Hi. I've been considering selling my 3-year-old NAD 317. It's a wonderful integrated amp, using the highly acclaimed NAD 214 as its amplification stage (you can add another 214 -- sometimes can be found for sale on eBay or Audiogon) for a perfectly matched pair of monos or for bi-amping should you ever updgrade speakers. And despite what some will tell you, my opinion is that there is a HUGE difference between the sound quality of this piece (like most good two-channel equipment) and mass-market recievers, even from the better brands. E-mail an expert reviewer and pose that question (you'd be surprised how often they answer -- that's how I found out about Axioms, which I'm considering buying), or simply talk to a trusted friend who knows audio. The imaging, soundstage and warmth of this amp bely it being a solid-stater. It's rated (very conservatively) at 80wpc @ 8 ohms but can easily handle 2-ohm loads with massive peak wattages. It's a beast with beautiful sound and expensive, high-quality components throughout.
I've saved up enough to go for some maxed-out, high-dollar separates, I don't have space for two systems and I can't bear to let this thing sit in a closet, so if you're interested in a bargain, talk to me. I'm sure I'll let it go for below $400 (it's in perfect condition, as is remote, etc.). It cost $800 new. Check various reviews online to get a feel for it. My personal view is that it's been for years one of the best bargains in audio. It was just recently replaced with the NAD 370, which is quite comparable. Its sound has been nothing but perfect since Day 1, and honestly, I think it keeps sounding better -- probably because it has relatively few hours on it for a 3-year-old piece and has just really come into its own. One more thing, the 317 has that very proper British sound -- very warm and neutral in mids and highs, so it shouldn't present listener-fatigue problems some people have expressed with certain Axioms.
Best of luck whatever you decide.
Regards,
John in California.
