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Upgrade from NAD 3020i

polhem

polhem

New Member
I have used a NAD 3020i as my amp the latest 10 years.
I have not found any amp that can match its details and treble.
Though, since trying a NAD 319 dedicated power amp in my system I realise that the 3020i lacks definition and power in the lower frequencies.

I wonder if anyone has a suggestion for an upgrade from the NAD 3020i. I don't need an integrated amp since I am using a receiver as a preamp. So I guess a dedicated power amp is preferable, although I am open for integrated amps as well.
Is there a dedicated power amp version from NAD of it from the same time or maybe later? (I have tried to research this but I cannot seem to find any info.)
I have looked at the Mark Levinson 23.5 which looks promising in sound, but I never seem to be able to save up to the $3000-4000 needed for one in good condition.

My speakers are Intelligent Sound IS8 mk II which are incredible at reproducing detailed and "naked" sound. My source is a PC with a USB DAC streaming mostly from Tidal so I need to match the quality of both source and speakers.

Best regards/David in Sweden
 
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Not sure if this is helpful, but I was recently in the market for a power amp on a tight budget and scoured the bay and read though forums quite a bit. I've used an NAD 316beeV2 (integrated) for several years and just picked up a baby NAD 310 used as well. I really like the NAD sound. In the end, I couldn't find a good condition NAD power amp that was indicated to be tested and in good shape for the right price, but I did find plenty of Adcom amps that were tested working and not expensive.

I wound up with an Adcom GFA-535 for not a lot, plus a Parasound P/HP-850 to serve preamp duties, both for a fraction of what it would cost to buy new. For whatever reason, too many of the NAD power amps I looked at were dusty, scratched, missing buttons, said 'for parts' or 'untested', or what have you. Not sure why, as I really wanted something from NAD on the used market. Maybe I just perused during a bad week, or maybe the better NAD examples were beyond my set budget.

Anyway, take the above FWIW. Just my experience in the last couple of weeks looking for good power amp bargains.
 
NAD definitely made stand alone power amplifiers and still does. Their sound has changed, but not dramatically. I would think you would be satisfied with anything they made from the mid 80s through about 2000.

With that said, I'm wondering if you might benefit from refurbishing the 3020i. If you like it, and the main thing you want to improve is low end power and control, there are likely some capacitors you could swap for newer, higher capacitance pieces to give it a bit more current reserve, and some of the driver transistors may benefit from replacement with newer models displaying superior performance.

I keep trying to find something that is "better" than my integrated amplifier but what I have found is that once you have something you genuinely like, it's extremely difficult to find something that boosts the areas you want to improve but DOESN'T sacrifice in areas where your system is already very satisfying.
 
klamsoss said:
NAD definitely made stand alone power amplifiers and still does. Their sound has changed, but not dramatically. I would think you would be satisfied with anything they made from the mid 80s through about 2000.

With that said, I'm wondering if you might benefit from refurbishing the 3020i. If you like it, and the main thing you want to improve is low end power and control, there are likely some capacitors you could swap for newer, higher capacitance pieces to give it a bit more current reserve, and some of the driver transistors may benefit from replacement with newer models displaying superior performance.

I keep trying to find something that is "better" than my integrated amplifier but what I have found is that once you have something you genuinely like, it's extremely difficult to find something that boosts the areas you want to improve but DOESN'T sacrifice in areas where your system is already very satisfying.
Click to expand...

Thanks for input!
I dont think any NAD amp would do the job though, the NAD 319 did not have the same detail level as i like in the 3020i, otherwise I would have kept it. This is why I am asking for advice in finding a (possibly NAD) amp that has the same details but better bass.
I like the idea of refurbishing, I have actually thought about this earlier. I will try to look into it more.
 
leesonic said:
Why not upgrade the 3020i?
Click to expand...
klamsoss said:
...I'm wondering if you might benefit from refurbishing the 3020i. If you like it, and the main thing you want to improve is low end power and control, there are likely some capacitors you could swap for newer, higher capacitance pieces to give it a bit more current reserve, and some of the driver transistors may benefit from replacement with newer models displaying superior performance.

I keep trying to find something that is "better" than my integrated amplifier but what I have found is that once you have something you genuinely like, it's extremely difficult to find something that boosts the areas you want to improve but DOESN'T sacrifice in areas where your system is already very satisfying.
Click to expand...
I've decided to try and upgrade the amp myself, using a kit:
https://www.audio-high-store.com/product/nad-3020-upgrade-kit-audio-capacitors/

I am at least quite handy with the soldering iron and managed to repair a Technics SL-10 before so I feel pretty confident.
Do you have any tips before I get started?
Do you think the kit will suffice or should I look at any other components as well?
 
I've always been leary of "kits". The price of some of these kits seems too low. Either they are using non-genuine components, or are only replacing the bare minimum. I know for the original 3020, the cost of the parts I use runs over $100. Some of that is eaten up by a new power switch, and a replacement Quencharc (essetially a capacitor and resistor in series). Bournes trimmers and Wima film caps.

I wouldn't be too hasty to swap out transistors just yet, unless you test the outputs (or others) and find something blown.
 
There is one place that refurbishes quads, Sansui I believe.
It is their practice to use larger caps for the power supply with the claim, if I remember correctly, of better base punch. Don't know if it is a generally applicable practice.
Just mentioning it. I've never up speced power caps myself and pretty new to this stuff myself.
I also don't buy kits, to much markup for caps that can be readily purchased through reputable places like Mouser or DigiKey. I'm pretty sure there are similar vendors in the E.U.
 
leesonic said:
I've always been leary of "kits". The price of some of these kits seems too low. Either they are using non-genuine components, or are only replacing the bare minimum. I know for the original 3020, the cost of the parts I use runs over $100. Some of that is eaten up by a new power switch, and a replacement Quencharc (essetially a capacitor and resistor in series). Bournes trimmers and Wima film caps.

I wouldn't be too hasty to swap out transistors just yet, unless you test the outputs (or others) and find something blown.
Click to expand...
Ok thanks, I will try to cancel the order since I found out many people have had problems with audiohighendstore.
Is there a recommended list somewhere on parts to use for the NAD 3020i?
I found a good tutorial on youtube but it does not show which parts to use.
The guy there also replaces the rca inputs to gold plated.
But I think I will start with the caps.
 
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