|
The logic is a bit funny when switching sources, but you soon get used to it. The bass is well balanced to the highs, and I've been going through my music collection and playing everything, and it all sounds amazing with this setup.It's worth noting that a pair of bookshelf speakers isn't going to produce a whole heap of bass in a setup like this, but with careful choice of speakers, you don't need a external sub. The other good thing is you can record to USB in WMA/MP3 format from any source, including CD, and you can set a timer recording to record your favourite radio show for instance. Other systems such as the Yamaha Pianocraft series have a harsher sound, much like most cheap minisystems, obviously clearer than cheapo systems, but definately need a subwoofer to restore some tonal balance, and they don't have a USB input, or ID3 tag reconigition.Overall, This is a high quality system, with a minimalist look, no flashing lights or gimicks, and backs it up with good sound from all sources, with support for the most modern digital inputs, for a price not much higher than your average Sony/Panasonic throw-away system. Radio is clear as a bell.The remote has a heap of buttons, but is simple to use in practice.I matched this system with a set of Energy C-100 speakers (reflex loaded 5 inch woofer, 1 inch tweeter), and the result is smooth and well rounded, and I'm hearing more detail in my music than I ever have. It's a great combo for people who have a lot of digitally stored music, as the warmth that is lost when storing music in Mp3 format comes right back with this setup. The NAD does everything well, the most noticeable thing is most of my MP3s and WMA files sound fantastic on this system(almost CD quality, and the tone is very similar).
Folder navigation is simple from the remote. The decoders used in this system do the job well, and WMA, and MP3 format songs sound great from CD or the USB input. It also pulls out the ID3 Song tags, and scrolls them across the display.
Guess what, my unit also will not load and read discs, and the one time it did, it howled like a banshee. After seeing the demo unit in the store unable to load and read disks, I bot this unit based on NAD's reputation, assuming the problem was a fluke. Despite a premium price tag, this is a cheaply executed product.
More importantly, the system recognized my iPod when connected to the USB port, but could not play it using this connection. There is a small note to this effect in the user's manual, but it is definitely not advertised anywhere.
Apparently, the system cannot handle reading the info on the iPod if there are more than 2000 files (read songs) on it. With less than 2000 files, the system is able to usurp control of your digital music player (DMP), so that you can control it through the system with the remote.
I just purchased the c715 for use in a small space, coupled with Monitor Audio BR1 speakers. Given that current iPod memory is 160 GB, it is unreasonable to think that most consumers trying to play their DMP through the USB port will have less than 2000 files on their player.
The system sounds great, however there are 2 caveats:1. The receiver struggles to detect a signal where we live (upstate NY, 20-30 miles from any town), even with a TERK antenna.2.
If you have more than 2000 files, you will need to play your DMP through the auxilliary inputs (plenty available) in the back of the system, and control the iPod directly, rather than through the receiver.
|
