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Just bought an unused NAD 3020. Can't be so many left? It's tested now and it works fine. I guess I have the 1980-83 model?
Welcome to the forum and yes the NAD 3020s are legendary. There is something about these vintage amps and their dynamics really. Collectors items these days !I’m a new member here and also a new owner of the 3020A and 4020A. Just waiting for the units to arrive. Great information in this thread. One thing that has struck me, and it’s not exclusive to the 3020, is how much prices have increased for vintage audio in the last 10 years. However, it’s for a good reason as people are rediscovering the rich sound of analog audio. Most telling is the interest that has developed from the younger generation. Hopefully, the future of quality audio has become brighter as a result.
Hi @reubensmi have worked on and listened to a few 3020s over the years, all the models including silver, Champaign gold and so on. After looking inside and studying the circuitry (and even repaired some), I can confirm for sure that the difference between the silver/champaign gold versions and their grey coloured counterpart (of the same model/version) is purely the body paint. Yes, although audiophiles debate about this and collectors talk about that brilliant sound that these painted models supposedly produce. However if you want to know the secret behind which 3020 model to choose, here goes. The first edition of 3020 has a PSU board bolted to the back panel. This is the model of 3020 which apparently benefited from cross-talk which created an out of the world experience. However NAD made some layout and circuitry refinements and released the second edition of the 3020, also numbered as 3020 (not 3020A). The 3020s with serial number greater than A32005011 labelled 3020 are the best ones. The 3020A and 3020B are also good but not like the 2nd edition of pure 3020. Avoid the 3020e and i, they are good but not as good. The new amp pictured above, is in this 'best ever 3020 category'