sound quality, price

lights, heat

I've had a number of different receivers over the years made by Sony, Akai, Marantz, and a few I don't remember but under "similar products used" I put "none". The reason I chose to do that was that I don't think any of those other receivers were similar products. This is a far superior receiver to anything I've used before. Prior to purchasing this receiver I had been consumed with the need for big booming power and guided my purchases accordingly. I bought this receiver when I was about to go to university. I knew that wherever I was I would be in relatively confined quarters and I therefore made the decision to opt for sound quality of sound "quantity". My decision was to purchase the NAD 705 and I matched it with B&W DM600's. This is the best sounding combination I have ever owned. I don't use the tuner at all so I cannot comment on that. I have a Rega turntable and I think that the phono stage is very good (but obviously not as good as a separate phono pre-amp). I have had the unit for 5 years now, I've never needed service. I do notice that the unit runs very hot, but it has not caused me any problems, I keep it well vented as a precaution. The front panel lights on my unit have not burnt out, but they have oddly become progressively dimmer over time. Since I don't use the tuner and basically switch back and forth between phono and CD it is not really an issue for me. My recommendation is that this is a good piece for someone looking to fill a small space with quality sound on a relatively small budget... i.e. it is entry-level mid-fi. Reading the review guidelines I see that a five-star rating is to be reserved for "best of class"... I don't suppose that this is the best there is but I have really enjoyed it. I seem to be in the minority but I can only rate it on my experience.

Similar Products Used:

none

Excellent sound quality

Display Lights, overheating

I've had it for 7 odd years and had mostly reliable service.

Like most reviewers here, I have had some problems with display lights (twice when put in storage, or moving house), but 20c globes were easily replaced.

Had it fixed recently, as it stopped completely. The technican basically told me I had cooked it, and he resoldered the entire unit. I now run it with cooling fans in a better cabinet and it has been superbly reliable ever since.

Just upgraded to Tannoy speakers and NAD T550 and the sound quality is outstanding.