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NAD 314 Integrated Amplifier - A Refined Classic
By James Grahame
The NAD 314 integrated amplifier is one of my all-time favorites. The sparse gray front panel is extremely basic -- you'll find little more than push-button input selectors, bass/treble/balance knobs and a big plastic volume control. There are remote controls, no surround-sound outputs, and no complicated menus to navigate on glowing displays.
This amp is a close cousin to NAD's famed model 3020, introduced in 1978-1979 as a low-cost introduction to audiophile sound. The 3020 proved to be an incredibly popular little 25W/channel amp that really put the company on the map for audiophile listeners on a budget.
The sound from this classic solid-state wonder is excellent - bright, present, and extremely punchy. It's rated at 35W per channel, but these are NAD ratings -- fiercely understated. You might find the sound a little too bright if you pair it with the wrong speakers and some listeners complain that it's a little bass-shy. Still, I truly enjoy the 314 mated with my little Boston Acoustics satellite/sub combo -- especially with classic vinyl and jazz. There are preamp jumpers on the back panel that let you patch your own discrete preamp directly into the power amplifier, a nice touch. Alas, NAD hasn't manufactured the 314 for few years, but they occasionally appear on the used market at quite reasonable prices. Snap one up and you won't be sorry.
NAD 314 integrated amplifier review (tnt-audio)
NAD Electronics - The UK based amplifier company
