badlyread
pfm Member
I love shoebox amps. The form factor and the quality of sound can be exceptional. So how did I get to the CA352? I saw an Ion Obelisk 3 for very little money on the Bay and as I had heard good things about them and it was bought for little money. I was impressed and started reading about the Nytech/Ion/Heed story and found out that Nytech were reborn via another forum member. I was curious about the shoebox CA352 and after a few phone calls with Phil Ballam (at Nytech) I ordered one. I should say at this point that most of my hifi purchases have been second hand and this purchase was a lot of money for me put I was assured that if I didn’t like it, it could go back. Phil provided emails with build progress with photos along the way. A lovely gentleman.
Some information about the system:
Primary source – Bluesound Node (V3) feeding Chord Qutest DAC via Mac Mini (server).
Other sources – Meridian 206 DS (internal DAC used), Rega Planar RP6 via iFi Zen Phono, Nagaoka MP-150 cartridge.
Speakers – Spendor Classic 4/5.
Cables – nothing special.
The 352 is very well built and very simple in its operation. A rocker switch at the back when in the ON position lights a red LED at the front (standby). A long hold of the power button causes the 4 LEDs to light up – green for the input being used and red for those not in use. A short press of the same power button moves to the next input and so on. Very simple. There is also a simple remote but I don’t use that (years of Nait2 ownership). Just 4 line level inputs, no phono or DAC. Keeping it simple again concentrating on the primary reason for this amp – to amplify.
After all this build up what do I want to say? Just that I love this amp. It just does what it is meant to do – amplify. And it does it very well. It is not shouty, in fact you might not be impressed at all on initial listening. You might worry about what you spent all that money on but rest assured it will get to you. You begin to realise that it just sounds right. There is space in the arrangements, attack and decay, all the usual clichés, instruments are easy to follow, tight bass etc.. You stop listening for all these things as the music just flows over you. It's all about the music. Extended listening sessions were not fatiguing at all just really enjoyable (that’s my take, yours may be different).
I have no idea of the amp’s topology or its specifications. I did ask Phil in passing what the specs were but it was just passed over and, to be honest, what does it matter? It will not make the amp sound any better. There is more than enough power there to drive the Spendors very easily.
As I mentioned this amp is not cheap but do I think it is worth it? Well, I’m playing more music and smiling a lot more when listening. I am even contemplating selling my CB Nait2. I think you have your answer.
If you want a simple, no nonsense amp that sounds very good and doesn’t distract from the music then please give this amp a listen. You might like it.
Thanks for the music Phil.
https://nytechaudio.com/
@Nytecholdie
