New Nad 3020

[Dauntless]

My friend who is very experienced in Hi-Fi and who designs and builds his own speakers is very pleased with this Nad amp. Here is what he has to say about it. Incidentally he also owns the new Hypex N core power amp!

Hello Mike,

If I was told that I could only retain one amplifier from my collection of 15 or so, you may be surprised that I would choose the NAD D 3020 Integrated amp. Sevenoaks are currently selling it in their SALE for £299 which is £100 off list. It is as good if not better than any other pre/power combination that I can put together. Having a state of the art DAC built in is a bonus, as is the range of inputs and remote control.

I wonder if that will stir some comment?

[Macca]

I didn't realise there was a new version.

[Dauntless]

The new one is based on Hypex units I believe. The old one was a Chris Frankland recommend. Yes, that old.

[Macca]

I remember it well - a pal of mine got one with his grant cheque about 1988

I know someone else using one that was originally bought in about 1987 - still in working order and sounding good.

[struth]

Aye I saw it on Amazon. Looks like a video camera.

[Michael loves music]

I had my old Nad 3020e for 30 years replaced it with a Denon 350 SE very pleased indeed

[Dauntless]

My friend who is very experienced in Hi-Fi and who designs and builds his own speakers is very pleased with this Nad amp. Here is what he has to say about it. Incidentally he also owns the new Hypex N core power amp!

Hello Mike,

If I was told that I could only retain one amplifier from my collection of 15 or so, you may be surprised that I would choose the NAD D 3020 Integrated amp. Sevenoaks are currently selling it in their SALE for £299 which is £100 off list. It is as good if not better than any other pre/power combination that I can put together. Having a state of the art DAC built in is a bonus, as is the range of inputs and remote control.

I wonder if that will stir some comment?

He has 15 amps, all much dearer than the Nad. He has some very expensive amps from Tact and Vincent to name but two and yet he still prefers the Nad @ £299. I know its his opinion but what does it say about the value of high end gear?

[danilo]

Years ago I was told that NAD's are better sounding than 80% of the gear 'out there'.
Surprising statement on first hearing it, however Nothing in the past 20 years has altered that claim.

[walpurgis]

I have the same view of the original NAD 3020 as I do of the A&R Cambridge A60 and Audiolab 8000a. I have owned examples of each and found them rather similar in character. In other words, not exactly the most revealing or dynamic amps about. Dull in fact.

When these came into my hands, I was using my old Leak Stereo 20 (which I paid £25 for), with either a passive pre-amp or a Quantum item and it blew them away! Not unexpectedly.