CA Azur 340A SE vs Nad C316bee

[admin_exported]

If these two cost (as they do here in norway) the same and not 180 vs 240 £, who would you buy?

and

Will they drive Dali Ikon 1's (maybe ikon 2 if i can get a second hand deal) well?

Im thinking about getting this combo for a room thats 4x4 meters.

Any thoughts from the whathifi crew or others would be nice 🙂

 

[jaxwired]

No brainer. NAD.

Here's a test. Go to audiogon and look at the used NAD gear and the used CA gear. You'll notice that the NAD integrated amps almost all say "SOLD" next to them. Not true for the CA gear. And that's with the significant aesthetic advantage the CA gear has.

 

[manicm]

jaxwired:

No brainer. NAD.

Here's a test. Go to audiogon and look at the used NAD gear and the used CA gear. You'll notice that the NAD integrated amps almost all say "SOLD" next to them. Not true for the CA gear. And that's with the significant aesthetic advantage the CA gear has.

If you are using drugs please forsake the cheap ones - they make you say some very very silly things.

 

[d_a_n1979]

Yup; NAD for me too...

The NAD's power will drive the Dali's much better than the C/A amp

For me the C/A 340 is their weakest link; doesnt compete at all well with other budget amps out there

 

[Anonymous]

Im going to buck the trend for nad. Go with the CA amp. Had the 340A some years ago and the se is quite a bit better. Im my ears the ca works with the dalis, but your might be different.

 

[Anonymous]

I also used to own the 340a (not se) and it sounded very good with som older B&O RL1000 speakers but it ran out of power rather quickly when I gave it some complicated music. It was also abit bright and as far as ive heard so are the dalis. Having never owned a NAD before but having heard that they are not bright i figured that not-bright-amp and bright speakers could be a better combo than bright and bright. I could be wrong about that though.

The soundQUALTY in terms of detail in the 340 impressed me though.

 

[d_a_n1979]

If you can demo but know what youre saying re the C?A gear. To me it always sounds a little too bright and clinical

The NAD will have a smoother, more ounchier sound but still as detailed. It'll sound superb with the Dali's as well whereas the C/A will drive them but I think the sound would be a little too forward/harsh!

 

[Anonymous]

It seems the NAD is getting the most nods. Its been 20 years or something like that since i last heard a NAD amp and ive alway been under the impression that NAD has no detail in the sound whatsoever and only ALOT of sound. Maybe its time i burried my scepticism and realise that alot may have happened over the years hehe.

 

[Anonymous]

NAD!!

 

[manicm]

Well by the lukewarm WHF review of the 316 you can save nad get a 315 instead.

Or if you want the best sound get the CA 340SE.

 

[Anonymous]

316 and 315 costs the same here

 

[manicm]

Actually I would look at neither. You have some decent kit in your signature. Don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Your Dalis deserve better. What's your budget? Or is this a bedroom system?

I would locate a decent dealer, free up a Saturday, and twist arms so you can take a recommended amp home, or take your Dalis to the dealer and audition.

 

[the record spot]

manicm:
Actually I would look at neither. You have some decent kit in your signature. Don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish. Your Dalis deserve better. What's your budget? Or is this a bedroom system?

I would locate a decent dealer, free up a Saturday, and twist arms so you can take a recommended amp home, or take your Dalis to the dealer and audition.

This is where I'm at. Good post.

 

[Anonymous]

Its for a secondary system in my office. Gonna use a dacmagic and computer as source. Not going to spend any more on the amp than 220 (as those amps cost here)

 

[manicm]

Still go to your dealer, don't limit yourself to these amps.

 

[matthewpiano]

Also worth looking at the new CA 350A which is based on the 340A SE but adds some of the refinements of the 550 and 650 amps. In particular it benefits from the much higher quality ALPs volume pot found in those amps so you don't get the same slight in-balance that the 340A and 340A SE could suffer from.

Agree with manicm and the others - audition as much as you can around that price point.

 

[jaxwired]

manicm:jaxwired:

No brainer. NAD.

Here's a test. Go to audiogon and look at the used NAD gear and the used CA gear. You'll notice that the NAD integrated amps almost all say "SOLD" next to them. Not true for the CA gear. And that's with the significant aesthetic advantage the CA gear has.

If you are using drugs please forsake the cheap ones - they make you say some very very silly things.

I think market demand is a worthwhile indicator. Especially when you can see the buying habits of a targeted group such as the typical audiophile buyer on audiogon. NAD amps sell fast and they also sell for very respectable prices in relation to their new prices.

 

[Sizzers]

joestone:
I also used to own the 340a (not se) and it sounded very good with som older B&O RL1000 speakers but it ran out of power rather quickly when I gave it some complicated music. It was also abit bright and as far as ive heard so are the dalis. Having never owned a NAD before but having heard that they are not bright i figured that not-bright-amp and bright speakers could be a better combo than bright and bright. I could be wrong about that though.

The soundQUALTY in terms of detail in the 340 impressed me though.

Dali's aren't bright, just detailed. Love 'em!

 

[Anonymous]

Picked up Dali Ikon 1 today and a dirt cheap CA 340 (demo model) . Sounds really fantastic but if i get my hands on a used or demo NAD 325 or 326 ill grab it. Awesome soundstage and detail for my small office! Really suprised by the punch of the bass in those small speakers too.