NAD 317 Integrated Amplifiers
NAD 317 Integrated Amplifiers
[Apr 20, 2007]
Sean
AudioPhile
Strength:
None
Weakness:
Heavy steel chasis gives impression like it's something more than it is. Just cheap electronics in a nice metal case.
Garbage
Customer Service They are out to lunch Similar Products Used: Rotel, Pioneer Elite, Proton, Adcom |
[Jan 07, 2003]
elaficionado
AudioPhile
Strength:
Superlative sound; excellent build quality; highly musical reproduction of CDs, tapes and DVDs. This amp does justice to all kinds of music. DVD movie soundtracks and TV broadcasts benefit from the clarity, definition and dynamic range of the NAD 317.
Weakness:
None whatsoever. Reviewers who complain must have damaged units. The NAD 317 is a spartan integrated amplifier of excellent build with just enough inputs and outputs to satisfy all but the most demanding users. An advantage of its design is the rear preamp outputs and main amp inputs which allow the sound hobbyist to patch in an external processor or equalizer. The appearance of the unit is one of elegant simplicity. Its performance is on par with amplifiers that cost many times its price. As heard with an NAD T550 DVD/CD player as the source and a pair of Paradigm Monitor 7 speakers as the reproducers, the sound of the NAD 317 is sweet, smooth, detailed, with very wide dynamics and exceptionally clear reproduction of voices. A solo instrument like the piano, or a full symphony orchestra, comes accross with great lateral impact, superb transient attack, warm ambience and extended decay. When listening to classical music one has the definite feeling of being transported to the sound venue of a concert hall. The 317 does justice to all kinds of music. The Platters in Mercury's digitally remastered Milleniunm Collection CD sound as though they are performing live in front of you. One forgets that he is listening to a recording. If pop music sounds wonderful, the reproduction of operatic, symphonic, chamber and jazz works is nothing less than sublime. Not just the tone but the inner timbre of every instrument can be heard and savored. The soundstage has impressive depth, height and width, with excellent imaging and details. The voices of individual male and female soloists, as well as those of large choral ensembles, are reproduced with astonishing clarity but without any hint of exaggerated sibilants. One can hear the unique colors, subtle qualities and nuances of each vocalist's production. Such recordings as Handel's "Acis and Galatea" (Christie, Erato label) and Handel's "Messiah" (Pinnock, Archiv label) are just heavenly! The Hallelujah Chorus is breathtaking both for the clarity and grandeur of the voices. An opera of massive forces, like Verdi's "Aida" (Solti, London label), comes through with both tremendous impact and refinement. Thus, the loud trumpets in the Grand March have plenty of bite but, for the first time in the many years I've been listening to this early 60s recording, do not sound overly bright and ragged. Leontynne Price who was famous in the title role sounds as she did in the theater - glorious! In the fifteen months since I have been listening to music through this amplifier I have not heard any unmusical or otherwise undesirable sounds. There is a very slight low frequency hum in the left channel, which NAD explains is part of the toroidal design, but it can be heard only if one holds his ear up to the speaker grill. The nearly inaudible hum disappears completely once music begins to play. At its list price of $800 this amp is one of the great bargains of the audio world. At the $375 web price tag from a fine retail store I got away with highway robbery. Similar Products Used: Acoustic Research, Harman Kardon, Kenwood, JVC, Onkyo, Denon. |
[Sep 06, 2002]
ram st
AudioPhile
Strength:
Good control and very much power in bridgemode(2*240 W). Very good sound too ..
Weakness:
?? An excellent integrated amplifier. Have mine connected to NHT SuperTwos and Audioquest Type 4 cables. CD player is Adcom GCD700. This amp upholds NAD's tradition of being a no nonsense true deliverer. I did several auditions before buying. Comparisons were made with Adcom, Arcam, Marantz, and Creek. The 317 has the best sound in my opinion. Similar Products Used: MF A200 |
[Sep 20, 2000]
Audiophile Lite
Audio Enthusiast
Today I added up the retail cost of my audio and video investment that I have made during the pass 20 months. I was shocked that I have accumulated nearly $22,000 worth of stuff. What is really disheartening is that the stuff that I spent the most on will or have depreciated the most. For instance my Sony Wega 36” television with the matching stand retails for $2,000. With almost certain growth of digital television, my Wega has a very limited product life cycle and certain deep depreciation prospects. |
[Nov 20, 2000]
Art J.
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
see other reviews
Weakness:
it hums If your a rocker or rapper,no problem at all.Only if your a classical buff,the hum in the left channel may drive you nuts.[We run efficient speakers and head phones].We had NAD send us a 'so called' repaired one that hummed on both channels.THEY CANT FIX IT.We upgraded to Acurus and we are all set now.Not to knock NAD altogether, we have a NAD CD player {the 5000} thats just wonderful,and I know they can make high quality gear.But if you look close at this one, you can see that they hacked a pre-amp into the existing 214 amp,too close to the toroidal transformer..Bad Boys,so less stars... |
[May 03, 2000]
Dan
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Price
Weakness:
None Noted This is my first review, so please excuse me if I am not familar with all the audio terms. I wanted to write this because of the positive experience I have had to date with the 317. In the past I have had tube and SS seperates, this is my first integrated. What a great product, very musical and plenty of power. Works great with my PSB Stratus Bronze speakers. Build quality and looks are five stars. I like the spartan approach that NAD has, more concern about quality/music than looks and features. Would highly recommend anyone looking for an integrated to consider this one. Call Ray (extension 709) at Soundcity for a great deal...I paid $600 new. Similar Products Used: Denon 2000 |
[Mar 30, 2000]
John
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Power, smoothness,and no gimmicks!!
Weakness:
No major for the price.. I just picked up this integrated by mail from the "Sound Seller" in Wisconsin. Similar Products Used: Rotel, Denon. |
[Feb 22, 2000]
Louis Silvestri
Audio Enthusiast
Weakness:
First unit developed hum in the left channel. Second Unit occasionally hums from within the amplifier. I like the amplifier. It has plenty of power and is easily upgradable for larger systems. However, the first unit produced a hum in the left channel. I returned this unit and got a new one. Now, when I first turn it on, usually in the morning, an audible hum comes from within the amplifier. It isn't loud enough to justify bringing it back again but it is worth mention. |
[Sep 19, 2000]
Rusty Small
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
price,power envelope, easy function
Weakness:
None so far. Recently purchased this beauty from Audiolab in Pa. Similar Products Used: adcom,arcam,denon |
[Jun 11, 2000]
Bart Lane
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Great sounding and loud amplifier for the money. Easy to set up and use.
Weakness:
Silly, but I wish it was a little more to look at. This is a great amp for the money. I got mine off ebay for only $400 and I can't imagine money more well spent. The first night I got it a friend came over and we listened to all sorts of music at loud levels and the amp did its job perfectly. Similar Products Used: Mark Levinson no383 |