General Asylum: REVIEW: NAD 925THX Amplifier (SS) by dalebesh

Model:	925THX
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1250
Description:	5 Channel Amp
Manufacturer URL:	NAD
Manufacturer URL:	NAD

Review by dalebesh on September 04, 2001 at 21:04:24
IP Address: 198.144.206.43

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for the 925THX

I probably should have put this in the Home Audition category.. I only had the 925 for about a month before one channel died. It took forever for the service dept. to get a schematic.
When it died I popped the cover, hoped I would find something simple. The fuses for the channel boards were buried deep, and without a special tool I was not going to be able to access them. Separate channel boards, but lots of plug in connections, and screws to just get out one board. Too much hassle and too risky.
The build quality was ok, it only had two hefty caps for the single PS.
I started to check connections, and on an interface board, a clip on a connection came right out of the board. Cold solder joint.
I fixed it, then checked others. The quality began looking more mediocre, but nothing came loose.
While I had it, it added more impact.. that's about all I can say positive.
I am using a NAD receiver (T751) as a preamp, and popped that one open to find the layout and quality noticeably superior to the amp.
The amp went back.. and never got fixed. After 2 months the dealer gave me options, I now have a B&K 3220. Great amp! even before it was broken in, the greater clarity was noticeable. The NAD was fairly warm sounding, but didn't have that silkiness when needed. I use the receiver for the surround channels.
And as far as the build quality, well, there is no comparison!
Keep in mind, most NAD equipment is desgined in Europe, and most is built there also. The 925 was designed in the UK but built in the US!!!
So much for that theory, the B&K is designed and built in the US.
I can not really recommend the NAD. I don't think it reflects the NAD most of us are familiar with. If you got a great deal (say 500 or 600) it might be worth it. It doesn't sound bad for the dough (less than grand, but it is a discontinued model). Especially if you have a satellite/sub system, like I do. The bass is the weakest point, but it would not matter except with full range mains. I hope to review the B&K after it's broken in.

Product Weakness: Sound is ok, nothing spectacular. Build quality worse than most medium priced components.
Product Strengths: Chassis is built like a battleship. No fan, sturdy connectors on
the back panel. Variable inputs for less than a grand in a 5 ch. amp. Handles low impedance loads with ease.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	B&K 3220 3 ch. amplifier
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	NAD T751 rec. as a preamp +2 sur.
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Pioneer Elite DV-C36 5 disk changer
Speakers:	M&K 750THX system
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber 4TC/Bettercablbes, kimber optical, MIT digital
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, modern, classical, oldies.
Room Size (LxWxH):	12 x 10 x 8-10
Room Comments/Treatments:	acoustic treatment back wall
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 weeks off and on
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Panamax 1000+, Monarchy DIP II
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Sound is ok, nothing spectacular. Build quality worse than most medium priced components.
Product Strengths:	Chassis is built like a battleship. No fan, sturdy connectors on the back panel. Variable inputs for less than a grand in a 5 ch. amp. Handles low impedance loads with ease.