cheap? decent sound quality? looks just like the far better NAD C740?

little power, poor dynamics, disappointing sound quality

This receiver was rather disappointing. I picked it up while putting together a system for friends. The system consisted of NAD C540 CD (gorgeous!), JMLab Tantal 507 speakers, and relatively basic interconnects and cables. The JMLAb speakers are extremely efficient, so I figured the 730 would easily be able to drive them. Boy was I wrong. The receiver was unable to drive them to louder volumes, hence lacked dynamics even at medium volume levels, and was only decent in terms of sound quality. I exchanged it for a 740, and what a difference! The 740 is plenty powerful, and the sound was of a completely different calibre. The local dealer actually stopped carrying the 730 after determining that mine wasn't defective. NAD's been on a roll recently, but the 730 appears to be a misstep. I should note that I am generally a very big fan of the company, and am thrilled with my own C340 and C540 combo.

Similar Products Used:

NAD C740, NAD C340