NAD Updates Popular C 316 BEE V2 Amp, Ships First Wireless Headphones

NAD has announced an update to one of its most popular integrated amplifiers ever: the C 316 BEE V2, the last of five classic amplifiers to be updated over the past two years. The company also announced that it is now shipping the Viso HP70 wireless headphones it previewed at CES in January.

The amplifier, which will be available in the U.S. and Canada in July at $399, now includes a moving-magnet (MM) phono input featuring an RIAA equalization circuit that “combines low noise with high overload margins to virtually eliminate noise and distortion.” The circuit also includes an infrasonic filter to help control low-frequency feedback.

Other features include NAD’s high-current PowerDrive S amplifier circuit, designed to handle complex speaker loads, five line-level Inputs — including one on the front panel — a headphone output, bass and treble controls with a tone defeat (bypass) mode, and a full-function remote control.

Staying true to the clean design lines for which NAD is known, the C 316 has an updated industrial design with slightly curved edges.

Over the past two years NAD has also updated the C 328 ($549), C 338 ($649), C 368 ($899), and C 388 ($1,599) integrated amplifiers.

“Anyone who is familiar with NAD’s proud history knows that an affordable, high performance integrated amplifier is what launched the brand 45 years ago,” said Greg Stidsen, NAD’s director of technology and product planning. “With the C 316BEE V2, NAD has completely updated its five Classic amplifier models with new industrial design and MM phono inputs to satisfy vinyl lovers. Other models feature BluOS or Wi-Fi enabled streaming and one even offers Chromecast. What has not changed, however, is the company’s design objective: to produce the best sounding amplifier in its class while retaining the simplicity that NAD is famous for.”

NAD’s first wireless headphone, the new Viso HP70 ($399) is a full-size model featuring high-quality Bluetooth/aptX wireless streaming, active noise cancellation — executed via four adaptive microphones — and the company’s DSP-driven RoomFeel technology, which is said to make music sound more natural. The headphones also have 3.5mm and USB connectors, the latter of which also charges the internal batteries, and a listen-through mode, which allows the user to tune into the outside world.

The HP70, a follow-up to NAD’s popular HP50 wired model, is described as comfortable to wear thanks to soft ear pads, an expandable headband with adjustable multi-axis ear cups, and light weight — only 11.3 ounces. The headphones fold flat into a supplied travel case.

For more information visit nadelectronics.com.

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