| NAD 3120

Infrasonic and Ultrasonic Filtering. Audio signals often are contaminated with interference at frequencies below and above the audible range-turntable rumble, floor vibration, tonearm/ stylus resonance, radio/TV interference, and home-computer static. Amplification of such signals would tend to waste amplifier power, cause bass distortion due to excess woofer cone travel, and produce audible intermodulation distortion. The precise, minimum-phase, audio bandpass filtering in the NAD 3020B and 3120 strips off such interference, preserving a clean musical waveform.

Wide Dynamic Range

The line-level inputs (Tuner, Aux, Tape) cannot be overloaded by dynamic signal peaks from a Compact Disc player. The total dynamic range of the amplifier, 100 dB, exceeds that of any available program source.

Musically Useful Tone Controls

Like every other aspect of the 3020B’s circuitry, its Bass and Treble controls have been designed to be genuinely useful. They provide effective boost and cut at low bass and high treble frequencies, but they don’t alter the tonal balance in the critical midrange the way many tone-control circuits do.

High-Voltage, High-Current Output Stage

While the 3020B/ 3120 is conservatively rated at 25 watts per channel, it behaves as if it were much more powerful. Its high-voltage design yields an IHF Dynamic Headroom factor of 3 dB, meaning that during musical transients this amplifier can deliver fully twice its rated power into an 8-ohm impedance.

Even more important for genuinely musical sound is the amplifier’s interface with the complex and variable impedances of real loudspeakers, which often are much lower than 8 ohms and are partly “reactive” with high peak current demands. To supply this current to the speakers, the 3020B/3120 employs the same large output transistors that other manufacturers use In their “60-watt” amplifiers. During musical transients the circuit easily delivers over 55 watts/channel into a 4-ohm impedance and over 70 watts/channel into 2 ohms, with no protection- circuit distortion. NAD was the first manufacturer to emphasise the importance of output current capacity, and this power reserve has become increasingly important with the advent of advanced recording technologies that preserve the full dynamic range of live music.

Binding-post Speaker Terminals

Heavy-duty binding posts provide secure low-resistance connections for all types of speaker cable. Their standard s/a” spacing fits dual-banana plug connectors, facilitating quick reconnect ions among multiple pairs of loudspeakers.

Soft Clipping™

When the NAD 3020B/3120 amplifier is over-driven beyond its power capacity, the exclusive NAD Soft Clipping™ circuit gently limits the waveform voltage so that the output transistors are never driven into saturation, i.e., into “hard clipping.” This feature eliminates the harsh power-supply buzz and some of the high-order distortion that hard clipping normally would cause. Thus the amplifier can safely be over- driven substantially beyond its rated power on peaks, and it will continue to sound smooth and musical.

Impedance Selector

Any amplifier is basically an electronic valve, passing power from the power supply to the loud-speaker on demand, and so the voltage and current reserves of the power-supply circuit play a major role in the amplifier’s performance. NAD’s unique impedance selector matches the amplifier to the loudspeakers.

One setting of this switch provides increased output voltages for loudspeakers of 8 ohms or higher impedance. The other setting provides the lower volt-ages and greater output current needed to drive low impedances (4-ohm speakers or two pairs of speakers wired in parallel).

The amplifier will even drive a 2 ohm load comfortably.

NAD Makes High Performance Affordable Designed with thoughtfulness and care rarely found in budget components, the Models 3020B and 3120 amplifiers will drive the very best loudspeakers with ease and will do justice to the finest musical recordings.

The NAD 3020B and 3120 amplifiers are complemented by the NAD 4020B AM/FM stereo tuner. A separate NAD 102OB pre-amplifier is also available.

3120 specifications

The NAD 3120 is a highly regarded integrated amplifier that has garnered a dedicated following among audio enthusiasts since its release in the early 1990s. This model represents a significant milestone in NAD's commitment to delivering high-quality sound reproduction at an accessible price. The 3120 combines a robust build with sophisticated circuitry, making it a favored choice for both casual listeners and audiophiles alike.

One of the main features of the NAD 3120 is its high-current design, which provides the amplifier with the ability to drive a wide range of speakers efficiently. This is crucial for ensuring consistent performance across various listening environments. The 3120 boasts a power output of 30 watts per channel, which may appear modest compared to more powerful amplifiers, but it uses NAD's renowned Dynamic Power technology to deliver a punchy sound with ample headroom. This technology allows the amplifier to produce transient peaks without distortion, resulting in a clear and engaging listening experience, even at high volumes.

The NAD 3120 is equipped with multiple inputs, including phono, line-level, and tape connections, ensuring versatility in source connectivity. The inclusion of a dedicated phono input also caters to vinyl enthusiasts, allowing them to enjoy the rich, warm sound of vinyl records without needing an additional phono preamp. Furthermore, the built-in tone controls offer users the ability to tailor the sound to their personal preferences, while the bypass switch allows for a more direct signal path for purists who seek an unaltered audio experience.

Constructed with a solid metal chassis, the NAD 3120 is designed to minimize interference from external sources, ensuring that the integrity of the audio signal is preserved. The amplifier's layout is thoughtfully organized, which contributes to its reliability and ease of servicing, a key consideration for equipment that aims for longevity.

Overall, the NAD 3120 is a prime example of how audio performance and user-friendly features can coexist in an integrated amplifier. Its combination of high-current output, versatility in connectivity, and solid construction make it a timeless choice for anyone looking to enhance their listening experience, whether through vinyl records, CDs, or digital sources. The NAD 3120 remains a standout model that continues to impress with its engaging sound quality and practical design, solidifying its place in the hearts of audio aficionados around the world.

NAD 3120 brochure

Models: 3120