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Problems with my NAD C356BEE integrated amp

Alpha Lima

Alpha Lima

Treading Water
I was looking to improve on my Yamaha RX-797 receiver, in my 2-channel system. It had to be remote controllable and be able to handle my efficient but power-loving Klipsch Epic CF-4s. Always a fan of NAD, I thought one of their integrated amps would do the trick. I nearly pulled the trigger on a C370, a few weeks ago, but decided to instead go for one of their highly rated ‘BEE models.

So about a week ago, I saw a guy about an NAD C356BEE, which got some great reviews (including a glowing one by Catcher10, here). Hooked up to a pair of Boston Acoustic VR-M50 monitors, it sounded fantastic! I played with the controls a little, but the guy said the remote was missing. No problem, I have two Logitech Harmony remotes.

$300 was an excellent price, so I took it. He was a friendly guy who used to work at my favorite stereo store (the late, lamented MyerEmco), back in its heyday! He packed up the NAD in its original box with the manual and even carried it to my car. Nice!

I hooked it up, the next evening, and I immediately noticed a big improvement in the sound. The soundstage was much bigger and more accurate, with more powerful and controlled bass.

The first problem was noticed when I went to turn it off, after a couple of hours: there was a serious heat spot on the right side of the top of the case, just behind the volume knob. Part of it was uncomfortably warm to the touch. And this was on the opposite side of the case from the power supply and amp section! The volume knob was at around the 7 o'clock position, the whole time, and I had only played a total of an hour of music. The Yamaha barely heats up after hours of being cranked.

Here's a link to an image of the inside of the amp: https://www.audiotrends.com.au/sldigital/shop/images/gallery_2186.jpg
The heat appears to be coming from around the small heatsinks mounted near the volume pot, in the lower right-hand corner.

But then again, some amps run hot.

So, the next day, I programmed my Harmony One and Harmony 650 remotes. Nothing.

I was a bit off-axis from the sensor window, where I was sitting, so I stood right in front of it. Again, nothing. And all the other components responded fine.

So I program an older Sony universal remote with NAD codes. Nada.

Looking back, I’m now very suspicious. These two problems were things I wasn’t able to check (or thought I had to) before I paid the guy and took the NAD home. He had a nice, clean house and used to be a high-end stereo salesman. Though I still don’t want to, I must now think he still had the remote and used tricks of the trade to sell me something he knew was defective. I have repeatedly asked him if he would make things right and take the NAD back for a full refund, but he said it all worked fine when I bought it. Sure.

So, what can I do about these two problems? Get it fixed at potentially great expense? Buy a remote control preamp and use the ‘356 as a power amplifier? Use the Yamaha as the preamp?

Your advice is most welcome, fellow AK denizens.

Thanks.

Alpha Lima
 
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looks like the only thing is the motorised vol control ..maybe it was receiving power and heated itself up .
 
None of the remote functions work. The only way I can change the volume or select a source is by using the front panel controls.
I tried this right shortly after I turned on the unit (by hand, of course). Not sure if the heat and remote control problems are related.
All I know is, in essence, my 80s vintage 3020A is just as functional, at the moment.
I think I'm going to see how things sound using the Yamaha as a preamp.
I am so royally pissed, now. :mad::mad::mad:
 
i think the vol pot motor is shorted out somehow ..it maybe took out part of the power supply with it .. or power supply crapped out first .
hard to say without diagnosing it on the bench .
 
My SOP is to forego purchasing units with Remote missing because of this exact scenario. Never happened to me, but I was burned once on an NAD preamp purchase - had an intermittent problem which became permanent within a few days. Some people get burned and think it okay to pass along the burn, I think. I wound up giving away the preamp, but keeping the remote for use with my NAD receiver - an expensive remote.

Since your amp sounds good, then I think I'd bite the bullet and have it repaired, and remember our hobby is filled with good, honest people who don't operate ths way. The way I try to look at it is that if it were the worst burn I ever experienced, then fine, that's not so bad. Let go the resentment and anger as best you can.
 
I am more disappointed than angry, now. The folks I encountered at MyerEmco, back in the day, were all really great.
At the very least, the next time I go to check out something missing its remote, I will bring with me my Harmony, programmed for it.
I'll use the Yamaha receiver as a poor man's preamp until I have the time and money to fix the NAD.
Where on AK might I find someone in the NoVA/DC area who could possibly take a look at the amp?
 
drew_t said:
Those heatsinks aren't that small, and the images I can find with a Google search indicate that the top of the case isn't vented above them, so perhaps it isn't so surprising that you can feel a hot spot.
Click to expand...
Drill some holes in the top to let the heat out. Stick mesh of some kind under the holes to 'dress' them if required.

......or , yeah , pay for a fix. It is a NAD. Some of them like a bit of attention and some of them get too many unauthorised? shortcuts taken at the factory.
(I had an amp went up in a sheet of flame first time I plugged it in but I still buy them).
 
Newer units are vented on the right side as well so don’t get as hot. My unit came off assembly line in August 2012 hasn’t missed a beat in 8 years.
 
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