Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- A well-refined budget amplifier that gives its owners a hearty helping of the audiophile pie
- A new phono stage offers great convenience for those getting into vinyl
- Realistic guitar, piano, and vocal sounds are delivered with good treble extension
- A powerful Class AB amplifier with PowerDrive technology provides refined and capable sound for the money
- A bump in the midrange adds some warmth to every speaker
- It lacks digital inputs and Bluetooth connectivity
Product Considerations
- The power cord is not removable or upgradable
- The remote control is small
- Tone controls are not included on the remote
- The headphone output has a rather high output impedance of 68 ohms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rotel A10: A slightly more forward midrange, seems to organize dense synthesizer work better, and is more satisfying rhythmically, with better treble extension and smoothness
- Vs Cambridge AXA35: Both are Class AB amplifiers
- Vs Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10: Has a similar feature set
Takeaway: The NAD C 316BEE V2 is an affordable amplifier offering true audiophile performance with a classic design. Its addition of a phono stage makes it a great option for those just getting into vinyl.
All
C 316BEE V2
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Line In / Speaker Out THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.03 % (250 mW to 40 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >95 dB (A-weighted, 500 mV input, ref. 1 W out in 8 ohms)
- Clipping power (at 1 kHz 0.1 % THD): >45 W in 8 ohms, >60 W in 4 ohms
- IHF dynamic power: 8 ohms: 90 W, 4 ohms: 120 W, 2 ohms: 170 W
- Damping factor: >200 (ref. 8 ohms, 1 kHz)
- Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz, Tone Defeat ON)
- Channel separation: >70 dB (1 kHz)
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 17 1/8 x 3 9/16 x 11 1/4 inches (435 x 90 x 285 mm)
- Net weight: 5.5 kg (12.1 lbs)
- Shipping weight: 6.4 kg (14.1 lbs)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- NAD focuses on delivering high power and good sound at a reasonable price point, reflecting a core tenet of the brand's philosophy.
- NAD uses Class D amplification, specifically Purifi Eigentakt or Hypex nCore modules, to deliver efficient and cool-running performance.
- BluOS integration allows NAD products to be part of a multi-room audio system that allows one to explore music services without speculation.
Select products
C 379 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier:
- Positioning: Part of NAD's Classic Series, offering a balance of performance and value.
- Description: Features HybridDigital UcD amplification and ESS SABRE DAC, providing exceptional sonic detail and clarity. Compared to the C 3050, it offers more power and digital connectivity options, making it suitable for larger rooms and those seeking advanced streaming capabilities.
C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier:
- Positioning: A retro-inspired model in the Classic Series, blending vintage design with modern technology.
- Description: With its HybridDigital UcD amplifier and Texas Instruments DAC, delivers a warm, detailed sound. It offers a more traditional aesthetic compared to the C 379, appealing to those who value classic design and straightforward functionality without extensive digital features.
M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier:
- Positioning: A compact, high-performance streaming amplifier in the Masters Series, designed for modern music streaming.
- Description: Combines a powerful amplifier with BluOS streaming, offering a sleek design and versatile connectivity. It is more compact and stylish than the C 399.
M33 BluOS Streaming DAC Amplifier:
- Positioning: NAD's flagship streaming amplifier in the Masters Series, offering top-tier performance and features.
- Description: Uses Purifi Eigentakt amplification and advanced Dirac Live room correction, delivering outstanding sound quality. It offers more power and sophisticated room correction than the M10 V3.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Used
NAD
What if you spend more?
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Warm, rich, and inviting sound with a good midrange focus and fine sound bottom
- Easy to use and connect to the network via Chromecast streaming
- Includes turntable input for MM pickups, plus an analogue line input and a preamp output
Product Considerations
- Not among the most powerful amps and can loosen its grip when the volume is cranked up
- May not shine quite so much upwards in the harmonics
- Doesn't have an Ethernet connector, so it needs to be somewhere with good Wi-Fi coverage
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonos Amp—the NAD Amp1 sounds better
Takeaway: The NAD Amp1 is easy to use and offers a pleasant listening experience with a warm sound. If you want a small amplifier with Chromecast streaming and turntable input, this could be a great fit.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Noted for its impossibly small and ultra-compact size, making it suitable for compact living spaces
- Offers a feature-rich design with an integrated phono stage, aptX HD Bluetooth connectivity, and additional RCA and TOSLINK digital inputs
- The unit runs cool due to its Class D amplifier design, making it energy-efficient
- Connectivity is praised, particularly the aptX HD Bluetooth, which delivers superior streaming quality
- Delivers a lively and engaging sound with excellent detail across phono and digital connections
Product Considerations
- The limited power output (23W at 8 ohms, 40W at 4 ohms) may be better suited to smaller listening spaces and efficient loudspeakers
- Some reviewers found the bass to be slightly lean, lacking heft or roundness
- The included remote control's button configuration for volume and input selection is unconventional
- The phono stage may benefit from an upgrade with an external phono amplifier for improved performance
- One reviewer found the line out voltage for the subwoofer is not strong enough to drive a powered sub
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Pro-Ject Stereobox DS2, the MaiA S3 is more affordable and has digital inputs and superior Bluetooth connectivity
- Compared to the Rega Io, the MaiA S3 has strength in depth—specifically referring to the detail across the line, phono and digital connections
- The MaiA S3 is described as more resolving and ultra clean compared to the Rotel amplifier, with the Rotel offering a slightly more colored and warm sound
- Compared to the Technics amplifier, moving to the MaiA S3 results in a faster transit response, especially noticeable in classical music, while the Technics sounds slow in comparison
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject MaiA S3 is a compact and versatile integrated amplifier that delivers impressive sound quality and a range of connectivity options, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles with limited space. It is especially appealing to vinyl enthusiasts looking for a convenient and high-performing solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Pleasant, smooth, and relaxed playback
- More insight and tightness in the music
- Much insight into sound and musical structure
- A fresh and modern-looking product with a clean and unfussy exterior, which looks simple yet elegant
- Manages a difficult balancing act superbly—forgiving enough not to emphasise the shortcomings of limited partnering equipment, yet still having the insight and transparency to make the most of more capable signals
Product Considerations
- The front panel display lacks crispness due to the 'frosted' finish
- The speaker terminals don't offer a great deal of space
- The back panel itself shows a certain amount of flexibility, which is a little worrying in terms of longevity
- The power on paper is a little optimistic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Atoll IN50: The Atoll plays a bit bigger, but Arcam gives more insight and tightness
- Vs Cambridge Audio Azur 840A: The Arcam A5's midrange and voice reproduction that the Cambridge just couldn't quite match
Takeaway: The Arcam A5 is a well-rounded performer that plays music enjoyably without getting in the way and is affordable, feature-rich and uncomplicated. It is a great amp for someone looking for a balance of performance and features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The A10MKII Integrated Amplifier offers the perfect combination of power and style for the music lover seeking to elevate their listening experience. Constructed with a massive Rotel-built toroidal transformer, the A10MKII delivers 50 Watts per channel of Class A/B power into 8 ohms featuring three RCA inputs and a Moving Magnet Phono stage for vinyl lovers.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with a robust aluminum facade
- Delivers 40 watts per channel of clean, musical power in pure Class AB
- Characterized by natural tonal balance, excellent micro-dynamics, and precise imaging
- Offers versatile analog connectivity with 5 RCA inputs, a dedicated MM phono stage, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and tape output
- Delivers excellent value for money and simple, intuitive operation
Product Considerations
- Lacks digital inputs, which maintains signal purity
- Does not have a headphone output
- Power output may not suit very large rooms
Takeaway: The Rotel A10MKII offers pure analog amplification with musicality and engaging sound, making it great for both new and experienced audiophiles. Its clean sound and quality build make it a compelling choice for enjoying music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Refined sound quality, better across the board compared to competitors in the same range
- Great texture and grip in the bass, controlling the low end of speakers well
- Built-in moving magnet phono stage and four RCA analog inputs
- Bluetooth with aptX and AAC support
Product Considerations
- Appears susceptible to electrical noise or ground loop hum, requiring experimentation to eliminate it
- DAC is only accessed by Bluetooth—there are no digital inputs or outputs
- Soundstage isn't the largest, and there's not much layering, resulting in a 2D sound
- Moving magnet input doesn't perform as well as the rest of the amp
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cambridge Audio AXR-100: The A11 Tribute focuses on refined sound quality, whereas the AXR-100 prioritizes value and features
- Vs NAD C338: The A11 Tribute has slightly better detail and focus, along with greater dynamic snap
Takeaway: The Rotel A11 Tribute is a fantastic amplifier for those who want refined sound quality without excessive features. It delivers great performance and is well worth the investment for a focused and detailed listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a full and robust sound
- Simple, stripped-down integrated amplifier that's easy to set up and use, with the essentials covered
- Solidly made, with good build quality and well-engineered controls
- The phono stage is surprisingly good, especially if paired with a modest turntable
- Features tone controls (bass and treble) adjustable by ±6 decibels, are a notable and highly recommended feature
Product Considerations
- Lacks digital inputs and Bluetooth connectivity which are common at its price point
- Has no outputs on the unit whatsoever, which makes integrating a subwoofer rather difficult
- The remote is a large plastic letdown
- At higher volumes, depending on the speakers used, the sound can become a bit aggressive
- The power output is modest
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Marantz PM6007: Delivers a more authentic performance thanks to its pleasing resolution and greater insight into the subtleties
Takeaway: The Rotel A8 is a great starter amplifier that's easy to incorporate into any system and has surprisingly audiophile performance for the price. Its simplicity and sound quality make it ideal for those who appreciate straightforward design and solid performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Tonally sweet and detailed
- Able to engage with faster material
- Impressive phono stage with low noise and plenty of gain
- Extra functionality that works a charm
- 21-watt output is sufficient for any listening level
- Connectivity options
Product Considerations
- Dinky volume control is a little sensitive to over adjustment
- Input indicator is invisible at any distance
- Block type PSUs mean that they aren't quite as compact as expected
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Node Nano is fractionally better doing its own decoding than the Stereo Box E, when the Node Nano is connected via the analogue out against the coax
Takeaway: The Stereo Box E is a sweet and detailed amplifier with impressive phono stage and sufficient output, which makes it a genuinely good piece of affordable two channel hifi. It provides new arrivals the starting point they need to build systems of their own
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good build quality with an all-metal casing that feels solid
- Simple manual containing all necessary information
- Versatile, with options to connect via Bluetooth, optical input, or mini jack
- Can be used as a receiver for passive or active speakers
- Has banana plug options for speaker cables
Product Considerations
- The reviewer had issues separating channels, and could only get two channels to work properly
- Remote control is made of plastic and not particularly special
- Cable management can be an issue
Takeaway: The HT4S is a versatile and well-built receiver with multiple connectivity options that can be used for a variety of purposes including sim racing. The unit is powerful and delivers a punch.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
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