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NAD C 316BEE Stereo integrated amplifier

Item # 745C316BEE

You don't need huge power or a lot of buttons to push.

You don't need huge power or a lot of buttons to push.

13 questions - 57 answers

Item # 745C316BEE

About the NAD C 316BEE

Jim Richardson

The foundation of a simple, yet great-sounding stereo system

You don't need huge power or a lot of buttons to push. You don't need to spend a lot of money, either. If all you want is great sound for a small space, NAD has the solution. The C 316BEE is the perfect little integrated amp to anchor that high-quality audio system in your den, bedroom, or office. It delivers accurate, musical sound in a compact, easy-to-enjoy package.

The foundation of a simple, yet great-sounding stereo system

You don't need huge power or a lot of buttons to push. You don't need to spend a lot of money, either. If all you want is great sound for a small space, NAD has the solution. The C 316BEE is the perfect little integrated amp to anchor that high-quality audio system in your den, bedroom, or office. It delivers accurate, musical sound in a compact, easy-to-enjoy package.

NAD C 316BEE stereo integrated amplifier

The large toroidal transformer is a key to this affordable amp's amazingly clean, dynamic sound.

No frills, just thrills

NAD designed this amp using the same principle behind their higher-end components — a no-frills approach that puts the focus squarely on performance, instead of bells and whistles. It boasts a high-current toroidal transformer — usually found only on expensive audiophile gear - and other carefully selected parts to provide punchy, lifelike sound. It makes the amp sound much more potent than its 40-watts-per-channel rating would lead you to expect.

This integrated amp offers enough inputs to connect six audio components, plus a handy front-panel minijack for hooking up a portable music player. And the included remote gives you easy control of the amplifier and the other NAD audio components in your system.

Add a CD player like NAD's C 516BEE and good set of bookshelf speakers like the PSB Alpha B1s. Turn off your TV and phone. Now relax and rediscover the simple pleasure of listening to great music.

Praise for the NAD C 316BEE from The Absolute Sound

"The entry-level C 316 is still the go-to amp for audiophile newbies who crave sonic neutrality, good power output, nice tactile feel, and NAD's characteristic quality-control."

The Absolute Sound 2013 Editors' Choice Awards: Integrated Amplifiers under $1000


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Product highlights:

  • 40 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.02% THD
  • 4-ohm stable for use with a wide range of speakers
  • signal-to-noise ratio: 95 dB
  • PowerDrive-S™ technology for more dynamic power output
  • large toroidal power transformer for a strong, low-noise power supply
  • rotary bass and treble controls with defeat switch for tone control bypass
  • 6 RCA audio inputs including 1 tape in/out
  • front-panel minijack input for connecting a portable music player
  • full-size headphone jack
  • one pair of speaker binding post terminals
  • remote control
  • 17-1/8"W x 3-3/16"H x 11-3/8"D
  • weight: 12.1 lbs.
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # C316BEE

What's in the box:

  • Integrated amplifier
  • Remote control (AMP 2)
  • CR2025 3V battery
  • Owner's manual
  • Warranty information

Customer reviews for NAD C 316BEE

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More details on the NAD C 316BEE

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Performance Specs
Watts RMS per Channel (8-ohms) 40
Watts RMS per Channel (6-ohms) Not given
Watts RMS per Channel (4-ohms) Not given
Frequency Bandwidth 20-20k
THD 0.02%
Minimum Impedance 4 ohms
Amplifier Class AB
Signal to Noise Ratio 95
DAC Bit Depth 00
DAC Sample Rate N/A
Features
Built-in DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) No
Wi-Fi N/A
Built-in Radio Tuner None
Room Correction ---
High-res Audio Playback
From Network No
From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) No
From Computer (USB-B) No
Bluetooth
Version Info N
Receiver Mode No
Transmitter Mode No
AAC Playback No
aptX Playback No
aptX-HD Playback No
LDAC Playback No
Connections
RCA Line-level Inputs ---
XLR Line-level Inputs ---
Phono Input No
Optical Digital Inputs No
Coaxial Digital Inputs No
USB Input No
HDMI Inputs ---
Stereo Preamp Outputs ---
Subwoofer Outputs No
Recording Output Yes
HDMI Output ---
Home Theater Bypass No
Pre-out/Main-in Loop No
Headphone Output 1/4"
Removable Power Cord ---
Streaming Compatibility
Apple AirPlay No
Apple AirPlay 2 No
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon No
HEOS No
BluOS No
Dimensions and Warranty
Width (inches) 17-1/8
Height (inches) 3-1/8
Depth (inches) 11-3/8
Weight (pounds) 12.17
Parts Warranty 2 Years
Labor Warranty 2 Years
The NAD C 316BEE replaces these items:

Product Research

Features

Amplifier Section: Bjørn Erik Edvardsen, NAD's Director of Advanced Development, developed a simplified version of PowerDrive for the C 316BEE. Proprietary PowerDrive Circuit offers a remarkable combination of high current drive needed for complex loudspeaker loads combined with high levels of undistorted dynamic power.

  • Continuous Power: 40 watts x 2 into an 8Ω load, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, no more than 0.02% THD, both channels driven simultaneously
  • Dynamic Power: 90 watts x 2 (8Ω), 120 watts x 2 (4Ω)
  • Rated THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): 0.02% (driving both channels 20 Hz - 20 kHz simultaneously at 8Ω)
  • Signal/Noise: 95 dB (A-weighted, ref 1 watt)
  • Damping factor: >200 (ref 8Ω, 1 kHz)

Connections: The NAD C 316BEE is equipped with rear-panel and front-panel connections.

  • Rear Panel: Rear-panel inputs & outputs include -
    • Speakers: the speaker binding posts will accept single banana plugs, pin connectors, spade lugs up to 0.475" wide, and bare wire up to 12 gauge; there are two speaker outputs (left and right)
    • Inputs: stereo RCA input jacks for Disc, CD, Video, Aux, Tuner, and Tape
    • Record Outputs: stereo RCA output jacks for Tape
  • Front Panel: Front-panel inputs & outputs include -
    • Headphone: Standard 1/4" headphone jack (68Ω)
    • MP: 3.5mm minijack Aux input

Controls: The NAD C 316BEE comes with an IR remote control, features front-panel controls, and is equipped with a rear-panel power switch.

  • Remote Control: The wireless remote will control the C 316BEE and NAD CD players.
  • Front Panel: Front-panel controls consist of Power (standby/on), 6 Input Buttons (Tape/Tuner/Aux/Video/CD/Disc), Volume (up/down), Balance (left/right), Bass (+/-8 dB @ 100 Hz) & Treble (+/-5 dB @ 10 kHz), and Tone Defeat (Bass/Treble Bypass).
  • Rear Panel: Rear-panel controls include a Master power switch.

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Customer Q&A

13 questions already asked

Q
Where made ?
garrett  Feb 08, 2018
3 answers
A
Canada
william  Feb 10, 2018
A
It is made in China.
shih chia  Feb 10, 2018
A
Who cares? Good solid product.
jeffrey  Feb 10, 2018
Q
can you hook up a turntable?
wayne  Jan 25, 2018
7 answers
A
Wayne, the BLUF (Bottom line up front) is NO. I should ask if you have a suitable preamplifier for the type of cartridge you are using, either Moving Magnet or Moving Coil, which will provide the extra gain needed. Then you can hook the output of the preamp to a NAD amplifier and the ensemble will work properly. Disclaimer: I don't have a turntable; my music source is primarily from a DAC.
david  Feb 03, 2018
A
The NAD C 316BEE does not have a phono preamp, so your turntable would need to have one built-in to work. If your turntable does not have a built-in phono preamp, you can purchase one seperately and hook it up to the NAD C 316BEE. I bought the Schiit Mani for $129 - the combo sounds amazing.
jon  Jan 31, 2018
A
I have to use an external turntable pre-amp that I plug into the Aux input of these NAD amplifiers.
rusty  Jan 31, 2018
A
Yes, but you will need a phono amp between the receiver and the turntable. I have done this and it works great.
william  Jan 31, 2018
A
You can use one of the inputs for your turntable so long as your turntable comes with a built in phono preamp for MM or MC cartridges. If your turntable does not come with a phono preamp section, you will need to purchase a phono preamp, and your turntable would plug into Phono preamp inputs, and the out puts from the phono preamp would plug into one of the input sources on the NAD preamp. The NAD 165BEE offered by Crutchfield has a phono section, but it is offered at a much higher price. You could do better price wise with one of the many phono preamps Crutchfield has to offer. You will be happy with any NAD preamp you buy as I have owned many over the years. You may not be so happy with alll of my run on sentences in this post.
jeff  Jan 31, 2018
A
Yes, but you need a pre-amp
jonathan  Jan 31, 2018
A
Hi Wayne, There are 6 different inputs but unfortunately. none for a turntable
david  Jan 30, 2018
Q
Does this amp require the use of a preamp?
mark  Nov 23, 2016
5 answers
A
No, it is an integrated amp.
william  Nov 23, 2016
A
This is an integrated amplifier. The pre-amplifier and power amplifier are joined together in one case.
chris  Nov 23, 2016
A
No, it's an integrated amp meaning amp and preamp in one componet.
john  Nov 23, 2016
A
Nope
craig  Nov 23, 2016
A
it does not need a preamp
douglas  Nov 23, 2016
Q
Would this be powerful enough to drive JBL Studio 530's sufficiently? (6 ohms, 125 watts)
harold  Sep 24, 2016
3 answers
A
This amp is surprisingly powerful. It pushes my Monitor Audio Bx2's to their limit. But they are 90dB at 8 ohm rated for 100 watts. If you like to listen at maximum levels for long periods, you might need more power. It may get hot with the lower ohm load. But I promise you this amp is stronger than you think when you read 40 watts.
jake  Sep 26, 2016
A
I used my 316BEE with a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 10.1s, which are listed at 6 ohms and 20-100 watts, no problems for over a year..
edward  Sep 24, 2016
A
I use it with a pair of Bose 901's and it works fine with volume at 4.At 5 it is very loud.Mostly jazz and artists like Beatles,Stones,Dylan.12'x12' room.Depends on how loud you need to go.
douglas  Sep 24, 2016
Q
Is the headphone amplifier in this amp suitable for "hard to drive" headphones like the Sennheiser HD650?
chuck  Jun 23, 2016
2 answers
A
I use AKG 240 headphones and they work fine.I never tried the Sennheiser.
douglas  Jun 23, 2016
A
I don't know. I have not used headphones with this amp.
mario  Jun 23, 2016
Q
Is it possible to connect a subwoofer to the C 316BEE?
chris  Jan 29, 2016
1 answer
A
Chris, yes it is possible to hook a subwoofer up to the C 316BEE. You need to select a sub that has "speaker in and speaker out" terminals. Run your speaker wires from your amp's terminals to the "speaker in" terminals on your sub, then run another set of wires from the "speaker out" terminals on the sub to your speakers terminals. Remember that not all subs have the speaker "in / out terminals". Robert Dale
robert dale  Jan 29, 2016
Q
Can you hook up more than one pair of speakers to this unit and what is the best way to go about it ?
michael  Dec 12, 2015
4 answers
A
The rear of the NAD C 316BEE has two sets of screw posts for hooking up right and left speakers (four posts 2 for right two for left). You could piggyback two sets of speakers on each set of posts to hook up a total of four speakers. The amp is quite powerful with one set of speakers.
hugh  Dec 14, 2015
A
No, this is an integrated amp-- so it has no tuner but is a totally excellent 2-channel power source. It has only one set of speaker inputs. But this is a perfect amp for connecting to a TV for 'cord-cutters' that stream from Apple TV or Roku or any number of digital sources thru a nice big TV and a great set of speakers. Sometimes you don' want to watch Big Bang Theory or the news through a surround 7.1 system, ya know?
dean  Dec 12, 2015
A
Afraid not. This unit is very basic in that respect, no output for a sub-woofer either. On the other hand, superb sound for the price point.
julius  Dec 12, 2015
A
Uh, did you try looking at the owners manual? it is available to download from the Crutchfield website. This will answer your question.
steve  Dec 12, 2015
Q
I have a pair of bw mk 7 about 38 yrs old great shape would they be good with this unit.?
chris  Jan 13, 2015
4 answers
A
I've used the amplifier with Spendor BC1's (also old), Wharfdale Diamond 10.1's and am currently using Kef LS50's. Amp performs admirably with all 3 speakers. As long as the B & W's are nominal 8 Ohms (they are), then this amp will be good. The speakers you plan to use are similar to the Spendor BC1's I have. Enjoy the amp Ian :)
ian  Jan 18, 2015
A
Sounds wonderful with my 30+ yrs old Bose
edwin b  Jan 16, 2015
A
Chris - as long as the ohms rating for the B&Ws dont exceed the NAD's specs you'll be fine. This amp rocks!
david c  Jan 15, 2015
A
should be fine, so long as the impedance is somewhere in the neighborhood of 4-8 ohms....and most speakers are.
martin  Jan 14, 2015
Q
can an iPhone or ipod be connected to this amp? thanks.
jeanne  Sep 01, 2014
5 answers
A
Yes, all you need is an RCA to mini cable.
walid  Sep 04, 2014
A
Sorry, I don't know. I never tried.
kenneth w  Sep 02, 2014
A
I don't know; mine is currently in a pawn-shop. Ask the salespeople. They're very helpful.
jerome  Sep 02, 2014
A
Yes. I have an I-Pod connected to mine.
robert  Sep 02, 2014
A
If you look on the front of the amp at just about the middle position, there is a jack labeled MP3. Take the earphone jack of your iPhone or ipod, plug one end of the male-male 1/8" plug into that and the other end into your iPhone or iPod.
william  Sep 02, 2014
Q
How do you connect a sub woofer to this?
norman  Feb 27, 2014
5 answers
A
The man who put this system together for me is extremely busy. I have told him of your request, and he promises to reply, but only God knows if he will. I send you this info so that you know what is going on. What I suggest you do is to ask this question of me again, and then maybe he'll answer. Sorry to keep you waiting. Jerome H
jerome  Mar 03, 2014
A
As far as I know, there is not a way to do that with this unit. I had used it as a headphone amplifier so that was never an issue for me.
william  Feb 27, 2014
A
You would have to connect your sound into the tape input.. The amp has a tape out where you can connect the subwoofer, but as far as dedicated subwoofer output, no..
roger  Feb 27, 2014
A
Not unless you hook up to the tape input... It has a tape output that will send it out.... But dedicated subwoofer ports, No!!
roger  Feb 27, 2014
A
Norman, There is no specific subwoofer output on this amp. It only has four terminals for one pair of speakers. Instead you will have to connect the speaker terminals on the back of the amp to the speaker INPUTS on the subwoofer. The subwoofer will have OUTPUTS to the main speakers. Connect these outputs to your main speakers, being careful to maintain polarity (red to red and black to black (or white to white) ). Be sure that you keep track of Left and Right speaker leads from the amp to the subwoofer INPUTS and from the subwoofer OUTPUTS to the Left and Right speakers. Also, there is no way to connect rear speakers or a center channel to this amplifier. It's strictly for one pair of speakers and a subwoofer if desired. It's a very basic and VERY HIGH QUALITY UNIT. Enjoy, Ed
edward  Feb 27, 2014
Q
how do u use this with the dragonfly 1.2 with my desktop?
earl  Jan 08, 2014
4 answers
A
thats what i thougt but i wasnt sure. thank u very much for the answer.
earl  Jan 13, 2014
A
You would need to get a 3.5 mm to RCA adapter, and run analog audio cables to one of the inputs on the NAD C 316BEE. There are more than enough inputs on the C316BEE for most people.
tamara  Jan 11, 2014
A
i don't use this with a DAC..you could, i guess, use a DAC inline between your library (i use iTunes), but that's now how this system is set up at my place. i use a stand-alone computer as my iTunes library manager and have a tube standalone DAC for that. sorry i can't be more helpful.
martin  Jan 10, 2014
A
I'm afraid that I'm a bit of a luddite and have only a CD player and old cassette deck hooked up to the NAD. I don't even know what dragonfly 1.2 is. Sorry.
william  Jan 08, 2014
Q
Can a turntable be used with it via the Auxillary input?
paul  Dec 12, 2013
13 answers
A
Yes but you have to connect a phono pre amp first.
gordon  Dec 16, 2013
A
NO. Any amplifier must have a phono input for a turntable. This NAD does not have phono. However, a phono converter will make this amp compatible with a turntable. The proper name is phono preamp.
ernest  Dec 13, 2013
A
Sure. Using a phono preamp can improve sound, but not required. NAD amp is solid
craig d  Dec 12, 2013
A
Only after you install a phono amp between turntable and AUX. There is no phonp amp section in NAD316BEE.
piko  Dec 12, 2013
A
I think you're asking whether the unit can properly amplify the output of a phono cartridge, the "pickup" mounted at the end of the turntable arm. All inputs on this unit are "line level." It lacks any "phono input" or "photo stage" that would amplify the very low voltage of a phono cartridge output to line level. You would need a separately purchased, standalone phono stage, into which you plug the phono cartridge, and from which you connect to one of the line level inputs of the NAD C 316BEE. Other NAD units may have a built-in phono stage sufficient to handle at least "moving magnet" (MM) cartridges (3-6mV output). Be aware there are even lower output "moving coil" (MC) cartridges (0.2-0.5mV) for which even built-in phono stages would be insufficient, and for which you'd need a standalone phono stage anyway.
john  Dec 12, 2013
A
The C316 does not have a built-in phono preamp. You need to add a "Phono Preamp" between the Turntable and the C316. NAD makes Phono Preamps. For example, the NAD PP 2i Phono Preamp. Here is a link to the Crutchfield page for that model: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_745PP2I/NAD-PP-2i.html?tp=204.
lawrence  Dec 12, 2013
A
The answer is Yes, Paul.The 316 does not have a Phono input. However, you can buy an external pre-amplifier. (I got a model from the TCC line. There are others as well, but don't go for the cheapest pre-amp.) You plug the output from your turntable into the pre-amp. The pre-amp has two "line level" outputs which can be connected to any of the inputs on the 316, including the Aux input. Press the chosen input button on the 316, lower the tonearm and you're in business.I've played quite a bit of my old vinyl through the 316 and it's incredible. Some of the early vinyl was transferred from 78 rpm and the sound is understandably compressed and pinched sounding. But the better quality vinyl sounds better than you've ever heard it before. The 316 is a winner and sips power as well as drives any sane speaker to insane levels of sound.Good luck with your new 316.
edward  Dec 12, 2013
A
I connect my turntables to my mixer, which I then plug into my NAD 316BEE . However, I just tried plugging my turntable straight into the Aux input and the sound was too low and tinny. I had a look at their website's FAQ and they said that one would need to buy a pre-amp (they recommended one of theirs:, which you can find on the crutchfiled site: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_745PP2I/NAD-PP-2i.html?showAll=N&search=NAD_PP-2_Phono_Preamplifier&skipvs=T ) in order to use this amp with turntables. I hope this helps!
walid  Dec 12, 2013
A
It does not have a phono stage so you would need an external phono pre-amp. That is about the only shortcoming of this super amp. I gave up vinyl long ago so it was not an issue for me.
william  Dec 12, 2013
A
Many apologies, but I'm not sure. The owner's manual just says "another audio input" but doesn't specify more than that; it uses another CD player as an example. Because the speakers I ended up buying needed more than 40 watts, though, I ended up returning the 316 and got the 356DAC instead. I'm pretty sure it takes a turntable, and I have to say, has wonderful sound. I listen mostly to "classical" (as in Beethoven and Mahler--sorry, but I think of Monk and Trane as classical music, too, hence the quotation marks) and jazz, and with the system I ended up with is great. But I only have CDs, since when young I never could afford a sound system and so never had vinyl. And am delighted with the DAC on the amp. Good luck!
william  Dec 12, 2013
A
I do not believe so. Thie amp supports digital devices. Great amp for the $$$. Would buy it again.
robert  Dec 12, 2013
A
No unfortunately you will need either a turntable with a built in phono preamp or a separate phono preamp Audiotechnica makes a really good turntable with built in phono preamp. That's what I'm currently using
william  Dec 12, 2013
A
Yes it can... The amp has one aux input as well as a tape input and output.. If your turn table has Stereo RCA then your in business..
roger  Dec 12, 2013
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