NAD C 399 or HypeX

[nzhifiguy]

Hi all

Sorry I'm sure you get these a lot. Love reading the reviews etc

I'm in an interesting position. needing to replace my amp as the last one (avr) died. its been a few weeks already and i am getting itchy

I won't be able to try any of the equipment. They will be driving B&W CM9 S2 + subs

The current contenders are

Bluesound Node Icon + HypeX NC502MP DIY Kit using XLR

NAD C 399 w/ BluOS module


the former is a good bit cheaper.

I know ASR didn't rate the node icon due to the filter but i'm not bothered by that. I'm more interested in opinions on what would sound 'best' (i know, i know)

Or any other options I haven't considered. Must be within that price range though


Thanks

 

[boXem]

HypeX NC502MP DIY Kit

Has no official existence.

 

[Esque]

Go with the NAD C399, heaps amount of clean power, Dirac, cleaner setup, way more inputs.

 

[MaxBuck]

Hi all

Sorry I'm sure you get these a lot. Love reading the reviews etc

I'm in an interesting position. needing to replace my amp as the last one (avr) died. its been a few weeks already and i am getting itchy

I won't be able to try any of the equipment. They will be driving B&W CM9 S2 + subs

The current contenders are

Bluesound Node Icon + HypeX NC502MP DIY Kit using XLR

NAD C 399 w/ BluOS module


the former is a good bit cheaper.

I know ASR didn't rate the node icon due to the filter but i'm not bothered by that. I'm more interested in opinions on what would sound 'best' (i know, i know)

Or any other options I haven't considered. Must be within that price range though


Thanks

Without knowing anything about existence, official or otherwise, I'd go with the Node and a Hypex. Sounds like streaming is the only source you plan to use.

 

[pogo]

I'm more interested in opinions on what would sound 'best'

Take the Icon. If you need more inputs, you can also add up to four Bluesound Hubs. If you can later spend money on a Purifi amplifier, you will get a very good combination.

 

[Narnian]

I thought about using the Node Icon as a preamp but the inputs fall a bit short. However the the C399 has way more inputs than I will ever need.

Currently I am considering using a NAD C700 or NAD M10v1/2 with a Buckeye amp to get me more inputs.

 

[Narnian]

I ended up with the NAC C 399. I decided I have uses for the extra inputs (bought a used NAD C 427 tuner).

It turned out I really like Dirac and being able to make curve adjustments. Plus it is so clean in that spite of my hearing loss I can hear a lot more at any volume.