Overview

by Crutchfield's

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.

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

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
Our 60-day money-back guarantee
MFR # C316BEE

What's in the box:

NAD C 316BEE owner's manual

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

Reviews

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Details

Researched by Crutchfield's 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
Digital Music Features
Built-in DAC (Digital to Analog Converter)	No
Bluetooth	No
Wi-Fi	N/A
Connections
Total Analog Inputs	6
Phono Input	No
Optical Digital Inputs	No
Coaxial Digital Inputs	No
USB Input	No
Preamp Outputs	No
Recording Output	Yes
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:

NAD C 315BEE

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.

The NAD C 316BEE replaces these items

NAD C 315BEE

Stereo integrated amplifier

3 reviews

40 watts x 2 full-bandwidth-rated
6 RCA audio inputs
4-ohm stable for use with a wide range of speakers

Accessories

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Q&A

13 questions already asked

Where made ?

[ GARRETT Feb 08, 2018 ]

3 answers

Canada

[ William Feb 10, 2018 ]

It is made in China.

[ SHIH CHIA Feb 10, 2018 ]

Who cares? Good solid product.

[ Jeffrey Feb 10, 2018 ]

can you hook up a turntable?

[ wayne Jan 25, 2018 ]

7 answers

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 ]

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 ]

I have to use an external turntable pre-amp that I plug into the Aux input of these NAD amplifiers.

[ RUSTY Jan 31, 2018 ]

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 ]

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 ]

Yes, but you need a pre-amp

[ Jonathan Jan 31, 2018 ]

Hi Wayne, There are 6 different inputs but unfortunately. none for a turntable

[ David Jan 30, 2018 ]

Can I connect an equalizer through a tape monitor loop on this amp? I have a pair of Bose 901s and need to use the active equalizer that comes with the speakers.

[ Subby Feb 15, 2017 ]

1 answer

Yes.

[ Dr. Herbert D. Feb 15, 2017 ]

Does this amp require the use of a preamp?

[ Mark Nov 23, 2016 ]

5 answers

No, it is an integrated amp.

[ William Nov 23, 2016 ]

This is an integrated amplifier. The pre-amplifier and power amplifier are joined together in one case.

[ chris Nov 23, 2016 ]

No, it's an integrated amp meaning amp and preamp in one componet.

[ john Nov 23, 2016 ]

Nope

[ craig Nov 23, 2016 ]

it does not need a preamp

[ DOUGLAS Nov 23, 2016 ]

Would this be powerful enough to drive JBL Studio 530's sufficiently? (6 ohms, 125 watts)

[ Harold Sep 24, 2016 ]

3 answers

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 ]

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 ]

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 ]

Is the headphone amplifier in this amp suitable for "hard to drive" headphones like the Sennheiser HD650?

[ Chuck Jun 23, 2016 ]

2 answers

I use AKG 240 headphones and they work fine.I never tried the Sennheiser.

[ DOUGLAS Jun 23, 2016 ]

I don't know. I have not used headphones with this amp.

[ Mario Jun 23, 2016 ]

Is it possible to connect a subwoofer to the C 316BEE?

[ Chris Jan 29, 2016 ]

1 answer

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 ]

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

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 ]

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 ]

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 ]

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 ]

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

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 ]

Sounds wonderful with my 30+ yrs old Bose

[ EDWIN B Jan 16, 2015 ]

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 ]

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 ]

can an iPhone or ipod be connected to this amp? thanks.

[ Jeanne Sep 01, 2014 ]

5 answers

Yes, all you need is an RCA to mini cable.

[ WALID Sep 04, 2014 ]

Sorry, I don't know. I never tried.

[ KENNETH W Sep 02, 2014 ]

I don't know; mine is currently in a pawn-shop. Ask the salespeople. They're very helpful.

[ JEROME Sep 02, 2014 ]

Yes. I have an I-Pod connected to mine.

[ ROBERT Sep 02, 2014 ]

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 ]

How do you connect a sub woofer to this?

[ Norman Feb 27, 2014 ]

5 answers

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 ]

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 ]

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 ]

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 ]

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 ]

how do u use this with the dragonfly 1.2 with my desktop?

[ earl Jan 08, 2014 ]

4 answers

thats what i thougt but i wasnt sure. thank u very much for the answer.

[ earl Jan 13, 2014 ]

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 ]

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 ]

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 ]

Can a turntable be used with it via the Auxillary input?

[ PAUL Dec 12, 2013 ]

13 answers

Yes but you have to connect a phono pre amp first.

[ Gordon Dec 16, 2013 ]

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 ]

Sure. Using a phono preamp can improve sound, but not required. NAD amp is solid

[ CRAIG D Dec 12, 2013 ]

Only after you install a phono amp between turntable and AUX. There is no phonp amp section in NAD316BEE.

[ PIKO Dec 12, 2013 ]

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 ]

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 ]

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 ]

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 ]

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 ]

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 ]

I do not believe so. Thie amp supports digital devices. Great amp for the $$$. Would buy it again.

[ ROBERT Dec 12, 2013 ]

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 ]

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 ]

SHOW MORESHOW LESS

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About the NAD C 316BEE

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