powerful,strong bass and clear treble

sometime too strong in bass

I am very appreciate the performances of NAD product. This power amplifier has once again shows that NAD can make a true Hi end product but sell at Mid end price. However, once again the durability is so weak that my 218THX has broken only after 2 months I purchased it. The amplifier cannot turn on again.
Sincerely hope that NAD can more concern on the durability of their products.

I initially bought 2 to bridge my two main speakers but now I am just about to get my fifth unit to bridge all 5 channels. Should I say more?

I started with 2 units just to monoblock my 2 front speakers, 2days later I monoblocked my 2 rear speakers, 5 days later I monoblocked my center speaker(for a total of 5 218's) SHOULD I SAY MORE?????

Strong bass

Too many to list here

This is NAD's current high-power amplifier (There's the S-200 also, but it's in a different line). As the follow-on to the 208THX, I expected improved performance. What I got was a less efficient amplifier that weighs more, and has more treble boost. I listened to it on a set of full-range speakers, before I configured it to run my subs.

Strengths: This amplifier puts out LOTS of strong bass. The large capacitor bank and huge transformer ensure that there will always be plenty of power available, even for the most powerful bass signals. Since I'm using this amp to drive a pair of sub-woofers, it works fine for me.

Weaknesses: This amp uses a different power supply system than NAD has used in the past (single voltage rail, instead of dual voltage rail). This significantly decreases the parts count, and cost, but the amp is heavier, and has lower peak power as a result. It also has a tendancy to run hotter, due to this design change.

There is a significant amount of brightness in the amp. Not enough to be harsh, but not what I would like to hear. The 208 is MUCH cleaner in this reguard. It sounds fine on Rock music, but it's not up to Jazz or Classical.

The handles are too wide to be really useful. This is only important when you try to move it. At about 50 pounds, that probably won't be too often. If you try to lift it by the sides, the sharp heat-sinks will leave you wishing you had used leather gloves.

The electronics are more difficult to get to than they are in previous NAD amplifiers. This is due to the fact that the overall chassis design/construction differs from earlier models (made in China vs. England).

Overall, I consider this amp to be a giant step backward for NAD, and I hope that they return to their previous design and construction methods.

Similar Products Used:

NAD 2155, 2200, 208THX

POWER

Haven't found any

This amp really delivers. Seldom have I been as pleased with a stereo purchase as I am with this one. Power and control. No grain and correct bass. This thing really makes my maggies come alive.

Powerful

got the his s s..... sound when increase the volume,

This baby look very strong and powerful, I drived my Dalhquist DQ-30i very smooth. But got his......... sound when increase the volume nearly half way

Similar Products Used:

Adcom, B&K

Power, tube like sound, built like a tank!

Too Heavy, but hey thats a good problem

I recently purchased this amp and also the NAD 216 to replace my Rotel RB-981 and RB-971. I am using the 218 to push my Vandersteen 2ce's in the front and the 216 to push me Vandersteen VSMs in the back. I am very pleased with the overall performance of the 218. Compared to my Audire Forte and Rotel RB-981 it seems much more natural and effortless. And in the bottom end it out does both of them hands down. And the Audire is no slouch itself. I have been pushing my Vandersteens for quite sometime with either my Audire or Rotel amps, and I have to say that I prefer the NAD 218 hands down to either of them. I suggest you find out for yourself you won't be disappointed. Good listening!!

Similar Products Used:

Audire Forte, Rotel RB-981, RB-971

Very clean design, very powerful, soft clipping

none that I am aware of except that it was made in China, not a country I can associate high tech products with.

The NAD 218 THX is a very powerful amp, much more than I would ever need for the size of my listening room which is about 20 x 20. At any rate, its power reserve gives me the option to upgrade to less efficient speakers. Currently, I am using the 218 to drive my Definitive Tech BP20 (the original bipolars that brought DT to fame) and along with the NAD 118 digital preamp, they form the core of my main stereo system. I find the sound from this system very satisfying and really wonder if a Conrad Johnson or McCormack amps can do a much better job at three times the price. During the eighteen months since I bought this amp, I have put it through the pace of different program materials, from Renaissance/Baroque/classical, rock, pop, country, choral and through various program source, from my Sony CA8ES CD changer, Revox 760 tuner, Yamaha cassette deck, Akai open-reel and soon the Revox A700 open-reel to the Dual 750 turntable, the listening experience has always be wonderful. Again, NAD has done it again, giving audio enthusiasts tremendous value for their money.

Similar Products Used:

Tandberg 3003, NAD 2200