Resurrect NAD Opinions for Separate Fans
I read this thread regarding NAD that was posted some time back, and wanted to get some updated opinions.
After a lot of searching and listening, I keep thinking NAD's separates are the best kept secret out there in terms of power, price, headroom, etc. I am looking at the T163/T973 combination (140x7 true sustained, up to 390w per channel IHF @ 4 oms). These things can rock, and seem to have some serious sustainable horsepower. I have seen prices in the $2,600 if shopped right. I'd like to use these with my ML's.
I listened to this combo with Magnapans and Martin Logans, and the dealer said, "Of course, it doesn't compete with the Anthem P5" so I said, let's compare. He drug down the beast, hooked it up, and after 15 minutes of listening, we both agreed that we could not tell a db of difference....and the NAD a price point about half of Anthem.
Did the same with Rotel with little more that minor appreciable differences, again, NAD is a WHOLE lot cheaper. Compared to McIntosh....definitely heard some quality jumps, but $8,000+, it out to be different. But again, the T163/T973 could not tell a quantum amount of difference over the McIntosh 200 140x7 receiver @ $6,600.
IMO, NAD has a horrible marketing and sales approach, so no ones knows the value, quality, nor much of the brand name.
Any others see it this way? Anyone had any bad experiences with these separates I listed above? Trying to make the right choice here.