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NAD C355BEE AmplifierLetters BEE in the model's name mean that Bjorn Erik Edvardsen, the chief designer and ideologist of NAD, put a hand in its design. It seems that he managed, taking the more expensive amplifier C352 as a basis, to create a new bestseller with minimum compromises. Moreover, some solutions were borrowed from the flagship M3, in particular: distortion compensation circuitry and output transistor current control (BEE Clamp). This innovative circuitry allows for a more natural and detailed sound, regardless of the volume level and speaker impedance. Proprietary Soft Clipping and PowerDrive technologies complement a set of tools that enhance the most important properties of the amplifier. Another characteristic feature of C355BEE is freedom from integrated circuits in the sound path and the transition to discrete elements, to be exact - modules based on them. The output power of the amplifier is up to 80 W or up to 140 W at the peak, which is enough for any low-sensitivity acoustics. NAD C355BEE provides LF and HF tone controls that can be turned off by the Tone Defeat button. Other features include RS232 port, a 12-volt trigger. Listening. I must immediately notice that the amplifier, especially the new one, needs at least a half-hour warm-up, otherwise you will not feel all the nuances of the sound. The scene is wide and goes into depth out the speakers' line. This is exactly the case when you can talk about how the speakers disappear. Periodically, only separate instruments arise in them, and precisely those that the producer wanted to highlight, for example, Angus Young's solo in the Rock'n'Roll Train. The rest of the sound hits the wall, which reminds the real stage portals at live concert. There is no muddle at high volume at all, and this is a serious achievement for an amplifier of such a cost. We liked how dynamic contrasts are transmitted - transitions from thunderous sound to short pauses between chords occur instantly, without delays. This suggests effective acoustics control with complex impedance. Speaking about minuses, we would note a certain tendency to simplify the atmosphere, in some records you have to listen attentively to recognize background details. But the undoubted advantage of NAD C355BEE is, of course, the ability to absolutely reliably convey all the timbral richness of music instruments, regardless of the complexity of the work. In particular, cymbals hit is absolutely "live". And what's very important, the amplifier can show softness and delicacy where it is necessary, as well as a tremendous dynamic potential. |