NAD 3120 amp

A

anti-doom

Well-Known Member
Hi,

Just got NAD 3120 little amp. It sounds good now but has thumb sound coming out from speakers when turning on. Couple questions :

1. Is NAD 3120 exactly identical the same as NAD 3020 except not having tone circuit?
2. Is it worth to recap the entire amp?
3. After recap, sound better or at least as good as original?

Thank you.
 
Register to hide this ad
1. Yes. It doesn't have a balance control, instead a dual split volume control similar to the record level controls on cassette decks. If comparing to the original 3020, it also has a MM/MC phono stage, binding posts instead of spring connectors, a mono button, and a 4/8 ohm load switch.

2. Most definitely!

3. Will sound much better.

Lee.
 
leesonic said:
1. Yes. It doesn't have a balance control, instead a dual split volume control similar to the record level controls on cassette decks. If comparing to the original 3020, it also has a MM/MC phono stage, binding posts instead of spring connectors, a mono button, and a 4/8 ohm load switch.

2. Most definitely!

3. Will sound much better.

Lee.
Click to expand...

Lee,

Thanks a lot for your input. I will start gathering the part list and recap it. Will post the result when done.
Thanks
 
Lee,

Recap it today except the 4700 uF caps still original. It sounds really good. Really like its sound now. Better than before recap except one thing.
+ Before recap: it had "thump/buzz" sound when turning on and off.
+ After recap: no more thump/buzz sound but it pops sound thru speakers when turning on and quiet when tuning off.

What is the issue?

Already replaced C531, C532 and C533
 
Last edited:
Replace the 4700uF caps with 6800uF. No sense leaving these old things in there.

They will always make some noise through the speakers because there is no protection circuitry. You could always plug in an empty headphone plug before powering off and on. You could also use an external switch box, and switch the speakers off before powering off and on. I developed a protection board that has a turn on delay for the speakers, and disconnects them when you power off. Even that isn't totally quiet, as it takes a few ms for the relay to disengage. It does save a lot of DC from going out to the speakers though as the main caps discharge.
 
leesonic said:
Replace the 4700uF caps with 6800uF. No sense leaving these old things in there.

They will always make some noise through the speakers because there is no protection circuitry. You could always plug in an empty headphone plug before powering off and on. You could also use an external switch box, and switch the speakers off before powering off and on. I developed a protection board that has a turn on delay for the speakers, and disconnects them when you power off. Even that isn't totally quiet, as it takes a few ms for the relay to disengage. It does save a lot of DC from going out to the speakers though as the main caps discharge.
Click to expand...
Lee,

Thank you. Will reaplce the 4700 caps. I guess I will live with that pop noise then.
Thank you
 
leesonic said:
Replace the 4700uF caps with 6800uF. No sense leaving these old things in there.

They will always make some noise through the speakers because there is no protection circuitry. You could always plug in an empty headphone plug before powering off and on. You could also use an external switch box, and switch the speakers off before powering off and on. I developed a protection board that has a turn on delay for the speakers, and disconnects them when you power off. Even that isn't totally quiet, as it takes a few ms for the relay to disengage. It does save a lot of DC from going out to the speakers though as the main caps discharge.
Click to expand...
Can I ask you what's the advantage of putting bigger caps?

I'm planning to recap one too, by chance, do you sell the board only?

Thanks
 
anti-doom said:
Hi,

Just got NAD 3120 little amp. It sounds good now but has thumb sound coming out from speakers when turning on. Couple questions :

1. Is NAD 3120 exactly identical the same as NAD 3020 except not having tone circuit?
2. Is it worth to recap the entire amp?
3. After recap, sound better or at least as good as original?

Thank you.
Click to expand...
I have the same thing on my 3120, I get two bops when I switch it on.
 
When I purchased my 3120 it had a headphone socket plugged into the front and I wondered why, so now I know.

Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom