NAD D 3020 v2

£399

NAD ignored a number of rules when it released the original D 3020 amplifier. If using Class D amplification wasn’t enough of a thumb to the nose to traditional designs, its chassis looked positively futuristic, standing upright with dimensions wildly unbefitting of ‘proper’ hi-fi. The D 3020 was unlike anything else on the market, and it actually sounded great.

Essentially, this V2 is a slicker, classier looking version of the amp. It features the same glossy curvature and similarly chunky dial, yet somehow it succeeds in making its predecessor seem dated.

Now with a phono stage

In fact, there’s an argument to say this version of the D 3020 is harking back to the past. Aside from its retuning and refining of the original, NAD has kitted the amp out with a moving-magnet phono stage to reflect the rise in vinyl sales over the past few years.

Otherwise it’s more or less as was, with those turntable inputs sharing the rear of the unit with connections for optical, coaxial and RCA, the optional subwoofer-out remaining alongside those for traditional stereo speakers, and Bluetooth also keeping its place.

The presentation is tonally even, but there’s also a great body to the sound. A bass boost is operational too via the amp’s credit-card style remote, and, while the natural balance is far from lacking in low end, that optional increase is tasteful; it plumps up those bottom frequencies without softening or fatiguing the overall performance.

Insight, timing and dynamics

Detail levels are impressive by class standards, as the D 3020 V2 refuses to let its modish aesthetic be a trade-in for sonic insight. Painting broad but textured strokes across its sizeable canvas, it never allows itself to lose sight of the wider painting as it stitches each instrument into the landscape. What makes the NAD D 3020 V2 so likeable though, is its impressive combination of timing and dynamics, which, while undeniably bettered elsewhere by more traditional hi-fi – albeit only marginally – offer a real sense of enthusiasm and enjoyment.

Its timing, for example, may not snap regimented into place, but it locks in a groove well enough to entertain, and doesn’t become confused even as rhythms begin to multiply.

Likewise, the D 3020 V2’s dynamic sense is not among the greatest we’ve encountered for sheer range. However, that is balanced by its contouring of a melody and the dose of impetus it gives to a leading beat that is wholly musical.

Exploring a new avenue

It’s difficult not to like this new NAD. If your search is solely based on a ‘performance-for-pound’ criteria, then Marantz is probably the correct avenue for you to explore.

But if you can find another amplifier with this many features, which is this easily accommodated and sounds better for the money, then we’d love to know about it. For that, though, it seems likely we’ll have to wait for a D 3020 V3.