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Is the NAD 3020 the best value of all time?

This question is loaded I know, but that question is being asked from this perspective.

My brother is in for the Holidays and the first thing he asked was, "What is with this Stereo?"

So I asked him to grab his music and have a listen. His face lit up as he listened to his favorite live album. He said man can you hear the people talking in the crowd. And I can hear a baby crying. Oh did you hear that is a drum. I never heard that before.

Next question was how much would it cost me to do this?

I could have kissed him, but long story short I want to get him started super simple and cheap.

I have heard all kinds of praise for the NAD integrated 3020 amp as an all time value piece. The question is was the NAD a value in its day or is it an all time value still?
Is there anything out there today on the used market that can compete with this value amp for performance and price?

I hope to have the hooks in my little bro in a couple of weeks.
brownsanandy
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
As a value I agree it's good to begin with, but it doesn't have a slam and controll. It's simply too shy.
He'd be more impressed with old used Bryston for the same buck.
soulbrass
246 posts
 
3020 was certainly a "milestone", but given a stated budget today, one can do better...especially in the used market. What is his budget and what will be his prefered source(s)? What will his listening area be like? Merry Xmas!
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
Nice, you have to love it when that happens. I set a friend up with a NAD 320BEE and a Pair of the EPOS ELS-3's. The combination was fantastic and all for $450.00! Anyway, that is just one example but you can make your $$$ go along way performance versus dollar here on Audiogon.

Good Luck and Seasons Greetings!!

Chris
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