NAD Amp dead - what to replace with?

[Zebrs]

Hi folks, hoping for a bit of advice and a shove in the right dirction if you please. My fairly ancient NAD 3020 does not appear to be working through one channel anymore. Given its age, i doubt it is worth repairing, so I am wondering what to replace it with.

It is hooked to a Bose Acoustimass system which i use for movies, gaming and music. It's only a 2.1 system. I am considering ditching the Bose however and going to 5.1 at some point, so want to replace the amp with something that can cope with that move as and when.

Budget wise £100 or so, maybe £150. What can you recommend please?

[daveydave7]

The Nad is such a good amp though
maybe try and hear a cambridge that's around £110 topaz 115 I think it is called ?

[Roadster25]

I'd suggest buying another 3020, there are plenty about and you'll easily find one on ebay within budget. If you do decide to go for a sorround system then you should be able to sell the NAD on and get your money back.

[doodlebug]

The fault you have with the NAD is usually caused by a dry joint on the headphone socket. Very easy to fix if you're handy with a soldering iron.

It'll probably need new PSU electrolytics by now so unless you're able/willing to change these at the same time I'd sell it on Ebay for some funds for a newer amp. There is a big market for these second-hand.

[Phunk]

One of these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CYRUS-ONE-I-1-STEREO-INT...

Incredible amp for the money.

[StuH]

Phunk said:

One of these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CYRUS-ONE-I-1-STEREO-INT...

Incredible amp for the money.

A big soft-spot for these having owned both a One and a Two+PSX, however, I think if the OP likes the "NAD" sound then the Cyrus might be a bit on the dry side sound wise? I'd go with another NAD or perhaps a classic Rotel - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rotel-RA971-Mk-II-Integr...

[[AJ]]

I have a NAD T743 AV amp going unused at the moment. Not sure what it's worth, I'll have to check, it hasn't had much use. PM me if you're interested OP.

I also have some KEF 2001 5.1 speakers, two stands and a KEF sub which accompany the amp beautifully.

Edited by [AJ] on Thursday 29th November 16:03

[jet_noise]

Dear Z,

tske the opportunity to upgrade from the same vintage?
There are always a few Audiolab 8000A on *bay from where I got mine,

regards,
Jet

[StuH]

jet_noise said:

Dear Z,

tske the opportunity to upgrade from the same vintage?
There are always a few Audiolab 8000A on *bay from where I got mine,

regards,
Jet

Good call.

[Zebrs]

Thanks for the responses chaps. I'm not precious of the era; truth be told my brother gave me this years ago when he upgraded, it has served me well but does show its age now particularly as it lacks the connections modern units have. Maybe I'm missing the point and that is its trump card. Have a couple of options to research now anyway.

AJ, you have PM