Upgrade Integrated Amplifier: Denon PMA-520 to NAD C 316BEE V2?

[Seenovision]

Hey AK,

I’m considering a few upgrades and while looking extensively at vintage units, I am now considering new gear.

I currently have a late 80’s Denon PMA-520. Sounds great, but I hear that I can do better? I am seriously considering an NAD C 316BEE V2; there is one locally available for a good price.

Does anybody object to this? Am I foolish to ditch the Denon or will the NAD knock my socks off? Would this be a huge upgrade?

A few other details:

I’m using a Wiim Mini to stream via Tidal Connect (Hifi tier) via aux out (so the Wiim onboard DAC). I am aware the NAD does not have a DAC, but I guess I could always add a separate DAC later? Or just keep rocking the Wiim.

I’ve also been considering upgrading my first generation ADS L620’s. Any thoughts on this (or rebuttals) are welcomed and encouraged!

Thank you for your input.

Ken

 

[lini]

Ken: Personally I'd rather keep the Denon - foremost for its superior feature set (*), but also because I wouldn't expect the NAD to offer noticably better sound quality.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini

*) Mind you, that the NAD doesn't feature a recourd output, let alone two classic tape-loops with monitoring and copy function. And the NAD also doesn't sport an MC-capable phono input, nor does it sport a switchable subsonic filter, not to mention terminals for a second pair of speakers.

 

[DavidTT]

I owned the 316beeV2 and loved it. I thought it sounded tops but wanted a little more power so moved it. It held it value pretty well FWIW. Now, whether it will perform better than a vintage unit, assuming the vintage unit is in good working order, that's up to speculation.

 

[Natasha Bell]

I am personally not a fan of NAD, although their pre-amps are really good. If I were to purchase an integrated amp today... I would get a Yamaha A-S801 or A-S1200.

 

[Adam klapow]

Keep the pma 520, it’s a stellar amp. Stick to ADS, but get L810’s.