NAD 3020 Integrated Amplifiers

NAD 3020 Integrated Amplifiers 

DESCRIPTION

20 Watt Integrated Amplifier (1978-1983)

USER REVIEWS

Showing 51-60 of 66  
[Aug 25, 1999]
Ray
an Audiophile

I hope this works since a bunch of people have been asking for the linkto the 3020 modifications:

http://www.angelfire.com/ca/rchau/audio.html#2

regards,
Ray

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
[Jan 09, 2002]
Julien
Casual Listener

Strength:

Great sound qualaty, handels everything I can throw at it (Rap, Hip Hop, Rock, Pop, etc...

Weakness:

None

Me and my dad have had the Nad 3020A for over 20 years now and we have never had any problems with it. The sound is superbe, it never cuts out, its more then powerfull enough for the Mirage 450 loud speakers we have. I don`t have to much experience with Amps but from what I have seen the Nad 3020A deserves all the good ratings that it ha been given. I use it with our computer to play Mp3s or CD's and with a nomber of other things to be able to play tapes, AM and FM radio stations. It`s simple and worth the money. by the way the reson it costed around 400$ is that its Canadian money.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 08, 2002]
stefano filabelli
Audiophile

Strength:

simply musical. Nothing more, nothing less

Weakness:

Mechanically weack.

The sound is extremely natural soft but all details are there.
Sound pressure is relatively high (20 watts can not made miracles) but even at highest level the sound remains clear and defined.

Today I use it with AR 3A speakers (low efficiency but believe me the sound pressure is enough for 30 square meter room) previously used with ESB and RCF speackers (italian brands).

I purchased it in 1978 (is a "fist serie" type) and went for maintenance first time one month ago (oxidation of some contacts)after 23 years from purchase and average 4 hors per day working time.

One of best purchase I made on Hi Fi.

Similar Products Used:

Marantz 6060, Marantz 70 series

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 21, 2001]
Stu LAdd
Casual Listener

Strength:

not sure

Weakness:

switches tho they only pop off if you let them flick out

I got my3020 from my dad who had jsut left it in a cupboard. I used to have trouble with one of the channels just cutting out but that seems to fix itself most of the time. I did have it runnning a pair of AR speakers but when the ageing seal on the woofers collapsed i had to ditch them and go for som cheap stuff from tandy. Still sounds amazing even though its a really early model as are the tweeters. Does anyone know what soft clipping actually does?

Similar Products Used:

noen

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jan 30, 2001]
Sam Goulding
Audiophile

Strength:

value, can be used as a pre-amp

Weakness:

selection buttons (after about 10 years)

In 1983 I bought the NAD along with a Rega Planer 2 and Heybrook HB1 speakers. Budget stuff but amazing sound for the time. It was some 10 years before I took the next step on the ladder when the selection buttons became too annoying. The quality of the switches meant that the contacts wore out. Before that happened I'd started to use the pre-amp to drive a QUAD 303 power amp with good effect.

This is a budget amp, but a very good (certainly the best at the time). I have no hesitation in giving it 5 stars for sound in its price range and giving only 5 starts for value is an injustice.

I still use it in my second system with a circa '84 Philips CD player and Mission 752s which still provides reasonably good sound. I have to use the tape input though as the remaining line inputs are dead.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 26, 1998]
Ray
an Audiophile

This classic amplifier has been updated to clean up the high gain sectionof the Preamp that is responsible for the volume and tone controls.
AC coupling electrolytic caps are no longer needed and are removed due
to the elmination of tone and balance controls.

See NAD 3020 modified
for details.

The effects of the modification are very palpable on good recordings of
small Jazz Quartets. The left to right imaging coupled with the increase
in depth give a heighten sense of depth. The better components give
better clarity at low volumes and encourage you to turn up the volume
as the onset of distortion is delayed until higher levels. All in all
a very good and simple set of mods giving a good product with a
reputation of a "frosted and rose coloured sound" a more up to date
and less euphoric but more accurate sound of what is on the CD.
On good CDs the results are amazing.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
[Jan 16, 1999]
Mr X
an Audio Enthusiast

I bouhgt the NAD 3020 for $50
For that price it is an outstanding little amplifier, rated 2x20(28)W RMS/8ohm
You can use it as a preamp to.
It´s a very old model, but if you can find it, buy it !

Spend the rest of your money on a cd-player, speakers, and cables.





OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
[Mar 11, 1999]
Barrie
a Casual Listener

I had my NAD 3020 for 8 years now and it definitely is one of the best buys, audio and otherwise, that I have made. First of all I haven't had any trouble with it, I mean, it can really be relied upon. Secondly, although it is old, the simplicity of the design means that you do not need all of those lights and gizmos you get on other makes. It is really very user friendly - just turn the volume knob to get true crisp and clear sound. I will definitely recommend buying one even if second hand. Sadly I have to upgrade now, surround sound from a NAD AV 711!

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
[Jun 28, 1999]
Edward Davies
an Audio Enthusiast

I have had my NAD 3020 amplifier for 20 years since it first came out and I think it still sounds good 20 years on , 1999. At the same time I bought the tuner and cassette deck to go with it and a pair of phillips 482 speakers which sound o.k. The system is still going strong! " touch wood "
Quite recently I just bought a NAD C340 intergrated amlifier which sounds great with the NAD 524 cd player and acoustic energy aegis one's on it which cost a bit to buy.

If you you are into hi-fi systems go towards NAD.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
[May 22, 1999]
Tom
an Audio Enthusiast

I don't really know if I qualify as an "Audio Enthusiast", but I do own an NAD 3020 Int. Amp. AS a matter of fact, I'm an original owner. I seem to remember paying about $186.00 over 20 years ago. ANyway (all of that aside) I just wanted to state that I really love this little amp. The Bass is deep, the Mid-range is on the money and very natural. And, the Highs are present, but could use a little more help (very little). What more can one ask for, it creates a great listening experience.
Unfortunately, I decided to upgrade the 3020 (just recently) to a newer NAD model.

Reason: My 3020 had been experiencing occasional right channel "cut-out". Probably due to dirty selector switches (or some other minor problem). But, I decided (after 20 years) to treat myself to some new equipment anyway.

Results: After 2 months of listening (and comparing) the NAD 314 to the 3020, I came to the conclusion that the 3020 produces a more present (and detailed) bottom end. So....I decided to send the 314 back to the store to exchange it for the NAD c340 (which I hear has a better bass response).

As to the NAD 3020. I wouldn't part with it for the world. I may even try to get the selctor switches tweaked a bit. But, in any case, I will keep it. And continue to use it as a second system. Probably in my bed-room. Thanks for listening.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
Showing 51-60 of 66  

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