NAD 304 amplifier

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lifewater

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Hi friends grateful if I could receive some advice / comments / review of the NAD 304 amplifier. I have committed purchase of the amp for my parents. Any advice would be great. Speakers are Sonodyne AR77.

Grateful for the advices.

lifewater.
 
I had NAD 304 many years back, it sounded pretty good, the imaging was sharp and the vocals had a good presence. But it lacked the weight and the punch I expected from it. Unfortunately, it died on me just few months after purchase (used). I think you won't go wrong with the NAD. The NAD- Sonodyne combo should sound good.
 
Santy said:
I had NAD 304 many years back, it sounded pretty good, the imaging was sharp and the vocals had a good presence. But it lacked the weight and the punch I expected from it. Unfortunately, it died on me just few months after purchase (used). I think you won't go wrong with the NAD. The NAD- Sonodyne combo should sound good.
Click to expand...

Hey Santy, thanks very much for the info. Good news is that vocals is what matters keeping in view the intended users.

Regards,

Lifewater
 
I think that when you buy used amps you should first look at all the switching and pots of the front panel. The simpler it is the better ! Switches degrade with time and so do pots. Often pots that are carefully used can be cleaned up easily with a spray. Some switches also clean up easily but some do not. Example is the input switch ( Alps...expensive !) in my power amp. But I have much cheaper and older amps that have no problem with their input switch ! So check them out. Hopefully the amp has been well kept and does not have a badly rusted chassis. I'd avoid that amp completely ! Can't say what more damage the moisture would have caused !
Many older amps have beefier power supplies than many low cost newer ones. This is good.
That link recommends new power supply caps. I think it's a good idea if they are 15 to 20 years old. Unless the pc board is damaged most parts can often be changed if they are degraded. Don't make massive changes all at once. Proceed in steps and check the result each time.
Do remember that some of the best sounding circuits were already designed in the 40's and 50's or so ! New parts can make a huge difference sometimes. Look at the article and make an informed guess as to what you would like to try first.
If the first few changes sound great it may be time to stop ! Then much later after you have enjoyed the amp for a while you can consider if you want to do anything else.
Keep a log book of what you do and what happened ! You will not remember everything you do and it's effect on the sound.

Do remember that an amp which sounds good in another system has the potential of being good in your system. But if someone says it sounds not so good in their system , would you know if something else in their chain isn't good or compatible ? No. But a poor amp will never sound good in any system ! So all opinions should be taken cautiously. Your system is different from the others , you need to check it out yourself , if possible!
Cheers.
 
Last edited:
Fantastic said:
I think that when you buy used amps you should first look at all the switching and pots of the front panel. The simpler it is the better ! Switches degrade with time and so do pots. Often pots that are carefully used can be cleaned up easily with a spray. Some switches also clean up easily but some do not. Example is the input switch ( Alps...expensive !) in my power amp. But I have much cheaper and older amps that have no problem with their input switch ! So check them out. Hopefully the amp has been well kept and does not have a badly rusted chassis. I'd avoid that amp completely ! Can't say what more damage the moisture would have caused !
Many older amps have beefier power supplies than many low cost newer ones. This is good.
That link recommends new power supply caps. I think it's a good idea if they are 15 to 20 years old. Unless the pc board is damaged most parts can often be changed if they are degraded. Don't make massive changes all at once. Proceed in steps and check the result each time.
Do remember that some of the best sounding circuits were already designed in the 40's and 50's or so ! New parts can make a huge difference sometimes. Look at the article and make an informed guess as to what you would like to try first.
If the first few changes sound great it may be time to stop ! Then much later after you have enjoyed the amp for a while you can consider if you want to do anything else.
Keep a log book of what you do and what happened ! You will not remember everything you do and it's effect on the sound.

Do remember that an amp which sounds good in other system has the potential of being good in your system. But if someone says it sounds not so good in their system , would you know if something else in their chain isn't good or compatible ? No. But a poor amp will never sound good in any system ! So all opinions should be taken cautiously. Your system is different from the others , you need to check it out yourself , if possible!
Cheers.
Click to expand...
What can I say @ fantastic. .... a fantastic post and piece of advice. Sure will keep your advice in mind. Amp reaches us next week. Will post it's pics and a short review. Till then any additional information is gratefully welcomed.
 
I've gone through 'years' of 'situations'. May as well point out a few things I've noticed along the way. Might save you some time ! I'm sure many others have similar things to say but just haven't hit the 'keyboard' !;)
Must be busy enjoying their music with their favourite hooch !:)

Newly acquired amps, particularly old ones, grow on you like children. After you have carefully worked on them and they shine you get really attached to them. I think they might sound even better if you develop a rapport !
Remember the saying. Everything in this universe is interconnected ! If you love and respect it, it should reciprocate the positive energy you send it ! Maybe.....:)
Cheers.
 
Fantastic said:
I've gone through 'years' of 'situations'. May as well point out a few things I've noticed along the way. Might save you some time ! I'm sure many others have similar things to say but just haven't hit the 'keyboard' !;)
Must be busy enjoying their music with their favourite hooch !:)

Newly acquired amps, particularly old ones, grow on you like children. After you have carefully worked on them and they shine you get really attached to them. I think they might sound even better if you develop a rapport !
Remember the saying. Everything in this universe is interconnected ! If you love and respect it, it should reciprocate the positive energy you send it ! Maybe.....:)
Cheers.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much @fantastic for your advice. I fully agree with you. Now since the amp has been acquired and on its way, I am waiting with batted breath for the "Touch & Feel".

Will post pictures and review once recieved.

Regards,

Lifewater
 
You can go for Marantz if you want to..........they are good for the price......
 
I have heard the NAD 304 and NAD 306 as my brother has owned these at some point. The 304 is a great amp but having said that, you must be familiar with the NAD trademark sound signature. Most who indulge in NAD for the very first time (except the 3020), usually find it increasingly laid back and neutral. It normally takes some listening to get used to this sound signature but once you do, it makes very pleasurable listening. Though not one of NAD's outstanding amps, the 304 is well received and not for no reason. It has a lovely phonostage and can drive most speakers. Also, at the price point that they are available these days, most NADs in good condition are huge value for money. Whether it fits your requirement or not would depend solely on your parent's listening tastes. I believe that it would work well for them.
 
Last edited:
reubensm said:
I have heard the NAD 304 and NAD 306 as my brother has owned these at some point. The 304 is a great amp but having said that, you must be familiar with the NAD trademark sound signature. Most who indulge in NAD for the very first time (except the 3020), usually find it increasingly laid back and neutral. It normally takes some listening to get used to this sound signature but once you do, it makes very pleasurable listening. Though not one of NAD's outstanding amps, the 304 is well received and not for no reason. It has a lovely phonostage and can drive most speakers. Also, at the price point that they are available these days, most NADs in good condition are huge value for money. Whether it fits your requirement or not would depend solely on your parent's listening tastes. I believe that it would work well for them.
Click to expand...

Thanks Rueben. Let's hope my parents like it. Yet to experience NAD have not even seen their products live !!!!! Hope I am not disappointed.
 
Hi lifewater,
Good thinking on gifting your parents with a music setup. Me too in same boat.

I think the amp should do a nice job especially for the vocals. It can provide long and non fatiguing sound.

More than the question of "whether you have taken right decision" I think "you have taken a wise and noble decision" by gifting to you parents.
I am very sure they will enjoy it a lot.

Best luck!
 
Re: NAD 304 amplifier (UPDATE)

Dear All,
As mentioned above and after waiting for some time, I finally received the amp BUT ALAS.... the packing was so flimsy that it came to me broken to smithereens !!!!. The PCB had cracked in 3 pieces (individual) and all tracks were cut. Front panel took such a massive shunt that the pots were snapped free from the PCB and the BASS & BALANCE pots were separated from their case.

I dont blame the person who sold it to me as he has refunded me the money (AVERY RARE GESTURE) and has admitted that he had entrusted the packing to one of his employees. Sheesh what can I say. Such a waste of a good if not best amp.

The reason why I did not post this earlier was that I was desperately trying to get this amp somehow repaired and after it traveling to Mumbai then Delhi (from where it had come) and finally reached back with the unanimous verdict IT CANT BE REPAIRED.

Now I am struck !!!! Does anyone have a NAD or any Vintage amp within a reasonable budget and in good working order for sale ?? Please PM me if you have one.

Thanks for reading,

Lifewater
 
Re: NAD 304 amplifier (UPDATE)

lifewater said:
Dear All,
As mentioned above and after waiting for some time, I finally received the amp BUT ALAS.... the packing was so flimsy that it came to me broken to smithereens !!!!. The PCB had cracked in 3 pieces (individual) and all tracks were cut. Front panel took such a massive shunt that the pots were snapped free from the PCB and the BASS & BALANCE pots were separated from their case.

I dont blame the person who sold it to me as he has refunded me the money (AVERY RARE GESTURE) and has admitted that he had entrusted the packing to one of his employees. Sheesh what can I say. Such a waste of a good if not best amp.

The reason why I did not post this earlier was that I was desperately trying to get this amp somehow repaired and after it traveling to Mumbai then Delhi (from where it had come) and finally reached back with the unanimous verdict IT CANT BE REPAIRED.

Now I am struck !!!! Does anyone have a NAD or any Vintage amp within a reasonable budget and in good working order for sale ?? Please PM me if you have one.

Thanks for reading,

Lifewater
Click to expand...
sorry to hear that..Maybe we need a premium courier service/insurance scheme so that we can be sure that we will get the item in one piece !!
 
Lifewater, I can't make out what you had to say about the condition of the case and panels AND the transformer.
If these are acceptable you can do what a lot of people do. Put in a DIY circuit board ( maybe a NAD clone !) and gift yourself a 'new' amp. I'm almost sure the transformer is OK. That is an expensive part. If the chassis is useable it's fantastic. You need only the volume control and possibly the input selector switch. Other pots can stay unused , unless they are OK and you want to try and salvage them ( I would think , pointless!)
 
Fantastic said:
Lifewater, I can't make out what you had to say about the condition of the case and panels AND the transformer.
If these are acceptable you can do what a lot of people do. Put in a DIY circuit board ( maybe a NAD clone !) and gift yourself a 'new' amp. I'm almost sure the transformer is OK. That is an expensive part. If the chassis is useable it's fantastic. You need only the volume control and possibly the input selector switch. Other pots can stay unused , unless they are OK and you want to try and salvage them ( I would think , pointless!)
Click to expand...

Hi fantastic, thanks for the reply. Yeah that is what I was planning to do but alas except the front panel and the rear input connectors, the cabinet too took the massive shunt. Speaker connectors are broken, transformer winding has been pierced by the heatsink and it is not working. SO gave up the idea of cloning.

Thanks again,

Lifewater
 
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