by Crutchfield's David Brown

A classic audiophile amp reborn for the digital age

Ask old-school audiophiles about the NAD 3020 and, chances are, you'll see a smile form on their face. The 3020 was a simple integrated amplifier that introduced a generation of music lovers to NAD's smooth tone and powerful output that punched harder than bigger, more "spec-heavy" amps. That's just what NAD has re-created with the D 3020 integrated amplifier. With a built-in digital-to-analog converter, Bluetooth streaming, and its array of digital inputs, the D 3020 is poised to introduce a new generation of digital music lovers to high-fidelity sound.

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A classic audiophile amp reborn for the digital age

24-bit/96kHz DAC with asynchronous USB input

The original 3020 integrated amp had it easy. About the only source anyone hooked up to it was a turntable. But with so many digital music sources available now, NAD had to outfit the D 3020 with a first-class digital-to-analog converter capable of high-resolution playback. So this amp is ready for CD and Blu-ray players, network streaming devices, and more. There's also an asynchronous USB input for using your computer as a high-fidelity music source. For MacBook® users, the analog minijack input doubles as a mini-optical input — just like the headphone/optical output on your MacBook.

More power than you think

If you think 30 watts doesn't sound like much power, don't be fooled. Not all watts are created equal, and NAD has a long history of designing integrated amps that sound far bigger than their specs might lead you to believe. Highly efficient, this little amp is perfect for powering a pair of bookshelf speakers while delivering warm, detailed sound from digital and analog sources. Need to fill out the bottom end? Connect a powered sub to the D 3020's subwoofer preamp output.

Designed to fit in tight spaces

This isn't your everyday rack-style component. The compact and streamlined D 3020 can stand on its side for placement on a desktop or shelf. Or lay it down flat in your cabinet or rack. You won't find a lot of unnecessary buttons cluttering this amp's front panel. Just an extra-large volume knob and a button for toggling between sources. The display shows which source is selected, as well as the volume level. What more do you need? Maybe Bluetooth? You got it. Stream tunes wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer for convenient playback.

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Product highlights:

30 watts x 2 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.005% THD
compact, low-profile design; vertical or horizontal orientation for placement flexibility
built-in 24-bit/96kHz digital-to-analog converter
asynchronous USB input for playback of high-resolution digital music files from a connected computer (up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution)
Bluetooth wireless connectivity for streaming music from compatible smartphones, tablets, and computers
- aptX® encoding provide high-quality music streaming from compatible devices
1 pair of analog stereo (RCA) inputs
miniplug analog input for connecting an iPod or other portable player
- can also be used as an optical input for Macbook laptop computers; miniplug-to-Toslink adapter included for use with an optical cable
standard Toslink optical digital input
coaxial digital input
no phono input — to connect a turntable you'll need to add a phono preamp
stereo binding-post speaker terminals
dedicated mono mini (3.5mm) output for powered subwoofer
built-in headphone amplifier with 3.5mm minijack output
12-volt trigger input
remote control
2-5/16"W x 7-3/8"H x 8-5/8"D (standing vertically)
weight: 3.05 lbs.
warranty: 2 years
MFR # D3020

What's in the box:

NAD D 3020 owner's manual

Hybrid digital amplifier
6' AC power cord
Remote control
CR2025 3V battery
Toslink-to-3.5mm adapter
4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
Quick Setup Guide
Warranty Card

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Researched by Crutchfield's Stacey B.

Features & specs

Performance Specs
Watts RMS per Channel (8-ohms)	30
Watts RMS per Channel (6-ohms)	Not given
Watts RMS per Channel (4-ohms)	Not given
Frequency Bandwidth	20-20k
THD	0.005%
Minimum Impedance	4 ohms
Amplifier Class	D
Signal to Noise Ratio	90
DAC Bit Depth	24-bit
DAC Sample Rate	192kHz
Features
Built-in DAC (Digital to Analog Converter)	Yes
Bluetooth	Yes
Wi-Fi	N/A
Built-in Radio Tuner	None
Room Correction	---
Connections
RCA Line-level Inputs	---
XLR Line-level Inputs	---
Phono Input	No
Optical Digital Inputs	1
Coaxial Digital Inputs	1
USB Input	Type-B
HDMI Inputs	---
Stereo Preamp Outputs	---
Subwoofer Outputs	1
Recording Output	No
HDMI Output	---
Home Theater Bypass	No
Pre-out/Main-in Loop	No
Headphone Output	3.5mm
Removable Power Cord	---
Streaming Compatibility
Apple AirPlay	No
Apple AirPlay 2	No
DTS Play-Fi	No
Chromecast built-in	No
Roon	No
HEOS	No
BluOS	No
Dimensions and Warranty
Width (inches)	2-5/16
Height (inches)	7-3/8
Depth (inches)	9-3/4
Weight (pounds)	3.05
Parts Warranty	2 Years
Labor Warranty	2 Years

The NAD D 3020 replaces these items:

NAD D 1050

Product Research

Features

Hybrid Digital Amplifier: The NAD D 3020 is a hybrid digital amplifier which incorporates NAD's PowerDrive and Soft Clipping technology for dynamic power, low distortion and noise, and minimal power consumption. Even at 30 watts x 2 channel, the D 3020 has the ability to drive difficult loudspeakers to satisfying levels without adding noise or distortion.

NAD PowerDrive Circuit: The D 3020 use NAD's proprietary PowerDrive amplifier technology that provides high dynamic power and low impedance drive capability. This uniquely efficient power supply topology provides the real world benefits of high dynamic power that remains uncompromised by low impedance speakers.
Soft Clipping: NAD's Soft Clipping circuit gently limits the output of the D 3020 to minimize audible distortion when the amplifier is over-driven.
NAD's Full Disclosure Power Ratings: NAD uses Full Disclosure Power (FDP), the most demanding criterion for performance measurement. FDP specifies distortion under the most extreme conditions of low impedance loads and frequency extremes, rather than the simple and easy 1kHz @ 8 ohms test quoted by many of other manufactures. NAD uses this stricter performance criterion because it more closely matches the demands of real music and real loudspeakers. Maintaining specified distortion at 4 ohms and at 20Hz to 20kHz is a much more difficult achievement. The NAD D 3020 is rated at 30 watts x 2 channel (@ 20-20kHz, in 8-ohms, with 0.005% THD).

Note: The D 3020's highly efficient design wastes less energy resulting in cooler running and longer life; standby power consumption is <0.5W.

Bass EQ Circuit: An innovative Bass EQ circuit helps small speakers sound bigger without overdriving or damaging drivers.

24-Bit/192kHz DAC: The NAD D 3020 hybrid digital amplifier incorporates an excellent quality 24-bit/192kHz DAC with 8 channels mixed to 2 channels for playback of your high-resolution digital music.

Asynchronous USB Input: The NAD D 3020 features an asynchronous USB (type-B) input to insure the lowest possible jitter (timing errors) from your connected Windows or Mac computer. The D 3020's USB input supports up to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution music files on your computer. The D 3020 is compatible with Mac OS X Snow Leopard (version 10.6) or later version. No additional USB driver required. It is also compatible with Windows (XP SP2 or higher and 7) with an additional USB driver download required from NAD website.

Digital Optical/Coaxial Inputs: The NAD D3020 is fitted with one digital coaxial (RCA) input and one optical (toslink) digital input for connection of your digital audio sources like CD and DVD players, satellite/cable boxes, or Apple TV. The unit will accept 2-channel PCM audio signals from the Optical or Coaxial inputs (not compatible with Dolby Digital/DTS).

Dual Analog Inputs: The D3020 offers two analog inputs; a stereo RCA input and a 3.5mm Aux input. Use the stereo RCA input for older non-digital audio components, like your AM/FM tuner. Use the 3.5mm Aux input to connect your portable digital music player. The 3.5mm input can also be used as an optical input for Macbook laptop computers (miniplug-to-Toslink adapter included for use with an optical cable).

Bluetooth aptX Music Streaming: The NAD D 3020 offers built-in Bluetooth aptX technology. Via Bluetooth, you can wirelessly stream music from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to the hybrid digital amplifier. The D 3020 even supports aptX audio coding which delivers CD-quality sound wirelessly over Bluetooth. The D 3020 is compatible with most Bluetooth devices (such as Apple, Android, and Blackberry). However, due to the differences in Bluetooth technology, some Bluetooth enabled devices may be incompatible, function improperly, or may not support all features.

Binding Post Speaker Terminals: The NAD D 3020 hybrid digital amplifier is equipped with four binding post terminals to connect your loudspeakers. The binding post speaker terminals will accept bar wire (up to 10AWG), banana plugs (dual or single), pin-connectors, and spade-connectors.

Subwoofer Output: The NAD hybrid digital amplifier features a mono mini-jack (3.5mm) subwoofer output for connecting an external powered subwoofer to your system.

Built-in Headphone Amp: The D 3020 features an integrated headphone amp with a 3.5mm headphone output jack to connect a pair of headphones for private listening. A specially designed low noise headphone circuitry accommodates a wide range of headphones, even 600-ohm studio models. Once headphones are connected to the D 3020, your connected speakers will be turned off.

IR Remote Control: The NAD D 3020 comes with an IR remote for wireless operation of the hybrid digital amplifier. You can turn amplifier on/off, raise/lower volume, and switch sources from the remote. The playback controls on the remote are not functional.

+12V Trigger Input: The +12V trigger input (3.5mm) lets you turn on/off the D 3020 from another device with a +12V trigger output.

Vertical or Horizontal Mounting: The NAD D 3020 can be installed vertically or horizontally. Four self-adhesive rubber feet are included.

Vertical Dimensions: 2.3125" (w) x 7.375" (h) x 9.75" (d)
Horizontal Dimensions: 7.375" (w) x 2.3125" (h) x 9.75" (d)

The NAD D 3020 replaces these items

NAD D 1050

Stereo DAC/headphone amplifier

8 reviews

supports sample rates up to 24-bit/192kHz for listening to high-resolution digital music sources
digital audio inputs — 2 optical, 2 coaxial, and an asynchronous USB (Type B)
built-in headphone amplifier and headphone volume control

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13 questions already asked

What kind of sub woofer cable is needed for this?

brian r Feb 07, 2018

2 answers

I do not have a subwoofer, but if you google this unit it states that there is a dedicated mono mini (3.5mm) output for powered subwoofer.

robert Feb 07, 2018

The D3020 has a 3.5mm jack as a sub out. I'm using a 3.5mm to rca interconnect running to a Polk sub and it works great.

michael Feb 07, 2018

Does this amp have treble and bass control?

ahmad Jan 25, 2018

3 answers

It does not.

michael Feb 01, 2018

No, not specific bass and treble controls. As the manual notes, however, a setting allows you to "Boost overall bass response by at least 6 dB. BASS is illuminated in the display with BASS EQ enabled."

john Jan 31, 2018

There is no bass or treble control on this amp. This is not an issue with its performance.

christopher Jan 31, 2018

What kind of power cord termination is that for the NAD D3020?

shek Jan 18, 2018

3 answers

The cord comes with it - it is a three prong 120V - I use mine with my outside tv hooked to two bose speakers

breck Jan 18, 2018

The NAD D3020 power cord has a Mickey Mouse (slang) or IEC320C5 (official) connector. It is same power cord used by laptop power supply bricks.

robert Jan 18, 2018

Standard 3 prong 110 VAC plug - but I do NOT recommend this device. Powering up is slower than death and sound is weak. I should have returned this device but too late now. A big letdown from both NAD and Crutchfield.

laurence Jan 18, 2018

Is this the newest 3020 v2 ??????

colorfuldreams4u Jan 13, 2018

2 answers

jerald Jan 13, 2018

The unit in the picture appears identical to the one I purchased in 2016. Not sure what v2 means.

brian Jan 13, 2018

Can the mini TOSLINK be used with any device connected with an optical cable as long as the adapter is used? The only thing I read here is that it can be used as an option out of a macbook with mini optical output. Thanks.

john Aug 03, 2017

2 answers

I use a regular digital optical cable to connect to a Sonos unit. No adaptor is used in my case. It works well.

timothy Aug 04, 2017

YES IT CAN

adrian Aug 04, 2017

Comcast x1 remote code? Had it working, but lost it when I changed TVs. The codes I can find only control volume, not power.

matt Jul 15, 2016

1 answer

Sorry- I have not been able to get my Comcast remote to control my NAD amp at all. None of the codes for NAD on the Comcast website worked.

frank Jul 19, 2016

Does this amp turn on automatically when connected to a digital source? I see it has a stand by mode. I want to use this with my TV via an optical cable and would like it to turn on when the TV is turned on for family ease of use.

thomas Jan 27, 2016

2 answers

No it doesn't. You have to turn it on manually, using either the remote or the touch-sensitive power light on the top;.

israel Jan 27, 2016

It doesn't on a digital coaxial connection. I highly doubt it does on optical.

tami Jan 27, 2016

What are good floor standing or bookshelf speakers would you recommend to get best of the sound from NAD D3020 ? The price range for a pair of speakers no more than $1500.00 please. Thanks

andrei Aug 12, 2015

5 answers

Speaker sound is very subjective, and each brand/design has a characteristic sound. I have used JBL (my preference), Bose, Klipsch, and Infinity with my NAD amplifier, and the audio characteristics were exactly as I expected from each speaker. Therefore I would recommend that you audition speakers and find what you like, but before purchase is final listen using the NAD amplifier. Keep in mind that the amplifier is relatively low power, so you should concentrate your search on relatively efficient speakers. Also note that it is frequently recommended that the speakers should cost about the same or a bit more than the amplifier. Thus $1500 speakers with a $400 amplifier is unbalanced quality unless you are planning to upgrade the amplifier.

chester w Aug 16, 2015

That's a tough question. It depends on so many factors. But, for what it is worth, I use my NAD D3020 in a sub/satellite configuration with a pair of Focal Chorus 705s and a Definitive Technology 10" powered sub. Works great!

maynard Aug 14, 2015

I've paired mine with a set of Axiom bookshelves and a Velodyne sub.

patrick Aug 14, 2015

Paradigm Studio 20s sound great.

craig d Aug 14, 2015

Kef LS50 Wonderful.

lawrence p Aug 14, 2015

Can I connect an iPhone via USB rather than Bluetooth for better sound quality?

wobert Apr 17, 2015

2 answers

You can connect through a standard 3.5 mm AUX cable.

viswanath Apr 22, 2015

I forwarded your question to an Advisor and they responded with the following: The USB input on the NAD D3020 integrated amp will just be for connection of a computer. It is a type B USB connection which will not be compatible with any iDevices. If you would like to discuss further you can contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.

kristina Apr 22, 2015 (Staff)

Hello every one How bluetooth aptx connect ? Did DAC convert bluetooth aptx to analog for headphone too? Thanks

khang Dec 02, 2014

4 answers

I don't have an APTX device. But standard Bluetooth on an iPhone connects fine. It's not the best method, but it does work through the speaker outputs. I assume the headphone would be the same. Sorry couldn't help more.

maynard Dec 04, 2014

I have iMac, iPad, iPod, and iPhone devices and they all "pair" with the D3020 via bluetooth no problem. Since bluetooth is only another input to the amp, the signal appears at the headphone jack too.

chester w Dec 03, 2014

sorry i only wired it to the speaker so don't know how it works for your case.

fan Dec 03, 2014

To my knowledge, there's no indication on the D 3020 that a bluetooth connection is aptx or not. That's probably because aptx is a compression codec that allows for higher bitrate audio to be transmitted over bluetooth's limited bandwidth, not necessarily a different kind of bluetooth connection. If the transmitting and receiving devices both support aptx, then I believe it just defaults to that codec. Both the main and the headphone DACs support aptx. Wouldn't make sense for the hardware not to support the software.

john Dec 03, 2014

When using a subwoofer are there options for setting the main speakers low frequency cut-off?

christopher Sep 17, 2014

3 answers

Chris: Unfortunately it does not have a low freq cut-off. I love this thing. It sound awesome for a little amp.

lawrence p Sep 18, 2014

I contacted NAD about this. I was told that when the sub-out is engaged, its pre-set at 100hz for the sub out (low pass) and the speaker-out crossover (high pass) is also 100hz

james Sep 18, 2014

No, it is fixed.

maynard Sep 18, 2014

How do you connect powered subwoofers using the minijack out on this? Do any powered subwoofers accept mini-jack inputs, or are adapters necessary?

james Jan 12, 2014

1 answer

Yes, as a matter of fact im using a sub-woofer with the D3020. For most and in my case it requires a converter/adapter cable (mini-jack to RCA). It works and sounds great with my Polk Sub-woofer!

james Jan 13, 2014

I'm interested in the 3020 for a desktop computer system I'm beginning to assemble based on the many rave reviews it has received. However, I'm a little confused as to why NAD did not opt for a 24/192 DAC instead of a 24/96. This doesn't seem to make any sense when many lesser priced components from other companies do utilize the higher rate DACs in similar products. The same might be asked as to why NAD did not incorporate DSD decoding ability since that seems to be such a hot commodity of late. Are these missing abilities going to be a severe drawback for a computer music system or am I just not seeming the big picture here?

robert Jan 06, 2014

7 answers

The D 3020 supports 24/192 via optical/coaxial inputs; the USB is limited to 24/96. If you go to NAD website and download the "DATA SHEET" it states: "> Reinventing an Icon By adapting to today's media sources and using state-of-the-art digital technology for the new world of digital music, the D 3020 puts a completely modern spin on an old icon. The original designer of the 3020, NAD's Director of Advanced Technology, Bjorn Erik Edvardsen, has been pivotal in developing the D 3020 for the new digital generation. Offering an excellent quality 24/192 DAC with 8 channels mixed to 2 for improved resolution, the D 3020 represents the same kind of value-bending innovation that gave the original 3020 its legendary overachieving phono stage."

paul d Jan 12, 2014

The key thing on the D 3020 is that NAD is following on the original 1970s 3020 by providing outstanding sound with basic features at attractive price. A manufacturer can always add more features and increase the price. As it is, the D 3020 sounds excellent in my study with MacPro source and JBL Studio Monitor speakers. If you peruse any technical articles or reviews, you will find that there is much more to the sound of a DAC than bit/sample rate number. Of course there are cheapie DACs, as well as good ones at $500 and $5000. And there is a difference; you get what you pay for. If you want to experience the full effect of studio-quality uncompressed data files at 24/192 you should probably buy a good DAC, quality amplifier, and appropriate speakers. You won't hear any benefit on a "budget" system. If you need the small physical footprint of the NAD, you should perhaps consider the D 7050. Though it is twice the price, it has the more sophisticated DAC, and a bit more power in the same vertical case as the D 3020.

chester w Jan 07, 2014

Hello, As I don't work for NAD, I can't answer your questions definitively, but I'll do my best. I would imagine that NAD neglected to put a 24/192 DAC in the d3020 for two reasons. One, doing so would have eliminated any reason for someone to buy the DAC-only device in this lineup (the d1050 I think, can't remember). Two, including a 24/192 DAC in the d3020 would have pushed its price point up too high, or at least higher than that which NAD was aiming for. As to whether having a 24/192 capable DAC will degrade your listening experience or not, I suppose that depends on what you'll be listening to. It is VERY rare to come across music in true 24/192 form. For the most part, the only reason any music exists in the 192kHz format is for studio editing. So, if you're planning on using this unit to playback audio you've been editing, to listen for minute changes you've made in the range above 96kHz, then yes, I suppose you'd be better off with a unit that can handle that format. In any other scenario, the lack of 24/192 ability will almost definitely not make a difference. It's somewhat common for audiophiles like us to get caught up in having the absolute best, newest, highly-capable everything. Some of that, however, just isn't worth the price of admission. There's a reason why this unit is $500. That reason is because it's free of a lot of that kind of stuff. Finally, let me just say that I received one of the very first D 3020s to ship, and have been living with it for several months now. It's an absolutely excellent digital amp, and I could not be happier with it. I've read several of the reviews for it, and they're all spot on. This is, without a doubt, the best $500 you can spend on a digital amp, no problem. Before buying my D 3020, I did extensive research into competing products, only to discover that there weren't any really.

john Jan 07, 2014

Don't know, I have it on Hi fi system.

harvey Jan 06, 2014

From a marketing perspective, having a 24/192 DAC would be a good thing. But, NAD has never been a company to get caught up in specifications. Amplifier power, for example, is always conservatively rated from NAD. In the end, it is a solid product that delivers great sound at a great price . IMO, the DAC rate is a non-issue. Very little source material is available at 24/192 anyway - only from HDTracks (or similar) and certainly not iTunes/Amazon. I'm not sure it is even possible to hear the difference between 24/96 and 24/192. Don't let the specifications alone drive your decision.

maynard Jan 06, 2014

I doubt very much that there is anything that can be heard or felt above 96Khz. I think that the 192 stuff is another audiophile red herring. My two cents.

james Jan 06, 2014

sorry this is my first amplifier and i only used it for a CD player. i don't have much idea how it performs for the desktop system.

fan Jan 06, 2014

SHOW MORESHOW LESS

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