NAD D 7050 and KEF LS50

[swasi]

Hello all,

I was considering to buy the NAD d7050 as I like the all digital setup since after moving to the UK I am left without any analog HiFi equipment. Considering my budget of roughly GBP 1,2k I was looking for some offers and found this package (NAD d7050 + Kef LS50) at Sevenoaks.

I was wondering if anybody here had tested or has any experience with this setup. Would be great if you guys could share some thoughts.

Thanks.

 

[BigH]

Well best to have some demos. I heard LS50s at 7oaks and they were good but not with the NAD. I did find the LS50s were not so good at lower volumes and they need a decent amp. Others to consider are the Kef R100s. I would not go too much on deals, Im sure you can get deals there anyway, I would choose the best amp and speakers you can for yr budget. I did similar demos last year and I choose AVI 9RS in the end, for me they were the best. Best amp I heard was the Creek 50A but hard to find dealers.

 

[npoguy]

Until just a couple of weeks ago, I used the NAD D3020 with the LS50's and loved the setup. The same setup was reviewed in Stereophile last year and they also gave it the thumbs up. I recently switched to a UnitiQute2 because a friend was looking to unload it for an amazing price, but I wasn't in a rush to switch. My only complaint about the NAD is the touchy volume control (it gives you a vague idea of where you are on the dial), but that wasn't a dealbreaker.

I second looking at the Creek and others, but if you're main goal is connectivity, definitely audition the NAD.

 

[swasi]

Thanks guys. I do agree that some demo before hand would be wise. I just wanted to see if someone already got some experience with this particular setup. I certainly like NAD d7050s features and read a couple of positive reviews about teh KEF LS50, that's why the combination was so appealing to me. Anyhow, I will give it a try and see if any issue arises at lower volumes.

 

[davedotco]

Thanks guys. I do agree that some demo before hand would be wise. I just wanted to see if someone already got some experience with this particular setup. I certainly like NAD d7050s features and read a couple of positive reviews about teh KEF LS50, that's why the combination was so appealing to me. Anyhow, I will give it a try and see if any issue arises at lower volumes.

Somewhat harder to find, the Peachtree Nova is a rather nice alternative to the D7050. Different functionality though, no network connection but other goodies instead......

 

[davedotco]

Ooops, double post........ :wall:

 

[swasi]

Thanks for the hint. The Peachtree nova seems nice on paper but as you said it lacks network capability and I rather prefer an all in one solution.

 

[davedotco]

Thanks for the hint. The Peachtree nova seems nice on paper but as you said it lacks network capability and I rather prefer an all in one solution.

Understood.

Came across one recently and was rather impressed, your requirements were not that clear from you posts, thought I would mention it.

 

[npoguy]

I was very close to ordering a Nova125 and give it a try (comes with a 30 day guarantee) when the UnitiQute2 dropped from the sky. On paper, Peachtree looks like a great match!

 

[the record spot]

See if you can get a deal on my amp. The 818 would deliver real world power, has all the network connectivity you'll need and sounds great.

 

[MaxD]

Thanks for the hint. The Peachtree nova seems nice on paper but as you said it lacks network capability and I rather prefer an all in one solution.

IMHO Network is easy to add and for me NAD D 7050 could be perfect if it had even just one analog intput. What if one day you want to add a simple CD player with just analog output or a tuner or some tape recorder or a phono preamp?

Now you do not need those, then are you sure you do not need it one future day?

 

[swasi]

Thanks guys. Sorry, I haven't mentioned my requirements so far.

I am not sure about the NAD D7050 + KEF LS50 combination but I am sure that I won't need any analogue input in the near future. At the moment all I need is a pure digital HiFi . I don't like a masses of cables and boxes just to stream from spotify or friend's mobile devices and to listen to other music stored on a NAS. The setup should be as simple as possible, ie best is having all in one single device.

I will probably demo the setup over the weekend and post my opinion.

 

[davedotco]

Thanks guys. Sorry, I haven't mentioned my requirements so far.

I am not sure about the NAD D7050 + KEF LS50 combination but I am sure that I won't need any analogue input in the near future. At the moment all I need is a pure digital HiFi . I don't like a masses of cables and boxes just to stream from spotify or friend's mobile devices and to listen to other music stored on a NAS. The setup should be as simple as possible, ie best is having all in one single device.

I will probably demo the setup over the weekend and post my opinion.

In terms of functionality the D7050 really hits the mark....... :dance:

I have not yet had the chance to try Spotify Connect but from what I understand the Connect functionality is integral in the normal Spotify App, so browsing, selecting and playing songs is exactly the same as I do now, it just takes Airplay out of the equation and gives me a wired signal path. Perfect.

The other question is how it sounds to you, playing your music the way you want to play it. The LS50s miss the spot for some people, though for different reasons. Just make sure you are not one of them.

 

[swasi]

Hey,

I had the opportunity to demo the setup. In terms of functionality the NAD D7050 is brilliant - great connectivity and easy to use. The KEFs are great speakers and I quite liked the sound (good midrange with sufficient bass and well integrated) . I couldn’t spend more time so I missed to check the performance at lower volume which allegedly may be an issue. I will try next weekend again and see if I am still convinced that this setup may be a good match.

Did anyone else have the chance to try the Kefs with the D7050 ?

 

[swasi]

I am actually curious if there is any similar (in terms of functionality and sound quality) solution to the NAD D 7050. My only concern is its "weakness" but the rest is brilliant. So, what would you guys suggest? Someone suggested Linn sneaky as an option but I still want to stick to the KEF LS50.

 

[CnoEvil]

I am actually curious if there is any similar (in terms of functionality and sound quality) solution to the NAD D 7050. My only concern is its "weakness" but the rest is brilliant. So, what would you guys suggest? Someone suggested Linn sneaky as an option but I still want to stick to the KEF LS50.

The Linn Sneaky sounds "OK" driving the LS50s, but would be a temporary measure while you saved up for better amplification.

Try and get a listen, and like me, you might be pleasantly surprised how well the Sneaky copes.

 

[Cypher]

Until just a couple of weeks ago, I used the NAD D3020 with the LS50's and loved the setup.

So the NAD D3020 has enough power to drive the LS50 speakers properly ? Even at fairly loud volumes ?

 

[swasi]

deleted

 

[npoguy]

Yes...I don't listen at head banging levels, but it was enough for the occasional dance party for my young daughter! And, the only major connectivity piece it was missing for me was airplay. It may not be for everyone, but definitely worth a listen. I always cite the Stereophile review as at least one other source that endorsed the combination. YMMV.

 

[the record spot]

I am actually curious if there is any similar (in terms of functionality and sound quality) solution to the NAD D 7050. My only concern is its "weakness" but the rest is brilliant. So, what would you guys suggest? Someone suggested Linn sneaky as an option but I still want to stick to the KEF LS50.

The aforesaid Onkyo TX-NR818 does all of that. No Airplay either but you can get round that. Fabulous sound quality and a good degree of futureproofing too. Sorry to repeat it again but having everything centralised in one unit without compromising on sound quality was what I wanted.

 

[Jota180]

Got told by a KEF employee that my Naim NAP100 (50w per channel) is fine in small to medium rooms at low to "decent" listening levels.

My room is 5 by 4 metres.

He rated it in the lower end of the middle range as far as amp power went for the LS50.

To be fair, I can't play loud music because of neighbours so it's not an issue to me.

If your room is a similar size and you want to play music loud without the amp clipping you'll need something with more clout.

My amp would be clipping if I turned it up and anything with less power would obviously clip sooner.

 

[hybridauth_facebook_681501574]

Hi there i have the nad d7050 and the kef ls50 for a year now, and im very happy with the setup. Nad works well DLNA, Airplay and bluetooth aptx work out of the box you can even connect a NAS storage device and use aps to play to the nad. There is plenty of power too it can drive most speakers because of the pure digital processing. It all sounds amazing and im listening to music like never before.

 

[davedotco]

Hi there i have the nad d7050 and the kef ls50 for a year now, and im very happy with the setup. Nad works well DLNA, Airplay and bluetooth aptx work out of the box you can even connect a NAS storage device and use aps to play to the nad. There is plenty of power too it can drive most speakers because of the pure digital processing. It all sounds amazing and im listening to music like never before.

As someone with hands on experience of the D7050, I was wondering if you could help me out.

I would like to connect speakers as normal and use the pre-outs to drive active speakers. It is easy to switch the actives on and off, but is there a mute on the main speaker outs? And, if so, does it mute the pre-out too?

If necessary I can mute the speakers by plugging in a headphone jack, again does this mute the pre-outs?

Sorry to go off topic, but so few people actually have a clue about this unit, my local Nad dealer hasn't the first idea what I am asking about.

 

[hybridauth_facebook_681501574]

Hi there. I have no idea. I suggest you write to nad on facebook, they should know!

 

[Vladimir]

As someone with hands on experience of the D7050, I was wondering if you could help me out.

I would like to connect speakers as normal and use the pre-outs to drive active speakers. It is easy to switch the actives on and off, but is there a mute on the main speaker outs? And, if so, does it mute the pre-out too?

If necessary I can mute the speakers by plugging in a headphone jack, again does this mute the pre-outs?

Sorry to go off topic, but so few people actually have a clue about this unit, my local Nad dealer hasn't the first idea what I am asking about.

According to the manual:

8. AUDIO OUT

• These output terminals have dual function. They are used either as PRE OUT or SUBWOOFER terminals.

• Always turn OFF the D 7050 and associated external devices before connecting or disconnecting anything to the AUDIO OUT sockets.

PRE OUT

• The AUDIO OUT sockets can be used to drive an additional amplifier. Use a dual RCA cable to connect AUDIO OUT to the corresponding analog audio input of compatible devices such as amplifiers, receivers or other applicable devices.

• AUDIO OUT will be affected by the D 7050’s volume control settings. Rotate the VOLUME control to adjust the output level of the AUDIO OUT sockets.

D 7050 Direct Digital Network Amplifier - English manual

Volume control and muting affects both the Pre Out and main speaker outputs.