Can you feel the difference? COMPARISON - NAD C338 integrated Amplifier VS Cambridge Audio CXA61
thank you for watching!
I think the sound of this comparison video is almost identical.I recognize that there is just a little bit of difference. Can you recognize the difference between the two units?
timecodes
0:00 - intro
0:08 - in order
0:18 - NAD C 338 - Remember me by Marloe
3:50 - Cambridge Audio CXA61- Remember me by Marloe
7:22 - Mixed - Remember me by Marloe
10:54 - Outro
Products I used (affiliate link)
KEF LS50 Meta - amzn.to/3w7Txat
NAD C 338 - amzn.to/3cQ85Uw
Cambridge Audio CXA61 Amplifier - amzn.to/3rFgdM4
Fluid Audio DS8 Studio Monitor Stand - amzn.to/2Q4CyW8
Sound Recording - Zoom H8 Handy Recorder - amzn.to/3rMChoL
Video Recording - Canon XA40 - amzn.to/38lC6cr
Mic - MXL V250 Condenser Microphone - amzn.to/3cudyPz
Schiit Modiius DAC - amzn.to/3bQxixX
Gorila Tripod - amzn.to/3r9GOB9
Gopro Hero 9 Black - amzn.to/3vyEc2r
Пікірлер: 129
The NAD wins in my opinion..it seems fuller and more detailed with a little more punch!
Perfect timing. I've been trying to decide which one would be a matter match for me. This made my decision easier. Buy both. BTW. This is an excellent production. Enjoy those 50's.
Cambridge sounds more open, clean and detailled. NAD sounds Richer, a tad more bass but looses a bit in detail. Instruments sounds more natural on the Cambridge.
I was cross comparing NAD C388 and CXA81, I ended up liking NAD C388 more and bought it, I have zero regrets.
@mondipedragosa2300
2 жыл бұрын
may I know the speakers you're using during comparison?
@AleksandarIlijevski
2 жыл бұрын
@Mondi Sure, I use Monitor Audio Silver 300
seems like C338 has made it, future is guaranteed for NAD if they keep this path as done with C388. thanks for great video.
Her vocals are clearer, more detailed and realistic, even a bit more forward with the NAD. I may be a bit biased toward the NAD, as I currently have the 317, C350, and C355bee in my set ups.
the Nad has more bass extension and sounds a bit more full to me.Great video,I own the Nad 338
@Gadgetdad007
3 жыл бұрын
You should get the NAD C388 as the power is awesome.
NAD for me I think. Objectively speaking, the CXA61 is definitely more neutral and a little tighter, whereas the C338 is more bass focused and relaxed, so if you have neutral or bass heavy speakers the Cambridge would be the better choice. It's also a little more expensive, and isn't an integrated amp/streamer (unlike the C338), so I would certainly hope it performed better. That said, as someone who is looking to build a value focused steaming/vinyl system, I'm leaning towards the C338. I'd be pairing it with $400-500 bookshelf speakers, which generally have bright tweeters, so the deeper nature of the C338 should theoretically tone down any excessive brightness nicely; and if i find a nice neutral speaker, the C338 still sounds very nice. I also appreciate the C338's extra features (DAC, Phono, BT and WiFi streaming), which makes it killer value compared to the CXA61 (which would require adding the CXN streamer and a phone amp to get similar features), especially as I can get the C338 on sale for up to 50% less than the CXA61.
Great video, takes effort. Nad was more dynamic... and at half price easy winner, impressive for a Dig amp.
NAD for me sounds cleaner more dynamic, Cambridge is really good too.
Very close sound but I liked the NAD more which should be impossible since it's a class D amp. :-)
@eprojectEllie
3 жыл бұрын
Cool, thanks!
I own the cxa61 _ but on this test, all things remaining equal the NAD sounds much better. Assuming the volume levels are set the same. The NAD sounds punchier and upfront with a much more powerful bass resonance and overall sound - on this demo, to me, the Cambridge sounds too compressed with much less personality.. very interesting.
Even though they're not equally matched volume wise, I'm actually surprised how different they sound. Don't know which has the correct sound though. Did your audio recorder move between the two recordings? Anyway, interesting comparison, next time maybe a better volume match if you can.
@eprojectEllie
3 жыл бұрын
thanks for your concern, Audio recorder was sitting at same spot all the time. I will match sound level next time. thanks for good tip~
Yeah to me the NAD projects uppers a bit more and bass seems to be extended. I suppose in this scenario the Cambridge is more balanced but I would need to really listen to familiar tracks to really tell. Cambridge sound seems more laidback and silky sounding where as the NAD gives you that live concert experience. Would you say that the NAD ever gets to be sibilant or too bright with the projected highs?
I like the NAD. BUT is this comparison reasonable at all?! The price point is the first difference. As I remember the NAD has a Chromecast built in. For my opinion an unequal comparison. May I ask for a NAD C316 v2 compared to a Cambridge AXA35?! Especially with the KEF LS50 a nice setup.
@gpearce11
2 жыл бұрын
I completely agree, however apparently some reviewers seem to consider them similarly priced. For example, What HiFi gave the NAD C338 only 3 stars, specifically because they compared its sound directly to the CXA60 (basically identical to CXA61) which got 5 stars. Used purely as amps, and completely ignoring price, I can see how they came to that conclusion; while I liked the C338's sound, the CXA61 was an objectively tighter and mire neutral sound. There's just two problems for me. Firstly, in Australia the CXA61 retails for $1900, while the C338 is $1200 and can be found as low as $900-half the CXA61 (it's closer in America, but its still $750 vs $1K). Secondly, the C338 is basically a CXA61 Amp and CXN Streamer ($2K) roled into one, so it seems a little unfair to compare a product that is essentially a quarter of the overall price.
The NAD kicks! In comparison the Cambridge lacks quite a bit of thump.
Cambridge for me. At first, I thought I preferred the NAD but the third segment where the song was switching between the two integrated, the Cambridge seemed to have better imaging in the center and on the third listen of the song, the NAD started to be fatiguing to me.
@tranceboyjohny1
3 жыл бұрын
Agree. Cambridge far better with imaging
The NAD sounds more forceful, but I prefer the softer sound of the CXA61.
@elmerbais
Жыл бұрын
Yup me too. Less fatiguing if u will listen to kef all day. Which i dont think i could. I only use my R7, R3 for movies. For music i like it less fatiguing where i can listen all day long. My Q acoustic is my choice for all day listening.
Does the power button light always blink on the NAD? That would drive me nuts!
@markus_lg
2 жыл бұрын
It only blinks when the amp has no wifi connection. So usually not an issue after setting it up.
The Nad seems to have more stereo image and mid high emphasized.The Cambridge sounds more focused and neutral compared.
@jorgbornefeld1689
2 жыл бұрын
The NAD seems tohave a wider stereo image????????? The NAD plays the right channel 5 times as loud as the left channel. Don't you hear that???
They both sound great but her voice was especially awesome on the 338.
NAD has more base than CXA61, and seems more loud too which makes me think that volume levels aren’t the same. Hard to judge if that’s the case
Which one do personally prefer for the metas?
@eprojectEllie
3 жыл бұрын
for me? I probably go with Cambridge...
It's recognizable difference but I guess it's a matter of personal preference regarding which one sounds better. I personally prefer the Cambridge Audio.
Nad 338 👍
I noticed you had the Bass EQ on with the NAD. On my C328, that seems to extend the bass and accentuate the treble, but to my ears it sucks out the mids. The Cambridge amp was picking up those mids. I think the NAD and Cambridge amp sections would be even more similar with Bass EQ off. Just shows that class D amplification done properly is capable of producing as good a sound as AB, and it's more efficient as well.
@Roof_Pizza
3 жыл бұрын
If you play the song on a full range system you'll find the song very much truncated on both. Don't think it's fair to demo them on KZread.
@Carl-bd1rf
Жыл бұрын
If he has bass eq on with the nad then this is a bogus test.
@jbremc22
Жыл бұрын
I have nad c328 with jamo c95ii and strangely, i hear deeper bass with bass eq off. Don't understand why...
@stephenbailey9969
Жыл бұрын
@@jbremc22 I remember when I tried the Bass EQ on mine, it got boom-y and less articulate. Some people like that.
@jbremc22
Жыл бұрын
@@stephenbailey9969 exactly, its boomy but loses lower frequencies.
NAD for sure!
Hi👋 I find the NAD to sound fuller, with better bass, and a tad more detailed. The Cambridge sounds a bit flat and thin to me. 😊
the nad is fuller souding images a hair better .why ive stuck with them all these years. I also recommened harman kardon 3380 used an the 3390 model # if im not mistaken? the H .K 3380 has a phono section for those that want vinyl as well... nad c316bbee was well reviewed by steve Guttenberg for those that want an honest testimony of such a legendary amp.Stick with em new or used!! An no there not thin in the mids!!..
Can anyone explain me how one can seriously judge the sound of an amp/speaker combo when this sound has been recorded with a mic (obviously not in stereo) uploaded to YT and played through whatever individual set-up of the users at home? You will basically hear how your own setup (and the transmission path) sounds like IMHO
I have the C-388 it is a future proof amp where you can add a module BluOS which makes it a streamer +Roon ready as well , Bluetooth and Dac as well, and has more modules to up grade it's running cool efficient to 90% plenty power to run my Dynaudio speakers (6ohm)which need the power to shine. The switch to power D is a decision I never regret. Fully recommend booth models
Marginal diference...NAD has a little beefier sound... great production !
@eprojectEllie
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot!
I would like to see a comparison of Advance acustic playstream A5 with Cambridge and Nad, it seems compatible in terms of features and price!! Good reviews !! these are the comparisons that people like!! 👍🏼
@eprojectEllie
3 жыл бұрын
thank you... where can I buy Advance acustic playstream A5?
@turbinaman8481
3 жыл бұрын
in America I don't know, I'm in Europe and here it is "easy" because it is a French product
Nad seems to have more power and more bass, it's like the CXA61 has less power. I've heard the CXA62 and AXR100 on a pair of Wharfedale Diamonds 220(I think) and a Yamaha R-N603 or something and most sounded the same, with a little more power from the CXA61, anyway neutral sounding to me.
The fluid turbulence of the NAD is in Stark contrast to the affluent reticence of the Cambridge. One is quite sweet much like a young Moscato and one is quite dry typical of an aged Zinfandel. Furthermore I just have to ask regards to the initial song and her lyrics stating " don't forget to remember", how am I supposed to not forget to remember when I already forgot.
I like the more subtle sound of the Cambridge in the higher area's..but low tones are non-existent. NAD seems much more forward in the higher levels but better lower tones. These 2 amps should get together and have a baby..an amp that shares a little DNA of both
@elmerbais
Жыл бұрын
Yup thats what I’ve heard too. I like the extension on Cambridge with this kef lsmeta
@Audiorevue
10 ай бұрын
My question is which would be the daddy? I suppose the NAD because it's a bit ballsier and the aerials at the back of the unit seem rather phallic. The Cambridge in contrast definitely is more feminine in its aesthetic, with its lighter color palette and more receptive rear panel.
I like the Cambridge better. A little more extended. For bass its NAd and more forward.
I think the NAD sounds a bit thin in the midrange and maybe a bit tilt up in the upper frequencies. It is very good. I did audition it at how but I wound up choosing the Cambridge AXR100 because it sounds the same as the integrated units but I get tone controls, tuner and 100 watts a channel. I am very satisfied.
@ralphparker122
Жыл бұрын
And a annoying fan 🤨
NAD
The NAD has the boosted mid bass. The CXA is more neutral, spacious, but recessed sounding.
Seriously, he said the volume wasnt even matched. They sound great thru my laptop speaks!
Listen on my AirPod3 the Nad sounds closer to how it sounds on I tunes .
NAD is more spacious, airy and a little punchier from what I can gather. My vote goes to the NAD.
@ZeitdiebX
5 ай бұрын
Pardon me… what ? 😱
Cabridge! Zróbcie test tych na topie wzmacniaczy też na rormalnych kolumnach. :)
@eprojectEllie
3 жыл бұрын
thanks for your concern... could you narrow down from my speakers? then, I will do it for you~
So typical... NAD is crispy and clean. Cambridge is more lay back and like with 3D effects. Gotta try in the real world, then you know what am taking... Thank you for sharing.
The Cambridge sounds better, more balanced, but this may be the effect of Bass EQ of the NAD. Switch the Bass EQ off and we have a whole new ball game.
@antjanlosen
Жыл бұрын
Yes! Bass EQ on the C338 sound horrible on my setup. Just boomy and muddy.
The NAD certainly sounds fuller but the Cambridge produces an "airiness" that I don't hear in the NAD. In addition, the NAD sounds 2 dimensional while the Cambridge sounds 3 dimensional. The Cambridge also seems to produce "movement" in the Sounstage.
The NAD has much clearer and more open midrange, while it's more recessed and veiled sounding on the Cambridge
Kef ls50 are wonderful
NAD wow!
NAD Vs Cambridge is like vintage '70 Pioneer vs Yamaha . First has a big sound and the last has more detail. 2 different types of sounds . There is not better just different . Just ad Arcam SA10 to these and will be more confuse .
@DougMen1
2 жыл бұрын
Kenwoods in the 70s were better than both!
Weak bass must be the bookshelves. KEF towers surely solve this. I like a sub set at 50 hz even with my Klipsch towers.
NAD C338
The cambridge had more depth sort of like a surround feel but I liked the fuller more no frills sound of the nad
I prefer the NAD.
CXA61 mids are better. Overall tighter and with corect timbre and just honest. I have owned more than few nads over past 20 years. Smooth, precise and musical are not words I would describe them with. An used hk3480 receiver sounds better as someone mentioned in the comments below... Same here.
Nad 338 1
Cambridge seems slightly brighter to me and vibrant while the NAD maybe slightly more natural.
NAD C338.
Of course some people will prefer the Cambridge for being slightly brighter and initialy more open sounding, but keep listening and the NAD's richer sound creates more body, depth, and textural detail through the midrange and bass. I have heard the LS50 Metas with quite a few Amps, but few have made them sound better than this NAD Integrated. Results may Verity with warmer speakers.
Mids sound a little cleaner on the NAD and bass is more punchy.
C'est une question de goût. J'ai hésité et finalement j'aime bien le NAD
Who sings??
NDC388 is more full bodied.
NAD 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼
i like cambridge,soft sound compare to NAD.
NAD punchier. (looks like limiter is working too hard on this record)
Cambridge more detail. Nad more powerful.
NAD sound more open and detail. Is the winer.
I like the Cambridge...NAD is sounding like someone has muffled the sound..everything is rounded
Cambridge rico, detallado, espacioso, medios claros y menos emborronado. 😮 winer Cambridge 😅
NAD is the winner here. Full sound. Tested on 2 ohms floorstanding hifi speakers. Works great without heat at that 2 ohms load.
The NAD seems to be defect. The voice is strongly right orientated.
NAD C338 more punchy, Cambridge more clarity in vocals. Not the best test track though.
Cambridge has clearer sound.. the bass on the NAD sounds like someone has turned it up and covered your eara with a oth
The NAD sounds like the balance ist completely on the right channel. Doesn't anybody hear that? Also the cambridge is too much right channel balanced but not that much like the NAD. No comparism possible under these circumstances. I must laugh about all the spicialists here who try to figure out differences and don't hear that :-)))
Cambridge sounded much clearer to me. Songs felt much more alive in Cambridge. NAD was fatiguing.
NAD is winer!
I have 3 dollar ear buds in. So, the sound is a bit small.
nad
NAD has a blue flashing light when on, that means no buy from me.
@eprojectEllie
3 жыл бұрын
need to wi-fi setup~
@thestr8jacket1
2 жыл бұрын
I have this Nad amp, the flashing blue light means wifi not connecting or update required, once set its stable blue light
Keft sound the best and flat
Nad by far
according to me cambridge audio cxa 61 is not suitable for kef speakers
They sound the same.
@eprojectEllie
2 жыл бұрын
*^^* thanks
All comments are so stupid...Here in this comparison, mic record the audio is trash, also sound levels of two amps are totally different. Impossible to comment on differences.
@jorgbornefeld1689
2 жыл бұрын
Yes. And the balance is completely out of center. Both are more playing through the right channel. The NAD even more than the Cambridge. Nobody hears that here, so funny! But the are discussing about which stereo imaging is better. Sorry, I can't take that serious.
Sorry NAD…. 😉
the music and speakers are not suitable for a serious audio test.
@eprojectEllie
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, give me more tips about audio test. I want to make better next time
Lyngdorf is way way better....
pretty stupid comparison, features and price tags are not the same or even near. Makes no sense!
@tommons7934
3 жыл бұрын
If you include price tag, surely the more expensive wins even when you're not playing any music because your brain is programmed to conclude that the pricier the better. That's why it's not included in this comparison because we're comparing MUSIC and not price!GET IT?
NAD
ok...for me NAD sounds better....
NAD