Description
Condition: Grade B — Great
The C320BEE presents in used condition. The silver front panel is clean and presentable; the top of the chassis carries some light marks and minor discoloration consistent with age and normal use. Please refer to our photographs for a full assessment of cosmetic condition.
Key Features
The C320BEE’s power stage delivers 50 watts per channel continuously into either 8Ω or 4Ω, with a clipping power of approximately 68 watts — NAD’s rated figures have always reflected conservative real-world performance rather than peak claims, and the amplifier’s effective output under music programme conditions typically exceeds its rated figure. The damping factor of 160 (referenced to 8Ω at 1kHz) indicates a low output impedance that should give the amplifier good control over a wide range of loudspeaker loads, and minimum speaker impedance is specified at 4Ω.
NAD’s Soft Clipping circuit is fitted and switchable from the front panel. When engaged, this circuit introduces a soft-knee limiting function at the onset of clipping — rather than cutting off hard when the amplifier is driven beyond its output ceiling, the circuit rounds the clipping waveform, significantly reducing high-order harmonic distortion products at high volume levels. The practical effect is that brief dynamic peaks that push the amplifier into clip are rendered considerably more benign, which matters most when the amplifier is used with less efficient speakers at higher listening levels.
The input complement covers CD, Disc, Video, Aux, and Tuner on the rear panel, plus two full tape loops (Tape 1 and Tape 2, each with independent in and out), a Pre Out for connection to a separate power amplifier, a matching Main In for bypassing the internal preamplifier section, and a 12V trigger output. Bass and treble tone controls are fitted — each adjustable by ±5dB — with a Tone Defeat button to remove them entirely from the signal path when not required. A balance control and front-mounted headphone socket complete the feature set. There is no remote control facility; this was not available for the C320BEE.
The phono stage on this unit was not fitted from the factory. The Disc input is present on the rear panel, but the optional MM phono board was not installed at the point of manufacture. Buyers wishing to connect a turntable directly will need either an external phono preamplifier, or a turntable with a built-in phono stage.
Technical Specifications
(Source: HiFi Engine, confirmed via NAD C320BEE owner’s manual and service documentation on ManualsLib. Sources are in agreement. Country of origin confirmed from rear panel label on this unit.)
- Type: Stereo integrated amplifier
- Power output: 50W per channel into 8Ω (stereo); 50W per channel into 4Ω
- Clipping power: 68W per channel
- Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.03%
- Damping factor: 160 (ref. 8Ω, 1kHz)
- Minimum speaker impedance: 4Ω
- Input sensitivity: 220mV (line)
- Input impedance: 200kΩ
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 106dB (line, A-weighted)
- Tone controls: Bass ±5dB; Treble ±5dB (10kHz); Tone Defeat fitted
- Line inputs: CD, Disc, Video, Aux, Tuner, Tape 1 (in/out), Tape 2 (in/out)
- Phono input (MM): Optional — not fitted on this unit (factory configuration)
- Outputs: Pre Out, Main In, Speaker A, Speaker B, 12V trigger
- Headphone output: Front-mounted 6.35mm socket
- Soft Clipping: Yes, switchable
- Remote control: Not available for this model
- Dimensions: 435 × 100 × 290mm (W × H × D, excluding feet and rear connectors)
- Weight: 6.5kg
- Years of production: 2002–2005
- Country of origin: China (confirmed on rear panel label)
Why Buy From Us
With over 40 years of experience in the Hi-Fi industry, we are well placed to assess and test equipment of this type. Every item we list is fully inspected and tested before sale — this unit was tested by Andrew in our workshop.
When you buy from us you can expect:
- Full inspection and testing prior to listing — not simply a visual check
- A 3-month guarantee on every item we sell
- Transparent descriptions with no omissions
- Professional packaging to ensure safe delivery
- After-sales support available by phone or email should you have any questions
Summary
The NAD C320BEE remains a solid and well-documented integrated amplifier, sensibly specified and straightforward to use. This example is in good working order and has been confirmed fully functional. Buyers connecting a turntable should note that a separate phono stage will be required, as the internal MM board was not installed at the factory. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions prior to purchase.
