NAD Owner's - Unite

[Lilmsmaggie]

There doesn’t appear to be a sticky, topic area or thread here on AudioKarma, which would be helpful to keep track of ideas, troubleshooting advice, “What Works and What doesn’t” (mating your NAD to a different mfg’s component, speakers, sources, etc.). Therefore, based on ulterior motives, which I unashamedly admit as being my own; I propose that we have a NAD owner’s thread. It would be a great place to talk about gear we have in common and make new connections here on AK.

So what do you say? I hope the seed will take root and this thread is as good a place to start as any for NAD owners to hang out and share. Of course, any member of the greater AK universe is welcome to join in.


I’ll kick it off:

I have the C 375BEE Integrated amplifier but I’m still working on getting a source. I may have found a used Rotel RCD-1570. It’s a store demo actually and I’ll get to audition it and a 375BEE together this coming Saturday. I chose the 375BEE over the Rotel RA-1570 at the time because I thought that the NAD’s soundstage was not as forward sounding as the Rotel.

Some may refer to that as being laid-back as opposed to in your face. I guess what I was looking for during the auditioning of the NAD/Rotel was whether the speakers brought attention to themselves. With the NAD 375BEE, the speakers seemed to disappear. Not completely, but they were less obvious. This may or may not be attributed to the NAD; it could be dependent on the characteristics of the speaker. Suffice it to say, I chose the NAD. This time, I'll be listening to different source material via CD as opposed to the first audition where the source material was being streamed.

I’m anxious to hear what my Audio Physic Virgo III’s sounds like with this amp and the Rotel RCD-1570. It should be interesting. In the meantime, I’ve installed a set of Blue Jeans Cable Co.’s (Belden 5T00UP) speaker cables between the amp and the Virgo’s. So stay tuned.

P.S. Dear moderators, I’ve spent several days trying different search arguments and found no such thread to exist.

My apology in advance if this is a duplicate thread.

 

[rgbeach]

I have a 3020 paired with Spica TC-50s and a Spica Sub. At 4 ohms, the Spica's are difficult to drive and they're not especially efficient, but they sound fantastic! with the 3020.

At some point, I'll recap the 3020, but it gets used too much to take it out of the rotation at this point.

I also have a 502 CD player that I modded with a tube output stage. It's used as a source in a different, tube-based, system.

 

[ToniCH]

Well, I do have some NADs and I am very happy with them. Infact I am running 3020's in two sets. I rebuild both of them and they perform great! Very powerful sounding even though they are low power.

 

[jdmccall]

An NAD forum sounds like a good idea to me (see sig!).

As for a CD player to go with your C 375, I would look for a used C 565. I like mine real well. It's not perfect but it sounds wonderful and has an optical digital input on the back which is handy for connecting a TV, DVD or Blu-ray to. The only beef I have with mine is that the unit sometimes emits a bit of a clatter as the disc spins. This doesn't happen with all discs and even when it does, it usually only lasts the first few minutes and then it's silent. Weird. But I digress... I would assume that the C 545 would be a good choice, too, but I don't know really how it compares to the 565.

 

[marqueemoon]

I have a 3150 in the kitchen and an 1155/2155 combo that's awaiting its next assignment. Great stuff.

I also have a 502 CD player that is a little fussy.

 

[goodolpg]

I recently purchased a NAD 1700 preamp/tuner. I'm quite happy with it.
It's being used with a Rotel RB-990BX amp and a Marantz 6004 CD player and Infinity Reference Studio Monitor speakers.

 

[SoCal Sam]

x150 series, 2200 amp, 7175PE and analog tuner 7020 receiver are my favorites. NAD cut corners with some of the components such as the trimmers so there really isn't any reason to circle the wagons. Budget is budget.

 

[jammon]

Hey Guys!

I'm probably the "odd man out" here, but I got my NAD's the American way..........I bought one off of eBay (7060 in Excellent Cond.) and the 3020 was in a trash barrel!! I asked the owner if he minded that I look at it and he said to take it home, it works great, just broke the edge off of the faceplate 2" in and down past the power button! It looks bad, but sounds great! I know it's got a dinky amount of wpc, but I just cannot resist getting it out every blue moon and listening to it through my BA T-930's that make it sound as good as my Sansui 5000A that sounds like it did when I bought it barely used in my early 20's (born 1957)..........No complaints here about NAD products!! I thought , like many of my friends, that unless it doesn't have some shine somewhere on the front..........just isn't worth lissnin' to!! Now I have a bud that has his Sony HT setup in his TV room and cannot believe my little 3020 can reproduce Music better and more "live" than his $1000. stack of expensive named sound effects! (I'm NOT a fan of HT.......don't get me wrong, I still like it's effects..........just not what I want to "waste my money on") Toot-a-loo, dudes!! ......apologies to Ian Hunter

 

[Lilmsmaggie]

I have a 3020 paired with Spica TC-50s and a Spica Sub. At 4 ohms, the Spica's are difficult to drive and they're not especially efficient, but they sound fantastic! with the 3020.

At some point, I'll recap the 3020, but it gets used too much to take it out of the rotation at this point.

I also have a 502 CD player that I modded with a tube output stage. It's used as a source in a different, tube-based, system.

And we like getting our hands dirty too!

Well, I do have some NADs and I am very happy with them. Infact I am running 3020's in two sets. I rebuild both of them and they perform great! Very powerful sounding even though they are low power.

Even high-end components have production issues. If keeping the cost down to deliver a quality sound experience, I have no qualms with budget. We may not have Tim Cook or Larry Ellison's financial means but at a certain price point, you're looking at dimminishing returns.

Price ain't everything. It's the music that counts.

x150 series, 2200 amp, 7175PE and analog tuner 7020 receiver are my favorites. NAD cut corners with some of the components such as the trimmers so there really isn't any reason to circle the wagons. Budget is budget.

No matter how you acquired your NAD's, whether its finicky or fussy; budget or modified; if it meets your music needs then I say: Buy it. :thmbsp:

 

[Lilmsmaggie]

I saw a used 565 recently advertised online. The RCD-1570 store demo is being marked down. I like the idea of a slot-loading CDP vs tray but the true test will be the sound.

An NAD forum sounds like a good idea to me (see sig!).

As for a CD player to go with your C 375, I would look for a used C 565. I like mine real well. It's not perfect but it sounds wonderful and has an optical digital input on the back which is handy for connecting a TV, DVD or Blu-ray to. The only beef I have with mine is that the unit sometimes emits a bit of a clatter as the disc spins. This doesn't happen with all discs and even when it does, it usually only lasts the first few minutes and then it's silent. Weird. But I digress... I would assume that the C 545 would be a good choice, too, but I don't know really how it compares to the 565.

 

[bermnerfs]

I have a NAD 1600 series pre-amp. I loved the thing until one day it went belly up and both channels started distorting heavily.

I had been messing with the tape monitor swtich so thought it could be the culprit.

I gave all pots/switches and good Deoxit treatment, really focusing on the tape mon switch.

Now I get no sound at all. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[Lilmsmaggie]

Sorry to hear about your 1600 bermnerfs. Do you have a tech in your area you can take it to?

It occurred to me recently that I know a Brit who is Audio Note's authorized repair technician in the U.S. He sells and repairs other audio gear, not just AN but it's high-end gear nonetheless. Anyway, I was thinking that if I ran into any trouble with the 375BEE, he might consider looking at it.

I wouldn't want to try repairing any of my audio gear because I know the minute I touched it, it would be toast :yes:

So tell us; what is/was it about your NAD 1600 that you loved?

I have a NAD 1600 series pre-amp. I loved the thing until one day it went belly up and both channels started distorting heavily.

I had been messing with the tape monitor swtich so thought it could be the culprit.

I gave all pots/switches and good Deoxit treatment, really focusing on the tape mon switch.

Now I get no sound at all. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[bermnerfs]

Sorry to hear about your 1600 bermnerfs. Do you have a tech in your area you can take it to?

It occurred to me recently that I know a Brit who is Audio Note's authorized repair technician in the U.S. He sells and repairs other audio gear, not just AN but it's high-end gear nonetheless. Anyway, I was thinking that if I ran into any trouble with the 375BEE, he might consider looking at it.

I wouldn't want to try repairing any of my audio gear because I know the minute I touched it, it would be toast :yes:

So tell us; what is/was it about your NAD 1600 that you loved?

I do have a tech, but I was hoping this was maybe a common event that someone could shed light on. I'd like to take the DIY route, but may be over my head.

I found it very clean sounding, it looked nice and simple, and had a decent phono stage. I am without a preamp now, and torn between repairing this or just replacing it.

For now I am stuck using a cheap mixer for preamp duty.

 

[leesonic]

I guess with the amount of NAD 3020s I've restored, I should be on this thread. The 4020 is a very underrated tuner as well.

Lee.

 

[MIKE47]

I have the 7040, 7240, 7000, and the 705. All sound great. The only problem I am having at this point is I don't want to play any of my other gear. I was going to hook up either my Sansui 4000 or my Marantz 2325 and starting shaking and sweating just at the thought. I think a NAD forum would be cool.

 

[jk0592]

Using a 3125 integrated amplifier that I bought new, ages ago. Still works well, or so I think. Never had a single problem with it. The power knob is not the best in the world, it feels shoddy somewhat.

 

[moosteve]

I have had a 325BEE, a 116 preamp (which may be one of the best values in audio, if you can find one), and still have a 2150 amp and am currently running a 1020 preamp with my McCormack.
Good to see Lee in here. He took my 1020 from being an aged and dirty sounding pre to an absolute gem. There is a reason the 1020 (and 3020) have the reputation of being something special, and having one fully restored to it's full potential is well worth the money.
I would have to spend far beyond Lee's fee to find a better preamp.

 

[notdigital]

My NAD Story

I cut my teeth on a NAD 7240PE mid 80's with a pair of Polk 5jr+ speakers. I was in heaven as it was my first setup in my first apt by myself. Fast forward many years and after a long break in audio, I went to tubes. Nonetheless, I keep that first NAD faithfully doing attic duty losing nothing to the Fishers I have sprinkled about the house.

One other story: I had picked up a "non-working" 7020 a couple of years ago. Since it was so cheap, I thought I'd give it a crack at repairing it and flipping it for some coin for tubes. Well, I managed to correct all that was wrong with it and put it up at auction. A local guy messages me and asks if he could audition. "Sure, why not..."

Turns out the guy was a working musician (piano) whose wife worked as a violinist. I plopped him in front of a pair of KLH Sixes and the 7020 with some 60's rock, classical, jazz cd's and he goes about cupping his ears swiveling his head like a bobble doll. He messes with the tone controls, and other switches and, much to my chagrin, the volume. Mind you, it is the middle of the week and the Boss of the house as well as the kids are upstairs, no doubt pissed at the loud music at this hour of the night. Oh well, I treated him like I would have like to be treated and left him to his evaluation save for answering any questions. He continues with the spastic neck routine until he spots the Linn I have sitting on the console and asks, "Can we try the phono?" Well, honestly, this part I wasn't prepared for since I didn't test the phono when I restored the unit. But WTF, I disconnected the Fisher, connected up the NAD, and put on Hartman and Coltrane "They Say It's Wonderful." 48.5 seconds later he pops off the chair, makes an offer and is out the door with a smile.

I guess the point is: That NAD X020 phono stage is still impressive. Even to bobble heads :yes:

 

[Lilmsmaggie]

Well, I'm the newbie here on AK. Seems like your reputation for restorations precedes you. My impression is that this isn't just a passing fancy (restoring NAD 3020's). Tell me more.

I guess with the amount of NAD 3020s I've restored, I should be on this thread. The 4020 is a very underrated tuner as well.

Lee.

 

[Lilmsmaggie]

UPDATE

Picked-up the Rotel RCD-1570 today. Not sure this combo works. Sounded good in the store (of course). To be fair, everything is new (including the cable between the Rotel and the NAD & BJC speaker cable) except for the speakers.

Big soundstage. Plenty of bass and highs but the midrange depending on musical material could be its weak spot.

I have more power than what I need to drive the Virgos. Lots of detail. Vocals are good except some are a bit recessed. Decided to just turn the volume way down and spin a CD on repeat all night. Found the Tone Defeat button on the NAD. I think I'm going to leave it on. Should give a flatter response. I'm used to just a balance control anyway.

I think it needs time for things to settle in. I may decide to put the Analysis Plus Oval 9's in to see if I notice if the bass tightens up and maybe help with the mids.

Right now, I'm just trying to finesess the sound a bit. I'll also try replacing the stock power cords on both the Rotel and the NAD. I have some Analysis Plus power cables.

The Jury is out.