| Author |
Thread: NAD C370/C541i or C320BEE/C521BEE |
    
listenup Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 10:04 pm: |
|
I was looking at a NAD C320BEE and C521BEE...need a solid 2 channel system, when I realized I can get the C370/C541i combo for about $100 more. Seems like a no-brainer to spend the extra 100 and get the extra power??
What am I not thinking of? I know the BEE gets great reviews for being very musical...but I've never seen a bad 370 review either.
If I get the 370...I'll pair it with Dynaudio Audience 52s (4 ohm)....I have B&W DM602 S3s (8 ohm) to put with the BEE.
Am I comparing apples to oranges?? I'm leaning towards the more powerful combo...eventhough the BEE would likely easily handle my room/listening level requirements.
Any thoughts? |
|
|
|
Silver Member Username: Hawk
Post Number: 343
Registered: 12-2003
|
| Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - 09:55 pm: |
|
listenup:
Seems like a "no-brainer" to me as well. A $100 difference is almost nothing, and not only will you get more power, the 541 CD player has a bit more detail and HDCD capability, as well. Both amps were very favorably reviewed by Stereophile (especially in light of their MSRP) and both NAD CD players were "Recommended" by AudioEnz of New Zealand as providing great value for the money that sound very good. You really can't go wrong with either pair, IMHO, but for an extra C bill, I think it is an easy call and you should not worry about "missing something." I think that is one of the joys of buying last year's products (the 370 and the 541i)--they seem inordinately cheap.
Enjoy! |
|
| Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 06:40 am: |
|
$100 diff! Where do you shop?? |
listenup Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 11:40 am: |
|
Saturdayaudio.com shows C370 for $499 (C320BEE goes for $399) and 541i for $299 (same as 521BEE). Has anyone seen it cheaper elsewhere?? |
Silver Member Username: Hawk
Post Number: 354
Registered: 12-2003
|
| Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2004 - 05:31 pm: |
|
listenup:
I am not going to dissuade you as I really think you will love the 370/541i combo, but Saturday Audio will quote a price on the 320bee of $319 (I know because I asked). Haven't priced the 521bee, but I am guessing it also would get a 20% discount, or ~$240. This prices are in line with what Kief's charges for the same products. So the price differential between the systems is not quite as close as you thought. Still, I did not realize just how inexpensive the 370/541i combo is until you started this thread. That is a real bargain, particularly for anyone who loves great stereo sound. |
Listenup Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Friday, February 27, 2004 - 07:45 am: |
|
Thanks for making my decision that much harder!! I'm going to pull the trigger on something this weekend hopefully...been thinking/talking about it for too long.
My only concern is that I have a pair of Dynaudio 52s that would sing a little stronger with the C370. I've got a mental picture of the 320bee matching better with some B&W 602 S3s. My wife may have me committed if I cycle through another speaker change! Ofcourse...she may have something else if she learns I've dropped the extra coin for the 370 when the bee could be had for even less! Let's keep this quiet...
Thanks again for the post. |
Silver Member Username: Hawk
Post Number: 364
Registered: 12-2003
|
| Posted on Saturday, February 28, 2004 - 03:20 am: |
|
We aim to please. LOL! ! ! !
I would still get the 370 with those Dynaudio 52s--I have Dyn 42s on order myself--as I think they are much cleaner sounding than the B+Ws, but that is my preference. However, either way, you are going to have a very nice system, and your secret is safe with me! |
|
