NAD T550

Advantages: Stunning stereo music playback at the price
Disadvantages: Surround sound steering could be better

...I purchased this receiver to match my NAD T550 DVD player as part of my Home Cinema set-up. The first impression on removing it from the box was that it looked more like a piece of military equipment than hi-fi. The unit is quite heavy for it's size but is easily moved around on the hi-fi rack. The provided instructions take the form of a book. Extremely comprehensive! I spent hours reading them! This, in itself, could be a little off-putting for a complete novice. However, if you persist, there is a full explanation on every single function available. Connecting up was very straight forward. The power cord is not the detachable type (like a kettle) but is built in to the receiver so you cannot swap it for a upgrade. Speaker terminals are the plastic screw-down variety although there are removeable caps to allow banana plugs... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: SOUND QUALITY, EASE OF USE
Disadvantages: NONE!!!

...I have been involved in mid and budget priced hi-fi for many years now and would like to pass on my experiences to you, the reader. This particular review is for the NAD C521 BEE CD PLAYER. Many of you may be asking "who the hell are NAD?" Well, it is an established british company who design hi-fi in the u.k and have it manufactured in the far east to exacting standards, the end result being very high quality equipment at very reasonable prices. You can find NAD products at most "proper" hi-fi dealers (just pick up a copy of " WHAT HI-FI" and you will see very many dealers selling the product). On to the review: i bought my NAD C 521 BEE CD PLAYER ten months ago from HI-FI CONFIDENTIAL in london and paid £180 for it. I connected it to a NAD C350 amplifier, a YAMAHA KX-580 SE cassette deck and a pair of CASTLE PEMBROKE... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: the c521bee sounds great with all music theres plenty of warmth and scale the c521bee could shame players costing 3 times as much.
Disadvantages: non for the price really

...I recently purchased the nad c521bee cd player to replace my marantz. you will find them on line for about £170, i paid £199 for my example from a dealer but they did supply a blackrodium interconnect worth £30 so really you would be better off going to your dealer as they will give you a demo if you wish and will be available should things go wrong. Like most people im on a tight budget and can not afford the top end players but after listening to the nad you will agree the sonic abilities of this budget player cant be bettered at this price. The nad sounds great with all types of music with plenty of detail, warmth and scale. The styling of the nad is'nt to everyones taste but in titanium it looks like it cost more than the asking price. The build quality is excellent at this price range and the c521bee also comes with a very good... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful