Roland68
Major Contributor
This is one of the significantly more expensive THX successors to the NAD 21xx/22xx and the Monitor series.
A very great and powerful device.
-
Welcome to ASR. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!
NAD 2200 Vintage Amplifier Review
- Thread starter amirm
- Start date
A very great and powerful device.
Old_School_Brad
Major Contributor
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2024
- Messages
- 1,864
- Likes
- 2,597
This is the one to go for if you're after the best NAD has to offer, it's even a step up from the 218.
Yes Sir. I was contemplating getting the NAD 2200 after hearing great things about it. But I always felt that this 208 was more than enough for my purposes. At times, I feel that my other 70w hypex integrated amp is sufficient to power my 93 db speakers to decent hearing levels. Then again, we always have this thing often referred to as 'headroom'. I guess having more excess power for transient periods is better than having little, which causes the dreaded audio phenomenon known as 'clipping'.
The lads over at NAD think this is still up there with the best they are releasing these days.
Yup. Glad to own it. The only issue with this model is that it runs hot. So much so that many units were decommissioned due to heat-related failures. I have been running it with a fan blowing directly at the heatsinks to keep it somewhat cool. I know this might be a little controversial. Some say that air should not be blown into the equipment, but rather, removed from the equipment by placing a cooling fan in the opposite direction.
I think the 218 pales in comparison to the 208. This was the only Made in England model they ever produced. The 218 did not impress me at all in terms of build quality as well as the sound.
I am still curious as to who may have been engaged to manufacture the 208 for NAD.
Mike Madigan
Member
I have several older power amps NAD,Carver, Mitsubishi and my original 79 Hafler Dh200 I built the kit. Have only had to actually repair a couple. I will now look at some of the upgrade kits . I haven’t run the amps through my test bench in a long time. I just enjoy listening to them. I did do one upgrade kit on my original hafler dh-101 preamp years ago.
Roland68
Major Contributor
I don't know where the 2200 could be better. The 208 is more powerful and has balanced inputs. The design with the vertically positioned power amplifier boards is more modern and provides significantly better cooling for the components.
My 2200 has always been enough and I've never felt the need for something more powerful like the 208.
Only a measurement can show whether the measured values actually differ.
I could maybe replace my 6 2200's with 2 of these and a pair of PROTON D 1200's (I really, really want something with relatively accurate meters for my subs) IF I am going to make any changes.
MattHooper
Grand Contributor
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2019
- Messages
- 10,681
- Likes
- 18,752
Bumping this thread to ask:
What do people know or think about the
NAD 2700 amps?
A cursory research suggests they were their flagship amps in the mid 80s?
150w/side 8ohms with big power reserves.
I’m curious because I’m seeing one for sale locally for around $400.
I would never part with my Conrad Johnson tube amplification, but I’ve liked the idea of having a spare solid state amp around to throw into the system sometimes and likely use my Benchmark LA4 pre-amplifier with it.
It seems the NAD would pack as much power as I would require into a modest sized package.
What do people know or think about the
NAD 2700 amps?
A cursory research suggests they were their flagship amps in the mid 80s?
150w/side 8ohms with big power reserves.
I’m curious because I’m seeing one for sale locally for around $400.
I would never part with my Conrad Johnson tube amplification, but I’ve liked the idea of having a spare solid state amp around to throw into the system sometimes and likely use my Benchmark LA4 pre-amplifier with it.
It seems the NAD would pack as much power as I would require into a modest sized package.
AudioKarma Databasehttp://akdatabase.com › AKview › albums › userpics › 10007 › NAD%202700%20Owners%20Manual.pdf
nad 2700thx power amplifier
connected to the "Right" speaker. If another NAD 2700 amplifier in bridged mode is used for the second stereophonic channel, it also will be driven through an.
This (from Quirk Audio) shows you the evolution of these very similar amps (without being excruciatingly technical, I think) from the 2200-2700 (this was as series [the 2700 had some factory changes so that it could be THX Certified]). Check out Peter's discography, also (He was a sound engineers at Abby Road Studios, I believe).
NAD is a great audio company and has made a number of very notable, and now vintage, amplifiers. Their philosophy has been driven by making their amplifiers sound “musical”, though at a price point that us mere humans can afford. One of their key innovations is using a dual rail power supply with two voltages, with the higher rail providing a reserve of power that is used for musical transients.
NAD makes very good amplifiers, the circuits are well thought out and the core components well considered. In some of their models their choice of components has been driven by cost, and as such replacing these with modern components does return a noticeable benefit.
The power amplifier NAD 2200 is described on another page.
Their NAD 3020 is recognized as a classic, probably the best small power (20watts per channel) integrated transistor amplifier made. They still attract good prices second hand, and are often used as pre amps for larger power amplifiers.When refurbished they sound spectacular.
Technical analysis
The original NAD 2200 included 4 printed circuit boards:
- Input board ( two major variations)
- Power supply board
- Main amp boards (2- one left MAL and one right MAR)
Please read the recent review by Audiocience Review at:
NAD 2200 Vintage Amplifier Review
This is a review and detailed measurements of a refurbished and upgraded NAD 2200 stereo amplifier. It was bought by a member, sent to QuirkAudio to be fully updated and then loaned to me. The work that Peter has done is exemplary. The inside looks brand new! I have repaired hundreds of...
www.audiosciencereview.com
Original NAD 2200: These generally have serial numbers starting with 5XXX, and are simply marked as NAD2200 on the front panel. These are the original circuit and the main amplifier boards are marked as MAL 593 and MAR 593 which is located at the rear edge of the board. The picture below shows an unrestored NAD 2200. In this example the large power supply caps can be seen to bulge, and there is quite some rust and dirt to be cleaned out. The input board on this model is an SW 594.
NAD 2200 power envelope: The NAD 2200 power envelope (NAD2200PE) has “power envelope” printed on the front panel, and has serial number starting in the 6XXX range. These can have three types of main board, the MAL and MAR 593A, MAL and MAR 593B and MAL and MAR 593C. Each of these differ slightly in circuit configuration, with the C series boards having additional components on the output side. The input boards also differ with some additional circuitry and better quality passive components. The input board is the SW 594C. Shown here is a 2200PE with B series boards that has been upgraded, based on the 2600/2700 upgrades with some further improvements in the components.
NAD 2600: this is an evolution of the NAD 2200, the 2600 can have “B” or “C” series main amp boards,though the 2600A has “C” series. Some 2600’s and all 2600A’s have an upgraded input board with additional transistors regulating the 18v supply rails. This is the SW 692 board. These upgrades included providing front panel volume controls for each channel and replacing the metal front panel of the 2200 series with a plastic panel. The main power rails have been raised to 72v, from the 65v of the 2200 series, enabling NAD to claim a power output of 150w per channel compared to the claimed 100w of the NAD 2200. This additional voltage is provided by a different transformer, which has switchable taps for different impedance speaker arrangements on the rear.
unrestored 2600
The picture above is an unrestored 2600, and the picture below the detail of the restored 2600 power amp board.
restored 2600
restored 2600 main amp PCB
NAD 2700: This is a further evolution of the 2200-2600, using the transformer and lifted voltages, with the same power output (150w/channel) as the 2600 and 2600A, though with additional capacitance in certain circuit positions and use of higher quality components as well. The input board differs from the 2200 and 2600 both in layout and some component values. I suspect all of these modifications were to ensure compliance with the THX standards that is amplifier meets.
unrestored 2700
Above is the unrestored 2700 and below the restored 2700 undergoing bench tests.
Restored 2700
There is also the 2100 and 2400, which share a common layout and design, though they were much more cost consciously focused on a price point, being good value, but not as well designed and made as the 2200/2600/2700 series. There is a blog post on 2400 upgrades here: https://quirkaudio.com/?p=1165
A very cool feature of this amplifier is that each of the channels has an attenuator located on the front panel. This way, if you have different speakers or you are matching other amplifiers, you can set each channel to its desired volume independently. You can bypass these attenuators and achieve a purer signal by switching to THX input mode in the back.
Product Description
Here is information from NAD:
The NAD 2700 THX is a powerful stereo power amplifier that meets the stringent THX standards for home theater use.
NAD was the first company to introduce a THX certified power amplifier. It was therefore no surprise the NAD 2700THX passed Lucas Films’ stringent THX requirements with flying colours. As a result the NAD 2700THX will handle all dynamics with ease and yet retain every subtle detail in the most demanding THX Dolby Surround systems.
With the NAD 2700 THX, NAD presents an amplifier that provides all the power needed for even the most demanding high performance audiophile music and home theater systems.
The input circuit topology uses an innovative, totally new dual differential input circuit topology that operates in true Class-A mode. The special Holmgren™ toroidal transformer has less hum and magnetic leakage than conventional toroidal transformers but retains the usual benefits of high efficiency and high power to weight ratio.
Ruggedness and in-system reliability are critical to successful custom-installed systems. This amplifier utilizes a combination of fuse and electronic non-intrusive protection: dependable, fail-safe, and sonically benign.
Each channel is protected against excess temperature, DC fault and loudspeaker short-circuit. Most important of all, the 2700 THX’s inherently conservative, high-voltage/high-current output-stage engineering has been designed for years of high-performance, trouble-free service.
Technical features
Output Power: 150 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo), 400 watts into 8Ω (mono) (EJ3 says: they are bridgeable AND 2Ω stable)
Frequency Response: 1Hz to 80kHz
Total harmonic distortion: 0.03%
Damping factor: 120
Input sensitivity: 1,2V
Signal to noise ratio: 122 dB
Speaker load impedance: 2Ω (minimum)
Size: x 435 127 395 mm x
Weight: 13 kg
Year: 1992
AMP DYNO test into various loads of a NAD 2200 (same amp & the upgrades that Peter makes at Quirk Audio makes essentially turn 2200's into better 2700's (better than the 2700's were originally).
1992 NAD 2700 POWER AMP SECTION
Continuous output power into 8 Ohms 150 watts RMS (21.7dBW)
Rated distortion (THD 20Hz - 20kHz) 0.03%
Clipping power (maximum continuous power per channel) 200W +4.3dB
IHF dynamic power (maximum short term power per channel)
IHF Dynamic headroom at 8 Ohm 400W (26 dBW)
4 Ohm 600W (28 dBW)
2 Ohm 800W (29 dBW)
Damping factor (ref. 8 Ohm , 50Hz) >120
Input impedance 20K Ohm/820pF
input sensitivity (for rated power into 8 Ohm) 1.2 V
Frequency response - 80kHz / (+0, -3dB) THX
Signal/noise ratio (ref. 1W) 100 dB
(ref. rated power) 122 dB
THD (20Hz - 20kHz) <0.03%
Bridged Mode
Continuous output power into 8 Ohm 400 W (26 dBW)
IHF Dynamic headroom at 8 Ohm +5dB
IHF dynamic power (maximum short term power per channel)
8 Ohm 1.2 kW (31 dBW)
4 Ohm 1.6 kW (32 dBW)
Physical Dimensions
Dimensions (W x H x D) 435 x 127 x 395mm (17.126 x 5.00 x 15.551 inches)
Net wt. 13 kg (28 lb 10.56 oz)
Shipping wt, 14.3 kg (31 lb 8.42 oz
Power consumption (120 ~ 240V, 50/60Hz) 970VA
* Minimum power per chnnel, 20Hz - 20kHz, both channels driven with no more than rated distortion.
Dimensions are of unit's cabinet without attached feet; add up to 18mm for total height.
Dimension depth excludes terminals, sockets, controls and buttons.
© NAD Electronics. All rights reserved. E & OE
MattHooper
Grand Contributor
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2019
- Messages
- 10,681
- Likes
- 18,752
@EJ3
Thanks for all that helpful information!
I think I might go for it.
The seller has 2 units for sale:
$400 for a single 2700
$700/pair which can be used as mono blocks.
If I were in my normal working state, I wouldn’t even think about it and snap up both of them.
One follow up question for anyone;
I haven’t really followed the latest cheap class D amplifiers that many people seem to be raving about.
How cheap would it be to buy a new class D amplifier that would match or exceed the capabilities of the NAD 2700?
Thanks for all that helpful information!
I think I might go for it.
The seller has 2 units for sale:
$400 for a single 2700
$700/pair which can be used as mono blocks.
If I were in my normal working state, I wouldn’t even think about it and snap up both of them.
One follow up question for anyone;
I haven’t really followed the latest cheap class D amplifiers that many people seem to be raving about.
How cheap would it be to buy a new class D amplifier that would match or exceed the capabilities of the NAD 2700?
Hard to do at $700 for two monoblocks. The NAD amps are a good deal - even the Topping B200 is $600 per side. There are Class D amps that get there, just not at this price point. The Class D amps will generally have higher SINAD, though.
Once you have reached a certain SINAD, more is better only in a spec somewhere.
So...
Old_School_Brad
Major Contributor
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2024
- Messages
- 1,864
- Likes
- 2,597
That’s a seriously good deal for a couple of seriously solid amps.
Honestly, I can’t think of any Class D amps that can do what the NAD 2200 or 2700 do when it comes to raw (real) power and handling tough speaker loads -at least not without spending a lot more. Most of the Class D stuff just doesn’t cut it in that department unless you go into the high-end territory with some of the Purify and Hypex offerings.
As for SINAD -it really doesn’t matter much once you’re below 0.1% THD+N. That’s been the go-to standard for pro audio gear for decades, and anything better than that is basically just spec chasing. You won’t hear the difference.
Bottom line is this: these old NADs still hold their own.
Actually, I’m now feeling inspired to go hunt down another NAD project amp. I just finished restoring a C272 -solid and powerful with a (too) clever design, it definitely has its quirks., but the bones of it are really good. It is the evolution of the 2200 and the 2700.
MattHooper
Grand Contributor
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2019
- Messages
- 10,681
- Likes
- 18,752
Thanks again for the replies.
Money is a bit tight at the moment, and I have a pair of vintage Monitor Audio speakers up for sale so I’m hoping somebody buys those and I’d probably put the money towards the amplifiers.
Money is a bit tight at the moment, and I have a pair of vintage Monitor Audio speakers up for sale so I’m hoping somebody buys those and I’d probably put the money towards the amplifiers.
I have a resto-modded C272. I find it to be excellent and the sonic equivalent of my Bryston 4B-ST when used in my main system.
Old_School_Brad
Major Contributor
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2024
- Messages
- 1,864
- Likes
- 2,597
I agree -it’s an excellent amplifier overall. It’s solidly built, delivers plenty of power, and the output stage is well-designed with good thermal and current distribution across four BJT pairs per channel. It’s not flashy, but effective. That said, the choice of electrolytic capacitors clearly reflects some cost-cutting to hit a target price point.
Some design decisions are questionable too -like using undersized 2W resistors that run very hot, and placing electrolytics too close to those resistors or voltage regulator heatsinks.
The soldering isn’t great either. There are often cracked joints, and the lead-free solder needs more heat to rework. Combined with a PCB that’s not exactly top-tier in quality, that can be a bit of a headache during repairs.
That said, once properly serviced -with fresh, high-quality electrolytics, reflowed or resoldered joints, it becomes a very likeable amp. It’s a real powerhouse dressed in a plain exterior. But I find it classy and better looking than its successor, the C275.
The NAD C272 is like Eddie Hall in a business suit.
Similar threads
- Poll
