NAD - discussion thread

[kern]

I have own NAD 3020i, 3020 and 3120.

3120
3120 have better highs and lows than the other two. Midrange sweetness & musicality is on par with 3020 but better than 3020i.

3020
Highs and lows are not as good as 3120 but midrange better than 3020i.

3020i
Highs & midrange are not as good as 3120 & 3020 but lows are on par with 3020. Highs seem muffle.


Note: Above are my personal view which may differ from person to person.

[fildude]

Recently bought used Nad 3130, made in Taiwan. I was told that this model, including the 3020s were all made in Taiwan. Sounds is very nice, tube-like, much better than previous amps I've owned. Decided to disconnect the internal pre-amp and connected a Tono violin tube pre-amp with great improvement. It presently drives a pair of Ruark Sabre I.

[wingman]

Owned a 3020, robust build quality and made to impress. One AMP that was able to match what was thrown at it.

Comparing SQ against my previous AMPS ( Japanese makes ) that I have owned - good overall character, well balanced, warm, involving, analogue feel when warmed up over time. Highs are excellent not over powering, midrange very nice and clear, lowrange punchy and very robust and without listening fatigue.

Times have changed though and it's no longer the all-conquering purchase it once was with newer models being released.

My next upgrade was a NAD as well - a 350, that pretty much says it all..a Die Hard NAD kaki... even my CD player is a NAD

cheers

[mugenfoo]

NAD is just good for a bang-for-buck stuff.

But when much higher performance is required or coveted, almost everyone moves on from a NAD system to other stuff like for example, a Rega Elicit Amp.

[wingman]

Hi Mugen...

Yeap...bang for buck and worth every penny spent on it.

Won't deny if ones desires something better then moving up the rank to other makes is a choice. There is always going to be a "fan base" for every equipment, the LINN's, REGA's and the PIPIT's of the audio industry.

Asthectically, the current 350 that's in my stable is plain but the internals are well thought out. That's where the sonics get manipulated and delivered via the speakers to sound warm ( NAD's signature ), has good separation and pretty much detailed. The highs are not in your face, just precise to ones listening pleasure. Once it warms up to the occasion and everything sounds .... .

My NAD CD player got an internal makeover and it's performing up to expectaionon via a DAC and every penny spent on the makeover was worth it.

My believe if matched with the right audio gear it can be a giant killer but thats just my opinion.

End of the day, me being cautious on over focusing on the hardware and missing out on enjoying the software ..... that too is my personal opinion.

One can never predict the future... down the road ...a NAIM or a REGA is in the pipeline ... Hmmmmm......

cheers

[adrian4454]

I used to own a C370. Love the power and heighten bass tune.

Yes, it is considered a warm machine~

[gc]

Started HIFI fever in early 80.

1. NAD 3020I (82 - 85)

2. Audiolab 8000A (95 - 07)

3. NAD 320Bee ( 2007 - now)

4. NAD 7240P (after my audiolab 8000A retired in 08) just need the for phone my Rega P3.

Overall, happy with these NAD budget amp.

[fildude]

I completely agree with the comments/opinion aired by Wingman and Mugen. There are many other better performing amps available today that will eclipse the performance of these Nad vintage units. But, it will set you back by quite a bit of moolah. While I also own a couple of other "supposedly" high-end audio systems, the performance of the Nad I recently bought simply amazes me. I basically use it for background music when I'm reading the morning papers. It provides good sound, it's simple to use and very dependable amp! I'm very impressed with the performance of the vintage Nad 3130 compared to a number of late model amps in the market today. And, considering that this unit has been in use for something like 25+ years, it speaks very highly of the quality and build.

I haven't listened to a Nad 3020 amp but have read so many good reviews about it. I wonder how it compares with the 3130? Just curious. Thanks!

[yhsam]

NAD --> Rega

Raga --> ?

? --> ??

Don't look down on NAD, or else someone will also do the same on your Rega, even Krell.

Indeed, NAD does the right job for the music lovers. It might outperform so much expensive systems.

[wingman]

I haven't listened to a Nad 3020 amp but have read so many good reviews about it. I wonder how it compares with the 3130? Just curious. Thanks!

You will never regret owning a NAD 3020....simply .... . This is the unit that got me to stick on to a NAD to be the driver of my gear and music.

cheers

[puiyk1973]

NAD, ha I owe a NAD receiver 753, One NAD power amp c272, three C 275BEE, this r the set up for my HT, very statisfy with the performance..... Next will be buying a NAD HT pre amp....

[hi5papa]

3020
Highs and lows are not as good as 3120 but midrange better than 3020i



However to sound good,it prefers 4 ohms speaker load..crank the volume up pass 10 oclcok is where the real good sound started to kick in

[wingman]

Hi ...

Anyone has any expereince or own the newer range of NAD gear

Noticed that the used market for NAD gear is pretty much hot ...being snapped up without hesitation.

Cheers

[Porex]

In the year 1995, I decided to upgrade and change my audio system from Integrated Stereo Amp brand Technics to NAD.

I bought the Receiver AV716 and NAD 512 CD Player new in a shop in Ampang at a cost of RM2, 500.00, Yes, I admit, I attach a NAD brand with very satisfactory results when you hear the sound of a CD player, especially a sharp sound, and Receiver AV716 is able to drive any type of speaker as well as to stabilize the product suitable for the speaker. I've been using this brand NAD for over 10 years.

However, after 10 years, both of these products it does not go on display panel, as well as CD players gear that is damaged and can not read data on the CD.

I intend to dispose of this equipment only, but before that I refer to the store I bought this equipment day period, the seller in the shop said, "why I was appointed as qualified technicians NAD if I am not able to fix that? Answer I think I must decide whether to continue or not. Finally I decided to fix it.

According to the technician, Brand NAD has a circuit that is very smooth and difficult to change the parts although small bulp light is only one damaged, although can be exchanged with other bulb brand it will spread to the next bulb up to mischief in the main circuit. He said work must change the parts in exchange for saving a bundle of circuits and other chip from damage. Similarly, the gear CD player, all in exchange for saving a set of others chip in the circuit.

With regard to costs, I have no problem on it because I feel very compatible with the brand, but the cost of both of these tools of RM 750.00.

However, for audio enthusiasts, I recommend using a brand NAD as a simple and affordable cost for the audio enthusiast.

Any fan of NAD can refer to the technician at Victory Audio Ampang near the old police station.

[adrian4454]

Hi Porex, I like you writing, although I havent got a clue what the technician did to your amp. RM750 is indeed an expensive repair, mean time, it sound like the tech would have got ur AV Amp repaired into a Stereo amp, with some of the AV function disconnected.

Anyway, if you like music and dont care much about movie sound; you should go for a NAD Stereo amp instead. It will give a better sound compare to AV Amp of the same price.

[Porex]

Hi Porex, I like you writing, although I havent got a clue what the technician did to your amp. RM750 is indeed an expensive repair, mean time, it sound like the tech would have got ur AV Amp repaired into a Stereo amp, with some of the AV function disconnected.

Anyway, if you like music and dont care much about movie sound; you should go for a NAD Stereo amp instead. It will give a better sound compare to AV Amp of the same price.

I express my gratitude to adrian4454 on his experience using the same brand. However, I admit the cost is expensive, but I could not, because I am very interested in this brand because sound is so stable. I admit also sounds better than the receiver amplifier brand,

I have great respect for a Chinese technician with my view, as a qualified technician NAD, a little shy when I think he wanted to ask, but he would know what I mean by explaining one by one before I asked to give an understanding of maintenance NAD brand with honest to me he he ..

Yes, I was quite satisfied because most of the technicians refused to repair the receiver because of too much work. especially the problem of the lighted display panel, as he also recommends using the original parts so that his life can survive at least 5 years, but I'm quite impressed with the brand NAD CD made ​​England his music is quite stable and sharp,

Yes, I agree, this receiver I use more to movie sound, listen to music occasionally, but not loss Amplifier NAD brand is used for long time, and is suitable for use in heavy genre and Blues songs. I do not have the brand NAD amplifier, but I still find that quite acceptable. To hear a song, I still use the brand Sansui AU 555 of 1968 which is still good condition.

[bal]

NAD, ha I owe a NAD receiver 753, One NAD power amp c272, three C 275BEE, this r the set up for my HT, very statisfy with the performance..... Next will be buying a NAD HT pre amp....

I used to have a NAD c272 drive my Magneplanar MMG, which are notoriously difficult speakers to drive. The NAD drove them well without breaking a sweat. I could easily have lived with the amp, but got 'gatal' and sold it off and bought something else.

But man, that was a good amp.

Bal

[atoz]

I am another NAD man here, they are smooth, sweet, powerful and tough. Have a old 3020 series20 still kicking like young man, C270 is great too.

[meng_durjana]

Another NAD man here. Own a C355BEE currently. Had experience with several amps before i.e Rotel, Naim, Denon.... My conclusion, it's worth every penny spent on with. So natural and sweet sounding.

[joeling]

NAD was my first amp. Paired it with a Sony 100 disc changer (Gasp ! ) & a pair stand mount Mirage speakers (fremom Canada). Still have all of them. Only the NAD in active service though - Reside in my office system paired with a Marantz CD63 KI modified (clock) & A pair of ProAc Tablette 50 (with premium crossover components).

It was the EISA Amp of the year the year I purchased it. It's a NAD 302.



Regards,

Joe Ling

[meng_durjana]

Any M series owner here? Care to share your experience?