Sometimes a device appears on the market that doesn't just play music, but changes the perception of what it should be. The NAD D3020 V2 amplifier is just such a story. At first glance, it doesn't look like the usual heavy “brick” with a bunch of buttons. Its compact, almost miniature body is more reminiscent of a modern gadget than serious audio equipment.
But don't let its modest size fool you. Inside this little box is a real beast, ready to unleash the potential of your speakers. This hybrid amplifier combines digital and analog technologies to deliver unexpectedly powerful and detailed sound.
In this test, we will examine how the D3020 V2 differs from its competitors and classic amplifiers. We will check how it copes with different types of music, from chamber jazz to powerful rock. Most importantly, we will answer the question: can this unusual-looking little device become the heart of your home audio system?
Numbers and technology
Back in 1978, NAD released an amplifier with the model number 3020. This model became an absolute bestseller and sold in unimaginable quantities. And although the reason for the appearance of the brand's signature “NAD” sound, so beloved by audiophiles, was a circuit design error, there is no denying the fact that there were many more useful and effective solutions in the circuit, and it was these that ultimately secured the brand's success. And even though the original 3020 operated in class AB, and the new D3020 V2 is a representative of class D, in both cases we are talking about those very legendary “Nad” watts, the signature sound, and identical circuitry solutions. In short, the models are related not only by their numerical designations, but also by technologies that have been proven over decades of use.
When you need something inexpensive
The history of the development of the NAD D3020 model is quite interesting. Engineers sought to create a model that would be as outstanding in sound performance as the 3020, but with modern realities in mind, particularly the prevalence of digital sources. And the first of NAD's well-known technologies that comes to mind is Direct Digital, direct digital amplification implemented in the Master Series models.
The NAD D3020 is a completely different take on an integrated amplifier
However, it is not possible to make such a device compact and inexpensive, so only the low-noise switching power supply technology was borrowed from the brand's fully digital amplifiers. The signal section uses an eight-channel Cirrus Logic CS438* series DAC. There is no precise information about the chip model, but according to the manufacturer's specifications, only two chips fit the description: the CS4382 and CS4385. Both chips feature low noise (-114 dB) and can operate in balanced mode. But NAD engineers went further, using all 8 outputs (4 per channel) to further reduce noise and distortion.
The word “Digital” in this case implies the presence of digital inputs.
Next is the analog section with a high-precision volume control and a preamplifier based on LM49860 microcircuits, and immediately before the power amplifier is a proprietary clipping elimination circuit. NAD does not manufacture power amplifier boards for this and some other models, preferring to purchase a ready-made solution from the Danish company Hypex. They operate in class D, but this, I remind you, is analog technology, and specifically, the boards installed in the D3020 are also assembled from discrete components. They do not use ready-made PWM microcircuits, which are commonly found in inexpensive amplifiers.
Not like the rest
The simplest solution to gain recognition for the D3020 model would have been to place all of the above technologies in a classic case. It could even have shared some features with the original 3020. But the designers chose the opposite approach: the D3020 amplifier resembles neither classic nor modern models. It does not resemble a representative of the Hi-Fi world at all. This design is more comparable to a game console, a trendy gaming router, or a desktop hard drive. The vertical placement of the case alone goes against all the canons and standards of Hi-Fi design!
2018 Hi-Fi system (the vinyl player is not shown)
To be fair, I admit that the case allows for horizontal installation, but the location of the controls, indicators, and form factor as a whole clearly indicate that this is not the main installation scenario.
On the other hand, if we abstract ourselves from the established and long-outdated principles of building Hi-Fi components and Hi-Fi systems in general, it becomes obvious that a small amplifier, especially one with a vertical design, takes up a minimum of space. This means that it can be easily placed in areas where full-size components are inappropriate or undesirable. The most likely scenarios are: on a table or cabinet in a study, in the living room next to the TV when used for both music and movies, in the bedroom, and basically anywhere else where you want to install a mini Hi-Fi system with minimal impact on the overall look of the room.
The NAD D3020 V2 is not just a mini amplifier, but a true all-rounder in the world of audio technology: it sounds clearer and more powerful than most of its compact counterparts, works easily with various sources — from smartphones to streaming via Bluetooth or digital input — and looks stylish on any shelf. Despite its small size, it delivers amazing depth and clarity of sound, as if inviting you not just to listen to music, but to truly immerse yourself in it. This is one of those rare cases where quality, convenience, and design come together in one device — and it doesn't cost a fortune.
A complex fate
Here we should take another historical detour, because these unusual devices with a vertical form factor have been in the NAD range for several years. Five years ago, three such components were released at once: the first version of the D3020 amplifier, the more compact D1050 digital-to-analog converter, and the larger D7050 integrated amplifier. Sales statistics and user reviews prompted the company to reissue the D3020. It seems that this combination of numbers really does play a special role in NAD's history. Without access to statistics, I can't say how popular the first version of the D3020 was, but the very fact that the D3020 V2 has appeared suggests that this model, even if it didn't revolutionize the market, was at least able to create and fill its own niche.
Where is the top? Where is the bottom? Everything is mixed up!
In light of this, it is particularly interesting to trace the differences between the first and second versions. In both cases, we have one analog input, both types of SPDIF inputs, as well as a subwoofer output, allowing you to build a full-fledged trifonic system based on the D3020. Both devices have a 3.5 mm headphone output on the front panel and a 12 V trigger input on the rear panel. The first version of the D3020 had an additional 3.5 mm input that combined both analog and optical interfaces, and most importantly, this device was equipped with a USB-B input for connecting to a computer.
The 3.5 mm jacks helped to accommodate the desired number of inputs and outputs.
The second version also lost the combined analog-digital input, but gained a preamplifier output instead. The USB converter was replaced by a phono preamplifier input. The design changes are minimal, but in a sense, they are significant. Instead of a grippy ribbed volume control knob, a stylish smooth rubberized knob is used, and the scientific-looking digits of the output volume level indicator in decibels have been replaced by a neutral chain of white LEDs, which not only light up one by one, forming a chain, but also smoothly change brightness, making the indicator informative.
Top to bottom
It was decided to listen to this amplifier, which is so unusual in its essence, in an equally non-standard system. Instead of the usual cabinet speakers, a pair of PSB C-LCR speakers built into the ceiling were used. This is a square universal model designed for both home theater and music playback. The front panel of the speaker is recessed and tilted at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, which is definitely useful in terms of minimizing standing waves in the room. At the same time, the sound wave reaches the listening point at a sufficiently shallow angle, creating a very realistic soundstage.
Ceiling speakers can also sound great.
With one caveat: the adequacy of the soundstage depends on the listener's position relative to the direction of the speakers. If you move further away, or better yet, lie down or lean back in your chair, you get roughly the same feeling as when watching a movie from the front row of a theater, with the image above your head. This is the ideal option for bedroom sound. But if you prefer to listen to music while sitting in a chair, there are similar speakers that can be built into the wall, allowing you to enjoy classic stereo sound without cluttering your living space with unnecessary equipment.
But the most important feature of the PSB C-LCR is that, unlike conventional ceiling-mounted “pancakes” that are only suitable for background sound, this model is capable of playing music in all its fullness. In terms of components and technical characteristics, the PSB C-LCR is equivalent to the PSB Image series floorstanding speakers. The same can be said about the character, scale, and quality of the sound.
In the best traditions
The first impression can be described in two words: musical and detailed. On the album Riding With The King, all the instrumental parts were clear, and on the most energetic tracks, the guitars did not turn into mush. At the same time, the character of the musical presentation successfully combined natural sound with the warmth and expressiveness typical of the NAD-PSB combination. All the signature vocal and guitar licks of the blues masters were rendered with a high degree of authenticity.
The sound of Daft Punk's hits from the album Random Access Memories demonstrated excellent rhythm and very confident bass control, which is difficult to expect from such a miniature amplifier. Pressing the Bass button, which raises the frequency response in the 70-80 Hz range by about 7 dB, did not complicate the load on the amplifier in any way. Becoming more bass-heavy, the sound remained just as clear and controlled.
You can turn up the volume knob without hesitation—the amplifier is powerful and durable.
The theme of rhythm, clear signal fronts, and confident bass control continued with Dire Straits' “Calling Elvis.” I really liked how confidently and clearly this piece, familiar from the first to the last guitar riff, was played. The ballad “Fade to Black” from the same Dire Straits album sounded both soulful and very audiophile, so it was difficult to decide what was more surprising: the expressiveness or the resolution. The amplifier did not falter even with complex content. It played classical, free jazz, and metal fairly, accurately, and musically. After going through a fair number of musical compositions of different genres, I did not encounter a situation in which the amplifier showed any weaknesses. In its price category, it is more than good.
The battle for maximum volume has been going on for many years. And the legends are full of contradictions. Deep Purple started the first “wars”: their 1972 concert in London was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the loudest concert of that time (117 dB). Later it turned out that some concertgoers literally lost consciousness, so the creators of the record book take a negative view of such a “record” — events like this can lead to serious damage to the auditory system or fainting. All planes are loud, but some are louder than others. The American military aircraft Republic XF-84H is considered the loudest aircraft in history.
The loudest aircraft and the loudest spacecraft The American band Manowar claims to have performed several shows “over 120 dB,” not counting their rehearsal at the 2008 Magic Circle Fest, when the sound intensity reached 139 dB. The band Kiss also set their own record — 136 dB at a concert in Ottawa. The sound was so loud that fans complained and forced the musicians to turn down the volume.
Airplanes have become one of humanity's most important technical achievements, realizing our long-held dream of flight. However, anyone who has ever been near an airplane will confirm that these aircraft can sometimes be very noisy. No matter how loud all these rock bands are, they cannot take first place in the battle for the loudest sound. Let's continue!
The NAD D3020 V2 is one of those rare cases where technology doesn't just reproduce sound, but brings something new to the hobby. It breaks stereotypes about how a full-fledged amplifier should look and work, offering unexpectedly powerful and detailed sound from its miniature body.
Its main advantage is its sophistication. It is not just a piece of hardware, but the centerpiece of a modern audio system. Built-in Bluetooth with support for high-quality codecs, a USB input for a PC, the ability to connect a subwoofer, and preamp mode make it incredibly flexible. It is ready for any listening scenario right out of the box.
Ultimately, the D3020 V2 is the perfect choice for those who appreciate a modern approach and space-saving design but are not willing to compromise on sound quality. It proves that true musicality is not measured by the size of the case, and that technology can simplify life rather than complicate it. This is a smart and charismatic amplifier that sounds much more expensive than it costs.
