The NAD D 7050 is the bigger brother of the popular NAD D 3020 which has more power and is still as versatile. It is a digital integrated amplifier that comes with loads of features, all packed together into this compact-sized amplifier case. To really make full use of the NAD D 7050 sonic performance, you will need matching speakers and there are so many options to choose from. In order to find the right speakers, we will first need to learn more about this digital network amplifier.
Like all amplifiers, whether big or small, they will have their own strengths and limitations, as well as their own unique sonic characteristics. By learning more about NAD D 7050 digital amp, we will then be able to get the right matching speakers to partner them up together. We will also be listing out the best speakers to match with the NAD D 7050 later on, so please continue to read.
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Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of NAD D 7050
As mentioned earlier, the NAD D 7050 is very compact and has a small footprint due to the way you can place them upright. This makes it easier to fit the D 7050 digital amplifier in any listening room even when you have limited space. We also like how the digital display makes the NAD D 7050 look futuristic and modern. The small digital amplifier has decent power output for its size, rated at 50 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms. The frequency response is between 20Hz-20kHz. The NAD D 7050 is only powerful enough to drive bookshelf speakers. We can go for floor-standing speakers with high speaker sensitivity but they can be expensive and go beyond the price range of this digital integrated amplifier. If you really want more bass output, you can still connect an active subwoofer via the Audio Out.
It comes with a built-in D/A converter (up to 24-bit/192kHz), enabling you to play high-resolution files and there are wireless connections as well such as Bluetooth (supports aptX), WiFi (or wired connection), and Apple AirPlay. There is no phono input though, it seems like the NAD D 7050 amp is focusing on digital connections. There is a premium headphone amp that will come in handy when you want to listen to your favorite tunes privately without disturbing others in your home.
More Details at Amazon – NAD D 7050 Digital Network Amplifier
The soundstage and imaging of the NAD D 7050 seem to be suitable for nearfield listening as it is not as wide and deep as we have expected. Still, there is resolution and definition in the stereo image. The overall sound reproduction is clean and smooth, it is rather polite at times but the deep bass delivery does provide the much-needed impact to hook us into the music. We find that it is quite necessary to connect an active subwoofer as it does improve the overall bass performance significantly.
It is a composed digital amplifier and it sounds easy on the ears, even when you start pushing the volume, the composure of the music presentation is still quite stable. The music delivery is enjoyable to listen to but there are times when we find it lacks energy and enthusiasm, there is a probability is due to the low power output of the amp. There is clarity in the sound reproduction where you can hear the details clearly, the intricate and subtle nuances are not as audible though. On a positive note, the NAD D 7050 does not sound overly bright and we didn’t experience any listener fatigue which is great for users who love long hours of music listening. It is also excellent for users who listen to their music in close proximity to their speakers.
All in all, it is a versatile digital amplifier that serves its function well and with good sound quality. The bass performance of the NAD D 7050 is actually tight and has the punch but to really utilize this sonic characteristic, an active subwoofer will be needed as it will be a cheaper alternative than going for more expensive high-efficiency floor-standers. The overall sound reproduction is neutral and dark sounding which still sounded quite musical and entertaining. These are the necessary information we need to start sharing with you the best speakers that you can go for and match them with your NAD D 7050 digital network amplifier.
NAD D 7050 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 50 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.004%
- Wireless: Bluetooth with aptX supported, Apple AirPlay, WiFi
- Inputs: 2 Optical inputs, 2 Coaxial inputs, 1 USB input, Ethernet
- Outputs: Headphone output, 1 Pre-out/Subwoofer output
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 70mm x 235mm x 275mm (2.8″ x 9.3″ x 10.8″)
- Weight: 2.2kg (4.9lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with NAD D 7050
The PSB Alpha P3 will be one of the best compact speakers to pair with your NAD D 7050. Firstly, both brands are made by the same company and so both products should work well together. The PSB Alpha P3 is a compact size bookshelf speaker that is a suitable match for the small footprint digital network amplifier especially if you are planning to set up a desktop sound system to connect to your PC/laptop. These speakers sound pretty big despite their size and with an active subwoofer connected to your NAD D 7050 amp, you got yourself a full-range sound system that can rock your desktop all day and night.
More Details at Amazon – PSB Alpha P3 Bookshelf Speaker
The Dali Zensor 1 is probably the best speaker to pair with the NAD D 7050. It is a modestly priced bookshelf speaker that is capable of delivering a lively and energetic musical performance, complementing the NAD D 7050 amplifier really well. The wide soundstage which these speakers can muster makes them even more matching with the D 7050. The confidence and agility of the Dali Zensor 1 speakers are impeccable as well, allowing them to provide you with an engaging music presentation. We will suggest that you have a listen and do include an active subwoofer during the audition.
More Info at Amazon – DALI Zensor 1
KEF Q150 is another amazing bookshelf speaker to match up with your NAD D 7050 amplifier, it looks amazing and can project a spacious soundstage that already complements the digital amplifier. The bass performance of the Q150 is really impressive for its size and can dig deep into the bass extension as well, producing them out with weight and scale. The insights of these magnificent speakers will provide you with plenty of details and are delivered with clarity. The stereo imaging of the KEF Q150 is superb and the composure of the NAD D 7050 helps to maintain the image tightly.
More Info at Amazon – KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers
If you are interested in driving a pair of floor-standing speakers in your listening room, we will suggest going with Klipsch R-620F as it has very high speaker sensitivity and is sanely priced. The high efficiency of these Klipsch floor-standers allows your NAD D 7050 amplifier to drive them. The lively energetic performance of the Klipsch R-620F delivers an engaging musical presentation and the overall sound reproduction is cleanly delivered. The clarity of these speakers is also very remarkable. They do tend to sound bright and can be overly bright to listeners who are used to warm-sounding audio systems.
More Details at Amazon – Klipsch R-620F Floorstanding Speaker with Tractrix Horn Technology
To just simply enjoy your favorite music, you might want to go with the Q Acoustics 3020 which is a pair of confident all-rounded bookshelf speakers. The sonic characteristics of these wonderful stand-mounters are well-match with the NAD D 7050 and as award-winning entry-level speakers, they possess exceptional sonic performance. They have the insights and dynamics to handle most music genres so as to deliver an entertaining music presentation with refinement and confidence. They don’t sound harsh or cringe which makes the Q Acoustics 3020 suitable for nearfield listening.
More Details at Amazon – Q Acoustics 3020 Bookshelf Speakers
Adding an active subwoofer into the mix will provide a better overall bass performance since the NAD D 7050 is only strong enough to drive mainly bookshelf speakers. And usually, the stand-mounters are unable to produce ample deep bass frequencies. We will recommend going with entry-level subwoofers that can reach down to 20Hz and has enough power to handle most bass demands in music. The SVS SB-1000 Pro will be that ideal subwoofer choice, it is a 12″ sealed subwoofer with 820 Watts Peak power and has a bass response of 20-270Hz (+/-3dB). Furthermore, the SVS SB-1000 Pro is modestly priced and provides tons of value to its users.
More Details at Amazon – SVS SB-1000 Pro Subwoofer
To Sum It Up
The NAD D 7050 is a versatile digital network amplifier and these speakers are some of the best to partner up with. They are definitely worth the effort and time to arrange an audition to see if you like their sound quality. It will be better if you could arrange the speakers’ auditions in your own listening room, do include the active subwoofer you are getting for an even more accurate result. You can also go for subwoofers that are the same brand as your speakers for matching aesthetics and sound signatures.
