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NAD 3020 What to do with it ???

Hi Folks, I have just joined and this is my first time here. I have an NAD 3020 I bought in 1980 (I think) and has been in constant use since then. No longer need it as I have gone a bit nuts buying new equiptment this past year. It has some dirt in the volume pod (crackles a bit) and some other switching but works good still as far as I can tell. What should I do with it?? It must need new caps or some type of refurbishing at 30 years + and I only paid $200.00 for it. Is it worth it to spend any money on it or should I just pitch it, seem a shame as it still works fine. Thank you any and all that respond to this. It is appreciated!! Cheers, DMacG in Canada
dmacg
kotta's avatar
kotta
638 posts
 
Hold on to it! After you've been in this crazy hobbie awhile, you'll come full circle and use it as your main amp! I honestly can't say I regret selling my first int. amp (Kenwood Ka-7100) because it lend me on a long journey and satisfying learning experience. Life moves on....If you could pass it on to a music lover that would be great!
bank738
40 posts
 
The 3020 is a great little performer. I too have one from the early 80's. After serving me for many years, it sat in the basement for a couple of year, and then found a home back in college with my son's friend. Nice to know one of us is still enjoying their youth. I am picking it up this week, and it is moving in with my dad as I assemble a system for him from some stored gear I have in the basement. Pay it forward my friend!
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,262 posts
 
keep it, it is worth more than you could sell it for...

mine recently broke otherwise I would still be using it in a second system

my dad's still sounds great

also, tuner cleaner will help the volume control, spray it on the inside mechanism while twisting the dial and wipe the excess off (unplugged of course)
swampwalker's avatar
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swampwalker
5,132 posts
 
Agree w Philojet. If you get going seriously on this madness, there will be times when you have a unit out being repaired/modified or have sold something and awaiting a replacement. A good little integrated like the NAD will keep the tunes flowing. And if you ever decide you want to try some DIY upgrading, you can start by fine-tuning your soldering skills while replacing the caps on the NAD.
dmacg OP
22 posts
 
Wow, thank you all. I guess 'pitch it' wasen't quite right. I would not just throw it out. As it takes up little room in storage, after reading your feedback, it makes sense to keep it I suppose. I have always thought that an amplifier that sits not in use dies of lack of use. Am I right on this? If so and I choose to keep it I suppose I should look at refurbishing it at a cost of ? I don't know. Thank you all again for your feed back and any further tips as to what may need to be done (thx Philojet) are most Welcome. This is a great spot I have found and will update my profile soon. DMacG
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