NAD 326BEE

C326BEE is a direct descendant of the legendary 3020 amplifier, which laid the foundation for NAD's good reputation more than 25 years ago. The power output is a solid 2 x 50 NAD watts into 8 ohms, and noise and distortion are reduced to literally inaudible levels. The C326BEE incorporates a range of technical solutions taken directly from NAD's exclusive M3 amplifier, and if you want better all-round performance, you can safely start looking among competitors costing twice as much or even more.

Plenty of power and raw strength

If you don't find 2 x 50 watts continuous into 8 ohms particularly impressive, take a look at the dynamic power. It says significantly more about how the amplifier behaves in reality, when you listen to music instead of test tones. The C326BEE kicks out 2 x 100 watts when bass drums and bass instruments hammer away, and if the speaker load were to drop to 2 ohms – which can very well happen with some speakers – the C326BEE keeps up and delivers up to 2 x 200 watts dynamically! If you want to try this with any competing amplifier in the price range, you would be wise to book a service appointment in advance.

Unique details provide true NAD sound quality

The exclusive initials BEE indicate that NAD's legendary chief designer Bjørn Erik Edvardsen has left a strong mark on the C326BEE. This applies, for example, to the BEE Clamp, which improves stability under heavy loads, and the patented feedback/feedforward circuit for eliminating distortion ("Distortion Canceling Circuit").

If you ever need to fine-tune the tone – for example, with older recordings – you can be pleased that NAD's tone controls only affect where they are needed, namely in the extreme frequency ranges. This allows you to dampen a bass that rumbles a bit too much, or turn down an overly sharp treble without muffling the music, which happens with many other designs. Of course, the tone controls can be completely bypassed when you don't need them (Tone Defeat).

PowerDrive gives music nerve and realism

The reason why NAD watts are something completely different from other watts is primarily found in the massive power supply. An oversized Hölmgren toroidal transformer and NAD's unique PowerDrive technology make the C326BEE sound much more powerful than the stated output suggests.

Simply put, PowerDrive ensures that the amplifier and its power supply continuously adapt to the electrical load from the connected speakers, so that the ratio between current and voltage is always optimal. Much like a car shifting gears as it goes uphill or downhill. PowerDrive gives nerve and realism to the music's dynamic outbursts. And with a maximum current capacity of more than 20 amperes, you really have to set high demands for the C326BEE to get out of breath.

Bi-amping, bridging, phono module, and advanced connections

The C326BEE naturally has all the necessary connections, plus a few more that allow you to have an amplifier you can grow with. It includes Pre Out/Main In connectors so that you can bi-amp your speakers via an additional power amplifier. By amplifying bass/midrange and treble separately, you get audibly cleaner sound in your system. You can also connect as many as two active subwoofers.

The C326BEE is also equipped with 7 line inputs, including tape in/out, a 12-volt trigger system, and two pairs of solid speaker terminals that can handle heavy cables. On the front, you'll also find a mini-jack connection for your iPod.

Soft Clipping protects your speakers

Soft Clipping is another unique NAD feature. When an amplifier is pushed beyond its power capability, distortion and other noises occur that can be harmful to your speakers, especially the treble. When you push a NAD amplifier to its limit, the Soft Clipping circuit engages and softens the distortion, making it gentler on both ears and speakers. That's why NAD sounds better at very high volume levels – while the risk of needing new tweeter elements after the next party is not that great!

Dimensions and design

Color Grey

Model / Variant Graphite

Weight (kg) 8

Package height (cm) 22

Package length (cm) 42

Package weight (kg) 9

Package width (cm) 55

General features

Pre out output: Pre Out/Main, 2 subwoofer outputs (mono)

Remote control: Yes (SR 8 system remote control)

Category: Stereo amplifier

Weight: 6.9 kg

Color:

Dimensions: 43.5 x 10 x 33.2 cm (WxHxD)

Headphone jack: Yes

Line inputs: 7 x line inputs, incl. Tape In/Out

Phono input: No

Power 8 ohm: 2 x 50 watts into 4/8 ohm continuous power, both channels driven simultaneously, (20–20,000 Hz)

2 x 100 watts into 8 ohm (dynamic power – IHF)

2 x 150 watts into 4 ohm (dynamic power – IHF)

2 x 200 watts into 2 ohm (dynamic power – IHF)

Maximum current capacity >20 A (1 ms, 1 ohm)

PowerDrive

Hölmgren toroidal transformer

Soft Clipping

BEE Clamp

Distortion Canceling Circuit

Fully discrete construction

Gold-plated connection terminals

2 subwoofer outputs (mono)

Tone Defeat (bypass tone controls)

Relay switches for signal sources

IR In/Out

12V Trigger output

Removable power cord

Can be auditioned on site if desired.

Standby power consumption: < 1 watt