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 that amp. It features the same glossy curvature and similarly chunky dial, yet somehow still succeeds in making its predecessor seem dated.
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 in reflection of 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 the ports for traditional stereo speakers and Bluetooth also keeping its place.
Body building
The presentation is tonally even, but with 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.
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 this NAD so likeable, though, is its combination of timing and dynamics, which, while undeniably bettered marginally elsewhere by more traditional hi-fi, 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, but its contouring of a melody or dose of impetus to a leading beat is wholly musical and effective.
Sound vs features
It’s difficult not to like this NAD. If your search is based solely on a ‘performanceper-pound’ criteria, then there are other options (notably Marantz's PM6006) you might appreciate more.
But if you can find us 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.