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NAD Owner's - Unite

My NAD 160 had some hiss and crackling noise in the background. My tech found a transistor (or transistors, I don't remember) on the tone control board after the volume control pot that was or were causing that. He also found few bad caps, but they were not the cause of the noise problem. I don't remember which transistors they were, sorry. But the first place I would look is transistors on the tone control board (there are only 8 I think), and whatever else there is in Model 300 after the volume control pot.
 
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rlisin said:
My NAD 160 had some hiss and crackling noise in the background. My tech found a transistor (or transistors, I don't remember) on the tone control board after the volume control pot that was or were causing that. He also found few bad caps, but they were not the cause of the noise problem. I don't remember which transistors they were, sorry. Nut the first place I would look is transistors on the tone control board (there are only 8 I think), and whatever else there is in Model 300 after the volume control pot.
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Glad to see you found the problem. I have a NAD 7000 that had hum in the left channel and no sound. The first tech I took it to told me to trash it, that it wasn't worth fixing. Took it to another tech who fixed it immediately, was a few bad resistors that was causing the hum. Now she sings beautifully.
 
I bought an NAD 3020 integrated new back in the early eighties and loved it. It gave way to a Hafler DH-220/NAD 1130 preamp combination. I've always liked NAD gear, but have not been overly impressed with their choice of components and to some degree a cheap-ish presentation and feel. I still keep an eye out for a 7400 receiver or 3080 integrated though.
 
Nad 3155 owner here...paired with a JVC QL-7 turntable and JBL LX500 speakers it sounded very, very nice indeed. I love the looks of this model Nad. A good phono stage and gobs of headroom...What's not to like?
 
I posted a few pages back that I was going to be picking up a NAD 906. I did, and I'm so glad I did. This is now one of my all time favorites. I just hope the next NAD I get sounds like this one.

Of the three main amps I've used I like the NAD, then the Adcom 545 MKII, then the Parasound.

I'm going to be replacing some swollen caps with Nichicon 50v 8200uf gold tunes.
 
Nad 304

Brief short story, better here than in an own thread. :)

I have a NAD 304 (1993) that had consumed relay contacts and it was replaced with new one. I also decided to recap the power amp section and some power supply caps as these were pretty out of spec as you'll see in the pictures below.

Few parts in this amp get hot, around some transistors in the signal input and in the other regulated PS next to the Phono input. So, for those who know this unit, I'd like to ask some advise...

Here, a new relay (Finder 24V - 8A) replaced the original Omron 24V - 5A that was cutting the sound pretty often.

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A few caps were out of specs and were replaced with new ones. I don't have the SM - the HiFi Engine one is terribly scanned - so I just followed the cap's indication from the PCB. Here, C309 (and C310 on right channel) is a cheap 85°C from Ltec caps, a company that seems still supplies to NAD. I'd like to know why this cap in this position suffers such loss of specs.

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I could replace it with same 220uF value, but decided to use one of my few 270uF, rated 105°C and low ESR.

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The regulated PS next to Phono input gets pretty hot due to the 4 transistors. Note the PCB is now darker due to that overheating. I'd like to know if those heat sinks could be replaced by something larger/thicker or they have to be like that?

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The two 180 ohm 1W resistors (R917, R918) circled in the picture above were replaced by new ones rated 3W. Also here, shall I replace all the resistors and rectifiers for a more robust ones?

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Finally, the audio signal input also shows darker PCB area where the transistors (2SA970GR and 2SC2240GR pairs) are. They don't get hot by touching them, so I supposed the stock 1/4W resistors could be replaced or is it a waste of time?

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Few caps and Carbon Film 5% resistors that were replaced with Metal Film 1% around the signal input section. The amp is in a burn-in time (at least 48 hours), the sound is pretty good, I like it. However those parts under overheat maybe could fixed/upgraded. Thank you! :)

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Just think how good NAD could have been if the bean counters had let the designers spend say $10 more on components.
 
SoCal Sam said:
Just think how good NAD could have been if the bean counters had let the designers spend say $10 more on components.
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Totally agree. This unit has pretty ordinary components and still sounds better than a lot of mid-level units that uses Nichicon caps I have had, including some late 90s Yamahas.
 
I don't have that schematic to look at right now but two quick points.

If you go up with the voltage rating on the caps it will help them out. Consider 105 degree caps if they are in an area that still runs hot after you put fresh caps in it. Something like a Panasonic FC should do a good job.

If it's still running hot after your recap you might want to try copper heat sinks if you can find them in that size.
 
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Yes, I used a combination of Nichicon PW and some Nippon Chemicon, all low Z and 105°C. That polymer cap of 270uF is also rated for 105°C.

I have a few thicker copper heat sinks, so I can use them! Thanks for confirming it! :thmbsp:
 
You could also stagger the rectifiers vertically for better airflow instead of sitting in contact with the board.

Oh, and my main system consists of a C270 amp driving AR-3a's. Sources are controlled by a Rotel RC-1070. The NAD and Rotel work VERY well together.
 
If you Nad owners have experience..there's a couple of threads open that need help.

(No nads to be had in NC.. lol :D)
 
MIKE47 said:
When you get tired of it or think you are going to loose your mind anytime soon, send it to me. It will be well taken care of....I bet that combo sounds soooo sweet:yes:!!!!!!!!!
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Thanks! They do sound pretty nice pushing Infinity kappa 9s. Love them!
 
My 1300/2600 combo.
Very nice units.
Sadly the right channel on the phono section went out last week so its sitting on the (ever growing) waiting for repair rack.

 
I've been a NAD fan for a long time. Items I've had or have include the 3020, 7020, 72220PE, 701, 5335E (CD), 6220 (Casette) the AV713 (it's now at our at our cabin as the main system), and at least several others. I've done minor repairs on several of them.

Right now I'm considering getting a 2140 that has an issue with the input on one side. I think I can fix it and if I can it will likely get set up with the 701.
 
leesonic said:
No, it would be better if you started your own thread, rather than post in this one.

Lee.
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Ok, I'll do that when everything here is finished. Thanks.

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Meanwhile, has anyone heard of/listened to/ or own a NAD 317? :scratch2:

Thank you.

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