NAD 116 Preamplifiers
NAD 116 Preamplifiers
USER REVIEWS
[Sep 06, 2023]
cecelia
Strength:
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 Weakness:
None . . Purchased: New
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[Feb 05, 2022]
phillipsaeverett84
Strength:
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. Weakness:
Nothing. Concrete Countertops Purchased: New
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[Nov 28, 2009]
LPCAUDIO
AudioPhile
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!
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[Jul 12, 2007]
hyperpsyched
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Sound staging... both width and depth.
Weakness:
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!
Similar Products Used: ROTEL RA 712
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[Dec 28, 2004]
LowHighEnd
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Clean and detailed. Good frequency responce.
Weakness:
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. |
[Nov 21, 2000]
Art J.
Audio Enthusiast
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. |
[Aug 31, 2000]
Deepak Krishnankutty
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Neutral, balanced sound.
Weakness:
Can have better feet; the plastic ones are tacky. The fact that the 116, like many NAD components, is not manufactured in the UK anymore, does not diminish it's design and quality. Similar Products Used: Arcam, Rotel |
[Jan 16, 2000]
Lee Smith
Audio Enthusiast
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. |
[May 10, 2001]
Keith
Audiophile
Strength:
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.
Weakness:
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. |
[Jun 29, 1998]
Marc Petrillo
an Audiophile
The NAD 116 Pre-amp($799.00 US) Is probably the best buy in an audiophile quality pre-great balance in sound quality from bottom to top, no harshness or graininess like some others. It's Moving coil phono section is easily worth half it's price, plus it;s got a full function remote, to boot. |