NAD 20 Series 3020 models
- Thread starter reubensm
- Start date
A very simple review from this website about NAD 3020,
I am damn impressed with the conclusion in that article. Here is just a part of that conclusion.
< quote ...>
So our first question was: did the 3020 deserve all the fame it had?
Well, I'd say yes, it was (and still is) a quite incredible amplifier.
When compared to its competitors of the time (I have some of these at home) it simply destroyed 'em hands off. Period.
When compared with modern competitors its drawbacks appear evidently: even the cheaper (I mean the cheaper of the Rotel family) Rotel 920 AX sounds faster, more detailed and more musical overall.
But the 3020 has a feeling that modern amplifiers lack: it sounds natural, probably not neutral, but amazingly sweet.
Less HiFi, more Music.
< quote ends ..>
Source: NAD 3020 - Listening test
Bjrn Erik Edvardsen (BEE) had designed it for the lower and middle class to enjoy hi-fi music (not sound ...
). It is some thing like a poor owning a Mercedez Benz. And for this reason, I have lots of respect for NAD.
Thanks reubensm for creating this thread. At least people like me who can't afford to buy an hi-fi system feel happy to know that a legend called NAD 3020 existed for the mass and it was more musical rather than having an hi-fi sound.
I am damn impressed with the conclusion in that article. Here is just a part of that conclusion.
< quote ...>
So our first question was: did the 3020 deserve all the fame it had?
Well, I'd say yes, it was (and still is) a quite incredible amplifier.
When compared to its competitors of the time (I have some of these at home) it simply destroyed 'em hands off. Period.
When compared with modern competitors its drawbacks appear evidently: even the cheaper (I mean the cheaper of the Rotel family) Rotel 920 AX sounds faster, more detailed and more musical overall.
But the 3020 has a feeling that modern amplifiers lack: it sounds natural, probably not neutral, but amazingly sweet.
Less HiFi, more Music.
< quote ends ..>
Source: NAD 3020 - Listening test
Bjrn Erik Edvardsen (BEE) had designed it for the lower and middle class to enjoy hi-fi music (not sound ...
). It is some thing like a poor owning a Mercedez Benz. And for this reason, I have lots of respect for NAD.Thanks reubensm for creating this thread. At least people like me who can't afford to buy an hi-fi system feel happy to know that a legend called NAD 3020 existed for the mass and it was more musical rather than having an hi-fi sound.
reubensm
Well-Known Member
I was not a believer until I head it play. I've heard various avataars of the 3020 like the 3020A, the 3020B, the 3020e, the 1020A and so on but actually never heard the original 3020 itself. Not saying that the original 3020 is better than the other versions but overall, its a killer and a ripper. One of the true legends of hi-fi amplication and audiophile listening, definitely one of the top-10 amplifiers of all time and most certainly one of the pieces of audio equipment that changed the course of hi-fi history and defined hi-fi listening.
My list of true legends - NAD 3020, Technics SL1200, NAD 402, Marantz CD63 SE, Nakamichi 1000
My list of true legends - NAD 3020, Technics SL1200, NAD 402, Marantz CD63 SE, Nakamichi 1000
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reubensm
Well-Known Member
Some honest reviews on the NAD 3020, the intention of this thread is to re-kindle the interest in this amazing amplifier and get more and more enthusiasts to try it. I am sure this amp is the solution to a lot of our hi-fi needs, especially for first-time enthusiasts and those on a budget. Once you listen to the 3020, it would be hard to upgrade (or very expensive to upgrade and beat it).
Here goes:
NAD 3020 Integrated Amplifiers reviews - Audioreview.com
Here goes:
NAD 3020 Integrated Amplifiers reviews - Audioreview.com
I had started my digital adventures with a NAD 3020 and a Marantz 52 which was later replaced by a 63 SE and then a 72. The 3020 got replaced with a NAD PRE POWER. This was iirc late 80s and early 90s. Thanks Reubensm for bringing back those memories
That was the time when Toroidal transformers were unknown, fiber-epoxy PCBs were non-existent, Axial capacitors were default scene with large sizes and lastly the metal can transistors. I still feel nostalgic about these. 
from where you are going to purchase.....I'm also in planning for NAD power amp....pls inform
shafic
Well-Known Member
My friend from Hyderabad has sent this wonderful amp to me for listening. I was very curious about its sound.
reubensm
Well-Known Member
There are a lot of guys out there who have the 3020 either in use or stored away. If you are visiting Trivandrum sometime, I can get my brother's 3020A home, for you to listen. Perhaps, luck permitting, I will have my very own one as well
reubensm
Well-Known Member
Scored!!! Exacly the same 3020 model which I was looking for from a fellow enthusiast, never been repaired, infact never been opened, above average cosmetic condition. A bit busy with work these days so will do a detailed listening test against the 3020A, C320, 106-216thx combo and give you my findings (with photos), this weekend or next week.
Congrats do keep us posted on the outcome...
rohitmusic
Well-Known Member
reubensm
Well-Known Member
did anyone know that there were matching NAD branded speakers for the 3020, the 8020
slbender
New Member
Hey congrats on that amp. Looking forward to your reports. I've actually got two NAD-7020's that don't work, and I have let them sit for far too long. I too was curious about the 3020/7020 sets so I got these some six or seven or more years ago. Since neither 7020 works, an hour or two of checking, revealed that one set had blown OP and driver transistors, while the other one has some serious hum, which probably means I need to replace those four main power supply caps.
Since 3020 and 7020 units are now about 30+ years old, being among the oldest NADs, those power supply caps should be replaced in a 3020 or 7020, to insure proper operation and that it likely comes close to or meets the original specs. The NAD 7020 is quite crowded in there, still I'm going to order some new PS caps, I bought those older Driver and OP transistors some years back, so they should still be around here somewhere, if I can find them!
-Steven
EQUIPMENT:
Turntables: AR-XA, AR-XA w/carbon fiber arm, B&O-4004, Thorens TD-165, TD-145c, Technics SP-15, Sony LX-2, Stanton Belt Drive TT.
Cartridges: B&O SP-12A, MMC-20EN, MMC-20CL, Shure M-95ED, V-15 Type II, V-15 Type III, Audio Technica AT-13xe, A-T DR-300e, A-T Signet 5e, Micro-Acoustics-3002, MA-282e, MA-2002e, MA-QDC-1e, Grado FTE.
CD Players: Magnavox CDB-650, CDB-582, Sony NS-775v, Sony NS-90v, Sony NS-500v, Sony NS-90v Modified, Sony NS-975v Modified, OPPO DV-981HD, Cambridge Audio D-500e.
Preamps: Dynaco PAS-3X Modified, Dynaco PAT-5, Dynaco PAT-5 BIFET, Harmon-Kardon Citation Eleven, Acoustic Research SRC Modified.
Tuners: Dynaco FM-5, Harmon-Kardon Citation IIIx, Harmon-Kardon Citation 14, SUMO Tuner, Yamaha T-80.
Power Amps: My Own Design SET Amp w/5687's, My Own Design SET Amp using 12AX7's and 10BQ5's, Van Alstine Modified Dynaco Stereo 120, Bender Modified Stereo-120.ULT Amp's, B&K-140, Hafler DH-200, Hafler DH-220, Harmon-Kardon Citation 12 Modified, Citation 12 Deluxe Modified.
Integrated Amplifiers: Scott 222c, Heathkit AA-15, Heathkit AA-100.
Modern Receivers: Onkyo-HT-R550, Insignia NS-5100, Sherwood RX-4109.
Vintage Receivers: The AR Receiver, Marantz 2270, Marantz MR-235, NAD 7020, Heath AR-15, Fisher 500c, Harman-Kardon 930.
Speaker Pairs: My Own 4 way design, JBL 4311's, Dynaco A-35's, Dynaco A-25's, KLH-6's, Large Advent Utility's, Leak Original Sandwich Speakers (UK), AR-4x's.
Reel to Reels: Akai PRO-1000, GX-400D, GX-400D-ss, GX-650D, GX-635D, GX-625, GX-255, GX-266D MKII, GX-267D, GX-280D-ss, GX-600DB, M-7, 1700L, 1710W, Kenwood KW-8077, Pioneer RT-707, Pioneer RT-909, Sansui SD-7000, Tandberg 9200Xd, Tandberg 9100X, Tandberg 9000X, Sony TC-366, TC-558, TC-765.
kuruvilajacob
Well-Known Member
I also have a NAD 7020 which only worked for a very brief period and then stopped. I showed it to several mechanics and when they open it up, they say they cannot bother to repair it seeing all the wires crowded inside. I believe the amplifier circuit is the same as 3020.
reubensm
Well-Known Member
Wow, that's quite a collection of gear you've got. I am floored by your r2r collection.
Will spend sometime on Sunday and pen my findings.
Will spend sometime on Sunday and pen my findings.
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reubensm
Well-Known Member
The 7020 is essentially the receiver version of the 3020 (a hybrid of the 3020 amp and 4020A tuner). It is quite complicated inside because a lot has been crammed into a small inside (this includes the manual dial mechanism). However I personally believe that it should be easy to fix, with some patience and a lot of spare time at hand. Incidentally I've been looking all over for the 4020 tuner to pair with my 3020 but can't seem to find one anywhere in India. So, at some point in time, if you're not able to get if fixed and do not want to keep it, or want to get rid of it anyways, I'd be happy to buy it from you.
Here is a picture of the inside:
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kuruvilajacob
Well-Known Member
The 7020 is essentially the receiver version of the 3020 (a hybrid of the 3020 amp and 4020A tuner). It is quite complicated inside because a lot has been crammed into a small inside (this includes the manual dial mechanism). However I personally believe that it should be easy to fix, with some patience and a lot of spare time at hand. Incidentally I've been looking all over for the 4020 tuner to pair with my 3020 but can't seem to find one anywhere in India. So, at some point in time, if you're not able to get if fixed and do not want to keep it, or want to get rid of it anyways, I'd be happy to buy it from you.
Here is a picture of the inside:
Rueben,
I will keep it in mind. I have now given it to a chap for servicing. What I liked about 7020 is the quality of it's build . Especially the smooth tuning dial and not to mention the quality. I also had a matching cassette deck which I sold but regret now as the tone was superior to many decks I had. I also had the matching NAD Turntable at one time but decided against keeping all these. I believe others without TT should benefit from enjoying music from these wonderful wonders. They sound far superior to the junk that's coming out these days.
For excellent sound that won't break the bank, the 5 Star Award Winning Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Bookshelf Speakers is the one to consider!
