifier, from its high-end Masters Series, and incorporates an updated version of NAD’s “building block” concept to make possible the addition of NAD’s optional PP375 MM/MC phono module, and expansion flexibility.
C 375BEE Integrated Amplifier
The C 375BEE delivers 150 Watts to each of two channels at 4 or 8 Ohms continuous power, and 200W, 365W and 500W IHF Dynamic power into 8, 4 and 2 Ohms, respectively. NAD’s attention to detail is evident throughout the amplifier, from its heavy gauge steel chassis and sophisticated power supplies to the copper buss bars channeling large amounts of current to the custom gold-plated speaker binding posts.
Refinements shared with the M3 Amplifier include an application in the output stage of the innovative, patented Distortion Canceling Circuit by NAD Director of Advanced Development Bjorn Erik Edvardsen, and Edvardsen’s BEE Clamp in the power supply. An improved tone control circuit and PCB layout reduce distortion and noise to unprecedented levels. The C 375BEE’s several improvements enhance performance to a degree that must be heard to be fully appreciated.
The C 375BEE also benefits from NAD’s proprietary PowerDrive circuit topology, which allows maximum performance under virtually any circumstance and with any speaker. PowerDrive automatically senses a speaker’s impedance characteristics and adjusts its power settings for the specific load. PowerDrive enables the C 375BEE to deal easily with difficult speaker loads, providing high dynamic power and low impedance drive capability in an affordable package. NAD’s switchable Soft Clipping™ circuit significantly reduces the risk of loudspeaker damage from prolonged operation at high power.
Such refinements give the C 375BEE the lowest distortion and noise in its price class, making its performance comparable to far more expensive products. Noise and distortion mask the fine details of musical recordings, replacing musical texture and dimension with non-musical artifacts — which is why NAD has spent 35 years perfecting its designs to achieve the lowest distortion and highest power in their price class.
The C 375BEE’s connection package features 7 line inputs, including two tape inputs and outputs with dubbing capability; a pre-amplifier section that separates from the power amplifier for easy upgrades, or for adding additional equipment to meet future system needs; a 12V trigger for remote on/off switching, and an IR input and output on the rear panel. Also available are two pre-amp outputs, allowing bi-amping — the use of separate power amplifiers to drive the bass and treble sections of a speaker. The first preamp out includes a level trim control to allow matching amps or speakers with different sensitivities. The second preamp output can be used to connect a powered subwoofer.
C 326BEE Stereo Integrated Amplifier
The C 326BEE delivers 50 watts per channel of continuous power, conservatively rated into 4 and 8 Ohms, and, and 100, 150 and 200 Watts IHF Dynamic power into 8, 4 and 2 Ohms, respectively. It boasts many upgrades and refinements to its acclaimed predecessor, the C 325BEE.
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These include application of NAD’s innovative Distortion Canceling Circuit in the output stage and the BEE Clamp in the power supply. An improved tone control circuit and PCB layout reduce distortion and noise to unprecedented levels, and NAD’s Soft Clipping™ circuit reduces the risk of speaker damage from prolonged operation at high power.
The C 326BEE’s refinements enhance performance to a degree that must be heard to be fully appreciated, and give the C 326BEE the least distortion and noise in its price class, making its performance comparable to far costlier products.
The C 326BEE’s versatile connections feature 7 line inputs (including two tape in and outputs), a pre-amplifier section that separates from the power amplifier for easy upgrades or adding additional equipment to meet future system needs, a preamp output, two monophonic subwoofer outputs that can be connected to powered subwoofers, a 12V trigger for remote on/off switching, and an IR input and output on the rear panel. The connections permit the use of multiple power amplifiers, or bi-amping.
Additional features include front-panel inputs for a headphone jack and a portable MP3 or other media player, a Holmgren toroidal power transformer, fully discrete circuitry, a short signal path, gold-plated sockets, and a detachable IEC power cable. Designed with the environment in mind, it draws less than 1 Watt in standby mode, and is free of lead and other environmentally hazardous substances.
Both the C 375BEE and C 326BEE come supplied with NAD’s SR 8 system remote control, which features large buttons differentiated by shape and position to make operation intuitive and enjoyable. The SR 8 also operates many other NAD products, such as CD players, tuners, and the like.
The C 375BEE Integrated Amplifier and C 326BEE Stereo Integrated Amplifier are available now for suggested prices of $1,299 and $499 (U.S. MSRP), respectively.
