NAD D 3020 V2 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier

I inherited a classic NAD 3020i amplifier nearly twenty years ago and it's been the centre of my HiFi system ever since. Warm and lively with a generous bass response it was hard to fault. But time moves on and I thought it was time to replace the old girl with something a bit more up to date.The technological differences between the old NAD and the new couldn't be more stark, but the musical qualities the original 3020 were known for are preserved in the new digital hybrid version, despite the move from class AB to class D amplification. The new amp is clearer and more detailed with a firm and well extended bass but it's still lively and musical to listen to. Here are a few general thoughts:- I tried operating the amplifier on its side, but it got a bit too hot for my taste, even though I'd inserted spacers underneath it to allow ventilation. I think it really should be used in the upright position. The display makes more sense that way.- It has two digital and two analogue inputs, which are just enough for me to plug in my TV, CD player, record player and cassette deck. There is a preamp out which could, at a pinch, be used for recording and a sub-woofer output. Be aware that the main speaker output remains full-range even when the sub is plugged in. You'll need to tune your sub-woofer settings carefully to integrate it correctly with your main speakers. There's a bass boost control for use with very small speakers, but that's the only tone control available.- Bluetooth works well and is fine for late-night listening, but I found that sometimes the Bluetooth source would take over when I was listening to something else. I think it's best to break the connection (but not the pairing) when not using BT.- I tried several times to set it up to turn itself on and switch to optical input when I used my TV's remote, but this feature wouldn't work properly for me. No disaster - it's easy enough to operate the TV and the amp separately and you don't necessarily want full-blown sound when you're only watching the news.- It was only by accident that I found that the seller had inserted a UK mains cable under the packing tray. I was all set to rewire the euro cable that came in the accessory box. It wouldn't have hurt to have put a slip in the packaging telling me where to look.- You can't tune the loading for the phono input.- The volume display on the front panel reaches max when the actual volume is 50% or less. A firmware fix for this would be nice.- It has the world's most easily lost remote. However, it works well enough.- You only get a "getting started" sheet in the box. The actual manual is an online PDF, but you're only likely to need it if you want to change the auto power-off and input sensing settings.For a small-to-medium-sized listening room and reasonably efficient speakers this amp is hard to beat. I'm very happy with mine.

When this arrived it was in a tiny package and when unpacked it was barely bigger than my bedside alarm clock. I did not expect much and though it was easy to set up, the volume was so low that I was all set to return it until..... I found the volume control on the remote was independent of the Bluetooth volume control on my Macbook - ok I admit to not being the most technical person. Our NAD is set up with Q accoustic Concept 20 speakers and stands.After actually working out how to use it, was blown away by the sound, by the intuitive bluetooth and and by the bass boost, wonderful for heavy classical music (Solti Wagner Ring) from older recordings. Also brill not to need a preamp for vinyl unlike the Marantz 611 this is replacing. There are slightly better sounding amplifiers at this price but for those who have finally given in to listening to much of their music streamed, this little box is peerless, easy to use (eventually!) and has a remarkably good sound - where do they put all the gadgetry? Unhesitatingly recommended!!

I bought the amp for it’s diminutive size and Bluetooth streaming functionality, the phono stage was also essential. In that regard, all good, it does exactly what I wanted and it sound damn good.That said, the remote and the touch controls are awful. The volume control doesn’t feel like it’s actually turning, and the volume display is at full when there is still loads of higher volume left.There is a weird click when you first turn it on, and it’s slow to boot up.I tried it upright but the cables coming out of the back were so messy I had to revert to flat which meant new sorbothane pads to lift it off the unit and it does get hot.Honestly I think I’ll be upgrading to the Leak 130 soon.

Replacing a decent but old Onkyo AV receiver, I went for the NAD D 3020 V2 and a ‘minimalist’ approach. This can operate as a 2.1 system, so I was foregoing the centre and surround speakers. No regrets, as the sound quality through my Monitor Audio speakers is now exceptional.You are limited in its inputs - two digital, one aux phono and one turntable phono (no HDMI) - and tone controls are just an on/off bass eq button. However, frankly, all of the effort has gone in getting the sound right, so no ‘fiddling’ is needed.The Bluetooth function is a boon, and works well. Playing audiobooks (Audible) and Apple Lossless files from my iPhone has some benefits in convenience; but my CDs have not sounded so good since … the last time I had a NAD amp.In a small room - the studio flat I use for work in the week - the surround sound had a minimal impact; whereas the overall sound from the D 3020 V2 from the TV/Blu-ray/Apple TV 4K digital input is detailed and balanced, and preferred.Recommended, especially if AV is secondary to music listening.