I was looking at the circuits for both these powerful amps and to my eye (I'm absolutely no technical expert) they look pretty similar, however to me, I think the far cheaper C272 is possibly superior (more complex?) *** I now have my doubts ...see #7 below.....Also, the C200 uses several op amps in the input buffer whereas the c272 uses a class A discrete design. The power supplies are pretty much the same using a large toroidal transformer and large capacity capacitors.
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Thanks Mooly for that info. As an owner of a C272, the one thing that I don't like are the numerous amounts of plug-in wiring connections between the boards. After a short while of owning it, the amp just stopped working (no output). After taking it back to the NAD service lab at Watford they said they could find nothing wrong with it and suggested it must have been the connectors just not making contact. I will be re-instating it back into service soon just to compare how transparent it is compared to my existing L20 DIY amp I made. It would still be nice to know how the 2x main power amp circuits compare technically to an experts eye and what one they would favour. I realise this would "only" be theoretical. A better way is to compare by listening.
I suspect they are pretty similar sonically. A complex design such as these can realise excellent technical performance, but as we know that doesn't always translate into 'sounds better'.
I have just noticed there are more bigger differences in the 2x circuits than I thought. What I find strange in the C272 is that the after splitting the signal in the symetrical front end, it all comes together again into a single resistor that feeds a very basic ouput stage.... seems weired to me .... never seen that done before 🙁
Yes, the C272. I have no experience with the other one.
Even the integrated NAD amplifiers are way too complex. Same with Cambridge Audio.