jmlabs/nad v. boston acoustics/yamaha?

[markdag]

I am replacing my 12 year old system (finally!) and trying to get caught up on the last 12 yrs of audio technology! Goal is a nice 2 ch audio system formMix of pop, jazz, vocals. A bit of classical. No room for floorstanders (small townhouse) so looking for bookshelf speakers. Here are two systems I have looked at. Which would you rather have?

#1
NAD C320BEE integrated amp
NAD C521BEE cd player (or maybe the C542?)
JMlabs Chorus 707s bookshelf speakers (will be on stands)

#2
Yamaha rx496 receiver
Boston Acoustics vr-m50 bookshelf speakers (on stands)

Anyone have experience with JMlabs 707s? Sound good to me, but can't compare side by side with other options. Vs. B&W 602s?

Should I care that NAD C320BEE is only 50 watts (vs. 75 or more for yamaha)? Yamaha sales guy was trying to tell me that lack of power could be a real problem with NAD setup.

Are the NAD electronics overkill for speakers in this price range?

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Fb111794]

I am replacing my 12 year old system (finally!) and trying to get caught up on the last 12 yrs of audio technology! Goal is a nice 2 ch audio system formMix of pop, jazz, vocals. A bit of classical. No room for floorstanders (small townhouse) so looking for bookshelf speakers. Here are two systems I have looked at. Which would you rather have?

#1
NAD C320BEE integrated amp
NAD C521BEE cd player (or maybe the C542?)
JMlabs Chorus 707s bookshelf speakers (will be on stands)

#2
Yamaha rx496 receiver
Boston Acoustics vr-m50 bookshelf speakers (on stands)

Anyone have experience with JMlabs 707s? Sound good to me, but can't compare side by side with other options. Vs. B&W 602s?

Should I care that NAD C320BEE is only 50 watts (vs. 75 or more for yamaha)? Yamaha sales guy was trying to tell me that lack of power could be a real problem with NAD setup.

Are the NAD electronics overkill for speakers in this price range?

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks.

First off, what is your over-all price range (yes.... I could have done the math myself, but I'm a little lazy this morning)?

Second, I wouldn't worry about the NAD gear being underpowered. ESPECIALLY for a two channel system. Fifty watts is plenty. Ask the Yamaha guy why tube gear can be as little as 10 watts or even LESS per channel and put out some serious sound? If you were doing Home Theater or trying to fill a HUGE space.... then power would be more of a consideration.

 

[Illuminatti]

Hi, ive auditioned the JM Lab Chorus 707/Nad C320BEE and im not satisfied with the imaging, clarity and soundstage. I was at that time looking for a two channel set-up an i ended up getting a Paradigm Mini Monitor, Rotel Integrated and a Nad 521 BEE.

Although i know its a matter of sonic and tonal preference and auditioning a set up up like mine will do no harm.

 

[markdag]

thanks and more info

Thanks for the comments.

Fb111794 -- Glad to hear that power is not an issue (the yamaha guy was mentioning clipping). As for budget, probably $1000-$1500 for speakers, cd player, and amp (will likely reuse existing receiver as tuner).


Illuminati -- Sorry that the jmlabs failed the audition. I have not seen the paradigms for sale in my area, but I'll look around. I bet the rotel is pretty nice, but I think that is beyond the budget...

-M.

 

[nm2285]

the NAD will NOT be under powered in any way unless the speakers have very low sensitivity and/or low impedence. It is probably the best you can get for that price range. I own a NAD C370. If you want more power, consider a used one of those. It's fabulous.

Yes the Rotel would be excellent as well, but probably more pricey.

As for speakers, you have to decide. Good luck and enjoy

 

[cyclone]

Thanks for the comments.

Fb111794 -- Glad to hear that power is not an issue (the yamaha guy was mentioning clipping). As for budget, probably $1000-$1500 for speakers, cd player, and amp (will likely reuse existing receiver as tuner).


Illuminati -- Sorry that the jmlabs failed the audition. I have not seen the paradigms for sale in my area, but I'll look around. I bet the rotel is pretty nice, but I think that is beyond the budget...

-M.

I have had Paradigm 7se larger bookshelf's for years and have been satisfied overall. I recently began to add HT and 2CH to finished basemenet, and picked up an Integra DTR-5.4 AVR and added Athen AS-FS speakers for 2ch. They took time to break in but sound much better, though forward. Recently I listened again to the new monitor line of Pradigms and was impressed, especially when coupled with the PDR10 sub. Compared to Klipsch, they have smoother highs, compared to B&W, they are more open and lively. Numerous models for price points and they all sound good. Another speaker I have listened to in the past and liked, is the KEF Q5.