RCA out allows the amp to be used as a pre or to connect to a sub, and the pre can be bypassed in favor of a different one. And make no mistake, changing the pre will alter the sound. I run my Oppo straight to the amp for theatre mode, and use Macs pre for 2 channel listening. The Birmingham Mobile Mechanic

None . .

Right channel clicks a bit too.Only becoming apparent after comparing it to the new Marantz, we have noted that the NAD has an either "too loud or too quiet" characteristic. Quiet notes seem buried in the music, while loud segments come on too strong. Maybe this is inherent in the design of an essentially low power output of the unit and the NAD "Power Envelope" system which gives additional power the amp when it needs it? But still a great product. mobile diesel mechanic

None . .

Excellent piece of electronic engineering. This one-of-a-kind device will bring out the most subtle detail of any media you decided to run through it.

Nothing. Concrete Countertops

If you have the oppurtunity to come accross this pre-amp, then consider your-self very fortunate. Excellent piece of electronic engeneering. This one of a kind device will bring out the most subtle detail of any media you decided to run through it. The best part, XLR Balanced outputs!
I have mind hooked up to a RANE ME60 EQ, and then through a RANE AC23. After that it breaks up into 4 Carver PM series amplifiers. The highs are handle by (2) Carver PM-300 bridge to provide fully balanced audio signal output for Left and Right channels. The Mids are handle by (2) Carver PM-600 bridge to provide the same fully audio signal output for Left and Right channels. The Lows are handle by (2) JBL E250P on each Left and Right Channel in addition to also (2) M&K 76 that are assinged to the Left and Right channel also. All audio interconnects between devices is purely Balanced/XLR. As far as power filtration and stabalization a Monter Power HTS 3500 is at the heart of everything.

Sound staging... both width and depth.
Great phono section.

Some input cross talk at dangerous, neigh, obscene volume levels.

First, the MSRP listed here is a joke. If you find this unit used for that price then you have made out like a bandit!

This preamp replaces the preamp section on a NAD 306 that itself replaced a RC 980 BX preamp. I can only really compare it to the sound of the preamp section of the NAD 306. The NAD 306 preamp section itself was far better than the RC 980 alone. The 316 is, comparatively speaking, fantastic. Clear wide sound stage and the transparency and depth is the best I have yet heard. I am a vinyl lover so a good phono section is important and the 316 does NOT disappoint. I have found that the phoho section on NAD units has always been a strong point and this is even more true of the 316. Quiet and capable of pulling great detail out of my vinyl. Sounds very natural and open compared to the pinched harshness of the RC 980's phono section. Quite often I find the speakers just disappear into the soundstage, a trick the Rotel could never pull.

I have noticed some tuner and cd bleed through into but ony at volumes that would shred by power amps (bi-amping two Rotel RB-03's) and probaby cause tweeters in my speakers to burst into flames. Not a problem. Though to be honest this is one problem I did not notice with the RC 980. But the Rotel always produced some white noise, even at 0 volume.

There was also a striking difference in bass reponse. Whereas my speakers always seamed anemic in the bass department with the Rotel they came alive with the NAD. This I discovered when spinining Bullet in the Head by Rage Against the Machine. Deep controlled bass. The mid-range is also very nicely articulated. Higher frequencies such as cymbal strikes are never harsh, but then my speakers have never been bright. However they seemed harsher with the Rotel in the chain.

To summarize, I find the NAD 316 much more musical and less fatiguing then the RC 980 BX which the NAD 316 replaced. This is only my highly subjective opinion of course. That said, I recommend the 316 if you can find it.

Similar Products Used:

ROTEL RA 712
ROTEL RC 980BX
ROTEL RA 921
NAD 3249PE
NAD 306

Clean and detailed. Good frequency responce.

Selectable tone controls. I don't want them there but my neighbours would surely love them.

Bought this preamplifier, after been using my C320 as such, driving one NAD2400. (later on upgraded to two NAD2400, one 2400 bridged amplifier per channel. ) I wasn’t surprised that I would sound better when using a separate preamplifier setup, but this little thinge is SOOOOO good. Clean, sparkling and detailed sound. I can only agree with all the good words in the other reviews. (Slight tuner bleed thru at highest volume, but in my system using the dual NAD 2400 this volume level would be bizarre and Hazardous.) If you spot this amplifier second hand, buy it!! It’s woth every penny!

Similar Products Used:

C320(as preamp.), NAD240, NAD 3020.

Very clean and neutral.The other reviews talk of this so I won't repeat.What I can add is,If you experience a hum in the headphone jack it is because the wires to the headphone jack were bundle tied to the power transformer wires.DUHH (The China connection?)Just cut them free of the bundle and move them aside.NAD may be lowering its standards,the 317 is a real HUM-dinger.Keep an eye on them in the future,but THIS product is a real good one.

Neutral, balanced sound.
Performance far exceeds the price.

Can have better feet; the plastic ones are tacky.
That's it !

The fact that the 116, like many NAD components, is not manufactured in the UK anymore, does not diminish it's design and quality.
This preamp is spot-on for those who want a more refined sound without spending too much. It performs exceedingly well with the NAD 218 power amp (225wpc) and will drive most speakers comfortably. It's remote provides source switching too, which is a nice feature.
Good balanced cables do make a distinct improvement in the overall sound of this amp.
Good buy - highly recommended !

Similar Products Used:

Arcam, Rotel

The 116 preamp is an excellent example of what NAD is famous for...top of the line performance for a reasonable price. This unit is very musical (spelled uncolored). The very quiet phono preamp is a real plus for those of us who still have real records to play. Balanced and unbalanced outputs are provided along with a slick remote control. I used to own an NAD authorized service center, and unlike some, I have always admired NAD. These products have been the best bargain in stereo for 20 years and, in my opinion, they still are.

Clean sound. No pointless tone controls, penty of gold plated inputs/outputs. Balanced outputs. Precise volume control. Quiteter than a mouse. Simple topology. Revealing. Good quality components on the inside. Dedicated headphone amp. Clean styling.

None - the best value I've experienced to date.

I can't say enough good things about this preamp. There's no need for tone controls when running this with an amp of reasonable power such as NAD's own 208 or 218THX. Try to find a better value. The price I paid was a steal for a brand new unit. Funny thing is that the model which replaced this gem (Model C 160) hasn't gotten as good of reviews. And they plagued it with pointless tone controls.

Similar Products Used:

NAD 917, Adcom GTP 500II, Adcom GTP 450, NAD 110.