C316BEE V2
NAD C316BEE V2 - Stereo Integrated Amplifier
C316BEE V2
NAD Electronics, Integrated Amplifiers, Integrated Amps
NAD has a distinct reputation for creating some of the best performing budget amplifiers of all time. The lineage is impressive, all the way from the 3020 of 1978 to the current C 328, with many “Best Amp” awards and five-star reviews along the way. The C 316BEE lived up to expectations, garnering multiple accolades including an EISA award for ‘Best Product 2008-2009’ and top recommendations from the world’s leading audio publications. With the resurgence of vinyl we decided to update the design by including NAD’s highly acclaimed RIAA phono stage. This sophisticated circuit combines low noise with high overload margins to eliminate noise and distortion. RIAA equalisation is extremely accurate (a rarity at this price) and there is even an infrasonic filter to reject airborne vibrations that can cause parasitic feedback.
Proven Technology Enhanced by Innovation
NAD’s PowerDrive Circuit has been proven to offer a remarkable combination of high current drive needed for complex loudspeaker loads, and high levels of undistorted dynamic power. By monitoring the precise operating condition of the power amplifier, PowerDrive uses this intelligence to automatically optimise the power supply settings for uniformly low distortion and maximum power in the real world of music listening. As featured in our top Masters Series models, PowerDrive uses a complex ‘analogue computer’ to determine the optimal settings. For the C 316BEE V2, NAD’s Director of Advanced Development, Bjorn Erik Edvardsen, developed a clever new computation circuit requiring fewer parts at a much lower cost without any reduction in effectiveness.
All the hallmarks of NAD technology are present, from the generously sized toroidal power transformer and low ESR smoothing capacitors, to the multiple regulated secondary supplies, to the heavy duty discrete output transistors, the C 316BEE V2 is every bit as refined and sophisticated as other NAD amplifiers.
Value
We are confident that the C 316BEE V2 will set new benchmarks for performance, both measured and audible, at this affordable price point. Unless you have power hungry speakers, listen at dangerously loud levels, or have a very large room, the C 316BEE V2 will be the amplifier for you. Fundamental specifications for noise, distortion, power, stereo separation, and volume control tracking, are all class leading and would be impressive on an amplifier costing many times its modest price.
Simplicity
While the C 316BEE V2 has everything necessary for musical enjoyment, it is refreshingly limited to the essentials: six inputs, one set of speakers, a headphone jack, and full function remote control. It has a compact size and a handsome yet understated exterior. It is essential NAD.
While its bells and whistles may not be as extensive as our more expensive offerings, the C 316BEE V2 is far from a “stripped down” product. With five line level inputs, an MM Phono Input, full IR remote control, defeatable tone controls and a front panel input for a phone or tablet, the C 316BEE V2 is fully equipped to be the control centre for a high performance music system. Continuous power is a conservative 40 watts, and dynamic power (more important for music listening) is impressively more than 100 watts! This is far more usable power on tap than other amplifiers at this price, and this power is available across the entire audible band at a class leading 0.03%.
The sonic result of this high technology is a relaxed and inviting sound that digs out the subtle details in your favourite recordings and presents them across a panoramic stereo sound stage. The impressive dynamic power reserves make the C 316BEE V2 sound both articulate and alive. The silent background and low distortion gives a sense of solidity and presence to your music and brings out the best your loudspeakers have to offer.
The foundation of a simple, yet great-sounding stereo system
You don't need huge power or a lot of buttons to push. You don't need to spend a lot of money, either. If all you want is great sound for a small space, NAD has the solution. The C 316BEE V2 is the perfect little integrated amp to anchor that high-quality audio system in your den, bedroom, or office. It delivers accurate, musical sound in a compact, easy-to-enjoy package.
No frills, just thrills
NAD designed this amp using the same principle behind their higher-end components — a no-frills approach that puts the focus squarely on performance, instead of bells and whistles. It boasts a high-current toroidal transformer — usually found only on expensive audiophile gear — and other carefully selected parts to provide punchy, lifelike sound. It makes the amp sound much more potent than its 40-watts-per-channel rating would lead you to expect.
This integrated amp offers enough inputs to connect five audio components, including a turntable, plus a handy front-panel minijack for hooking up a portable music player. And the included remote gives you easy control of the amplifier and the other NAD audio components in your system.
Add a CD player like the NAD C538 and good set of bookshelf speakers like the PSB Alpha P5. Turn off your TV and phone. Now relax and rediscover the simple pleasure of listening to great music.
Product highlights:
- 40 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.03% THD
- 4-ohm stable for use with a wide range of speakers
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 95 dB
- PowerDrive-S™ technology for more dynamic power output
- Large toroidal power transformer for a strong, low-noise power supply
- Rotary bass and treble controls with defeat switch for tone control bypass
- 5 RCA audio inputs including 1 MM phono input
- Front-panel minijack input for connecting a portable music player
- Full-size headphone jack on front panel
- One pair of speaker binding post terminals
- Remote control
Performance Specs |
||
|---|---|---|
| Watts RMS per Channel (8-ohms) | 40 | |
| Watts RMS per Channel (4-ohms) | 40 | |
| Frequency Bandwidth | 20-20kHz | |
| THD | 0.03% | |
| Minimum Impedance | 4 ohms | |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 95dB | |
Connections |
||
| Total Analog Inputs | 5 | |
| Phono Input | Yes (MM) | |
| Preamp Outputs | No | |
| Headphone Output | 1/4" Jack (Front panel) | |
Dimensions |
||
| Width | 435mm | |
| Height | 90mm | |
| Depth | 285mm | |
| Weight | 5.5kg | |
| C316BEE V2 Data Sheet  |
C316BEE V2 Quick Start Guide |
C316BEE V2 Owner's Manual |
PowerDrive S White Paper |
Performance Specs |
||
|---|---|---|
| Watts RMS per Channel (8-ohms) | 40 | |
| Watts RMS per Channel (4-ohms) | 40 | |
| Frequency Bandwidth | 20-20kHz | |
| THD | 0.03% | |
| Minimum Impedance | 4 ohms | |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 95dB | |
Connections |
||
| Total Analog Inputs | 5 | |
| Phono Input | Yes (MM) | |
| Preamp Outputs | No | |
| Headphone Output | 1/4" Jack (Front panel) | |
Dimensions |
||
| Width | 435mm | |
| Height | 90mm | |
| Depth | 285mm | |
| Weight | 5.5kg | |
