Every time NAD launches a budget integrated amplifier, it bills it as 'the new NAD 3020'. The 3020 was, probably, the most successful entry-level integrated amp of all-time. Thus it's no surprise NAD wants the world to regard the C315BEE as the heir to that particular throne. Bjorn Eric Edvardsen couldn't avoid having the 3020 in the back of his mind when faced with the challenge of designing a new super-budget-amp. NAD claims: 'While we had to make some compromises compared to the C325BEE - CMOS input switching instead of reed relay, simplified PowerDrive circuit, etc - the basic performance under most conditions is egual.' The C3 15BEE features bass, treble and balance controls, with tone defeat. Motorised volume is remotely operable. (The handset also controls the NAD CD player.) At the rear are five line inputs and tape loop. Two pairs of 4mm speaker terminals are provided. The C315BEE's performance continually surprised and enchanted me, especially the way it caressed the LS3/5As. Two characteristics marked this stand-out performance, the most obvious being its real-world power. It could make the LS3/5As crack, but best of all, it could genuinely access the full range of the Guarneri. This is no mean feat: I've heard far costlier, more powerful amplifiers fail to drive the Italian masterwork. I am not saying that NAD has defied all reason and come up with a dreadnought of an amplifier for under ￡200, able to massacre ￡6000-plus powerhouses. Close scrutiny reveals a slight restraint in the absolute dynamic swings, the lowest reaches of the bass will not cause the room to quake and massive drums will reveal its absolute limits.
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