|
|
Post by John on Feb 13, 2016 20:50:11 GMT
 The NAD 7050 I had the NAD 7050 for about 8 months now but never got around to writing a review Over the years I had quite a few amps in my system from old Japanese 70s classic to great big valve power amplifiers and big muscle solid state amplifiers The NAD keeps everything digital until playback, in theory it should mean a cleaner sound as less getting in the way of the signal  It does not use interconnects as just relies on digital inputs. It does however have a analogue output that I use to send a signal to my bass amplifier (Behringer Inuke) This means the amp could also be used as a DAC and is not being used in the low bass region I initially tried the amp at HIFI shop but the set up was just awful. For awhile I put in the back of my mind, but eventually I tried one as sale or return. At the time I was using Amptastic Mini 1 a nice T amp that worked well in my system. I also used the Caiman Mk 2 a great DAC using Blue Ray Player via USB to read music from several 64gb USB sticks The NAD is a very clean amp it has no glare what so ever. The treble is a bit rolled off compared to some amplifiers I have heard. I sold the amp and DAC as whilst it lost a bit of treble detail I preferred the sound I was getting. It had a better mid and allowed me to enjoy the music a bit deeper. Its not the most powerful amp in the world so would not be a great match for quite a few speakers. What has been great is how well it has responded to the improvements on my computer software using BH for the last 5 months. It has responded well to every positive change. The biggest improvement has been in the amount of treble detail I now hear Its now a good bit than what I used to have but with no hint of glare. The soundstage has also increased. The system has never had a issue with slam what has changed is the greater harmonic richness, sense of depth and soundstage. Its biggest disadvantage is that I cannot use the Salvation so at some point I will probably get a new amp so I can hear my TT again I could use a ADC but I do not like the idea of this. |
|
|
|
Post by ChrisB on Feb 13, 2016 21:34:15 GMT
It was a brave step into the unknown John - hats off to you!
Do you ever hanker after some of the more exotic amps you've had in the past?
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Feb 13, 2016 22:41:11 GMT
Yes, it's a very different amp concept and brilliant for an all-digital setup.
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Feb 14, 2016 6:34:32 GMT
I really enjoyed some of the old Japanese set up I had a old Pioneer that I used as a preamp and a old Trio that I used as a power amp that worked very well in my system and took me a long time to equal. One of the options I have for the future is to go all active and keep everything digital so something like Mini DSP Nano and then something like this for the treble might work very well I could then add something like this for the tweeter Yet again a very different way of doing things but could work really well |
|
|
|
Post by John on Feb 14, 2016 6:50:51 GMT
I would also add that initially when I first had the NAD I lost a bit of slam but gained a cleaner sound I stuck with this and as my front end has improved the slam has come back plus more clarity and depth
One of the ideas I liked about this method is using less cables
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Feb 14, 2016 7:57:33 GMT
What about a Nadja active crossover like Steve's?
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Feb 14, 2016 8:08:58 GMT
Yes that another way to do it and would make it easier to adapt to using a new turntable it would mean a different amp set up Perhaps after hearing Steve system with the new mods I might be very tempted When I did a lot of research the Rednet 3 came highly recommended keeping everything digital is supposed to pay off in terms of SQ if going fully active What I probably do is get Tony C to come round when I am ready and have him work his magic I think that might be the best way forward |
|
|
|
Post by tony on Feb 14, 2016 11:25:48 GMT
Good review John, I knew you were using one of these and was interested to read your findings.
Out of interest have you tried the USB input and headphone section?
I have wondered if it would cope OK driving 57s....only one way to find out I suppose!
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Feb 14, 2016 11:37:24 GMT
I tried the headamp once but did not like it. I give it another go latter today
I am using the USB input which I think is very good. Which is a surprise as I was hoping to move away from USB but been very impressed with it. My PC easily beats my Blue Ray Player as a Transport
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Feb 14, 2016 16:59:38 GMT
Just tried the headphones and they are sounding pretty good using HD681B but I am not used to headphones so not the best person to ask
|
|
|
|
Post by tony on Feb 14, 2016 17:55:16 GMT
Thanks John, Its a very interesting bit of kit. Im surprised more folk haven't moved towards digital amps. Often folk have only heard chifi t amps and regard them as second system amps.
The NAD is definitely on my radar, my valve amps may well be moving on to aid the purchase.
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Feb 14, 2016 17:57:59 GMT
I would suggest with anything like his try first
It has worked for me but might not work for someone else
I think one of the mistakes they made is the odd look of the amp
They do respond well to good mains and support
|
|
|
|
Post by tony on Feb 14, 2016 18:20:33 GMT
I must admit the styling really appeals to me. They tried something quite different which makes it stand out(or stand up)in an often conservative market.The 6 moons review is probably the most comprehensive Ive read.
I would try before I buy, as you rightly say synergy with your other kit is crucial.
Replacing a dac/pre/monoblocks and all the interconnects in between is quite attractive and appealing.
My wife would certainly heave a sigh of relief being able to just switch it on and play.
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Feb 14, 2016 18:28:21 GMT
I think when I used with it with Steve Fugel 3 it not as good in the treble as the amp he is using I think for the Fugel 3 speak to Steve about the amp he is using that works really well with them
|
|
|
|
Post by tony on Feb 14, 2016 18:41:14 GMT
My son is loving the Frugels with valve mono blocks in his set up. Im back to statics with temple mono blocks. I bet the NAD would work really well with my 57s or 63s.
The digital amps and statics are a fine combo in a file based system IMHO.
The idea of removing loads of cables and different boxes is a winner for me.
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Feb 14, 2016 18:52:23 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by tony on Feb 15, 2016 18:06:26 GMT
Had a look at the reviews for the linked ch-fi amp....its specs look good but feedback is pretty variable. The NAD cost quite a bit more but seems to have a solid reputation. I have dipped my toe in the ch-fi world regards headphone amps-it just seems to me its worth spending the extra on home grown products albeit built oversees(probably in the same production lines with downgraded components and quality control).
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Feb 15, 2016 21:38:06 GMT
I not read the feedback on it but I rather look at that than specs
At some point I might try one just powering the treble in all digital active set up as a cheap way to try this out
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Feb 16, 2016 6:39:07 GMT
Is it a true digital amp (keeping everything in the digital domain) or just a T-Amp with DAC built-in, John? |
|
|
|
Post by John on Feb 16, 2016 7:18:18 GMT
I am not 100% sure I need to do my research first as only worth doing if a true digital amp. Looking at it I think perhaps not
|
|
