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Set against what a new C160 cost in its day, US$690 is rich for a used preamp, and by your own comp set it sits well above the US$471 75th percentile and far over the US$252 median. On that basis, I’d call it ambitious, not a casual buy.
That said, the C160 is a genuinely respected NAD line-stage: musical, neutral enough for real listening, and the sort of preamp that can disappear into a system and let the source and power amp do the talking. If this one is clean, fully functional, and complete, the upside is a straightforward, easygoing analog front end with good build and long-term appeal—but at US$690, I’d want strong condition and ideally proof of recent servicing or careful ownership.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
NAD Electronics was founded in 1972 in London by a group of European audio importers frustrated with the hype surrounding Japanese hi-fi products. Led by visionary American executive Martin L. Borish and brilliant engineer Bjorn Erik Edvardsen, the company emerged from a quest to deliver high-performance audio at accessible prices. Their breakthrough came with the NAD 3020 integrated amplifier, the best-selling hi-fi amp in history, which embodied a philosophy of stripping away non-essentials to prioritize pure sound quality.
The brand focuses on core hi-fi categories, excelling in amplifiers—pioneering Class A/B, Class G, and hybrid digital designs—alongside integrated receivers, AV processors, turntables, CD and cassette players, and modern streamers. While not venturing into speakers, headphones, or cables, NAD emphasizes source components and amplification that integrate seamlessly into home theater and custom installation setups, always upholding principles of innovation, simplicity, performance, and value.
Today, as part of Canada's Lenbrook Group and sold in over 80 countries, NAD holds a commanding mid-tier position in the market, revered by audiophiles for affordable excellence rather than ultra-high-end excess. Its "Truth in Power" legacy earns cult status among knowledgeable buyers seeking reliable, award-winning gear that punches above its price, blending vintage heritage with contemporary streaming and hybrid tech.
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