NAD 312/314 + KEF Coda 7
Shiu Ling Po
As said in the title, I am considering this combination.
I don't know if NAD 314 is worth the price difference
of $125 US. I don't have 312 and 314 side by side for
comparison, so I'd appreciate comments from people
who know these amps.
charger
Wayne M Schneidman
If you typically listen to your music at "room level", that is, at a
volume you can still carry on a conversation at without having to raise
your voice AND you have no intention of ever cranking it up, then by
all means get the 312. Otherwise, IMHO, the 314 will have the umph you
will need when you need it.
I am presently using the 304, the predecessor to the 314 and have been
very happy with it. Also, IMHO, the 304 has an outstanding phone
stage. To my ears, the phono stage is worth the price of the unit, in
and of itself.
If you read NAD's literature or peruse their web site in the uk,
you will get the impression that the 314 is a redesigned 304. I would
tend to agree. However, to my ears, the 314 has a slightly but
noticiably crisper sound. However, I think it's sound signiture is one
that most would like better than the 304.
I do think NAD is an excellent choice. Other choices worth looking
into are ARCAM, Creek and Rotel. I think that at the absolute bottom
price end of what might be called the audiophile arena, NAD has no
match.
I don't think, at the price of the 304/314 or the 312, for that
matter, that there NAD has any competition, at least for those who can
HEAR the difference. I can. Others who can't may be just as happy
with whatever receiver Circuit City has on sale for $99. For those,
NAD would be a wasted investment.
But you seem to be in the category of those who can HEAR the
difference. If you're in a position to fork over at least twice as
many bucks, consider the Creek 4240SE. However, if the price of the 314
is all you can put out at this time, it's your best choice. You may be
advised to consider Rotel's integrated amps. At the low end, such as
the RA-935BX or the RA-930AXII, I think the build quality is there but
they sound too laid back for my ears. They can't compare to the 314.
Also, the RA-935BX doesn't include a phono stage.
I think the 312 is very close to the 314 in sound character. It's the
cat's meow for listening at room level, but the 314 is what you really
need if you intend to crank it up to any appreciable level.
Happy listening,
Wayne
Mark van Wijk
Shiu Ling Po wrote:
>
> As said in the title, I am considering this combination.
> I don't know if NAD 314 is worth the price difference
> of $125 US. I don't have 312 and 314 side by side for
> comparison, so I'd appreciate comments from people
> who know these amps.
>
> charger
Hi,
I have been using the NAD 312 in combination for 7 months now and am
still very satisfied with its sound. My room is about 4 x 5 mtrs so if
you really do have a much larger room you might consider the NAD 314 for
the extra power. In my case it worked just fine.
regards,
Mark