2. amps-preamps
  3. 1118142012

NAD 3140 - I know nothing

I have just bought this NAD 3140 integrated amp and know nothing about it at all. In fact, I know nothing about hi fi at all, but I love well-reproduced music (jazz, classical, really old blues and other American "roots" music, and lots more besides), so I want to start learning. Unfortunately, my budget is extremely meagre.

I've searched around on the 'net and found references to a legendary NAD 3020 and a few others. They all seem to be well thought of, but nothing about this one, even specifications - and I don't even know how many watts output it has!

What I'd be most gratful for would be recomendations for cheap old speakers to match it, and a tuner too. Because I've read that CD players are more likely to be faulty, I've been thinking of using a new DVD player with it to play CDs (and kill two birds with one stone - I'll be able to watch DVDs too) - is that a good idea?

Just can't seem to get this kind of advice down here in New Zealand!
wetagogo

Showing 7 responses by gonglee3

gonglee3
304 posts
 
For speakers, try to hear these in hifi shops in your area, before buying. Are you near a goodguys or tweeter store? You can search for the location on the web.

If not, find hifi stores on your telephone book and try to hear these:

PSB
Paradigm studio 20
Monitor audio

Once you find one you like, you can buy them here on the audiogon used and save.

For a tuner, I would go with an old Marantz receiver like 2230 on ebay - less than $100. The marantz is an amp as well - you might like the sound of it better than NAD. Talk to the seller to make sure all is working, since they are old.

For a cd player, you can use Toshiba dvd 3960 - on ebay for $50.

Welcome to this exciting hobby...
Hope you find your listening pleasure...
gonglee3
304 posts
 
I would recommend this speaker.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1121495113

I have them and like them a lot.
gonglee3
304 posts
 
You can buy speakers used - this is a New Zealand sight. You might want to speak with the seller to make sure there are no issues with the speaker.

You can also pick up a tuner here too.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/listings/listings_search_results.asp?searchtype=GENERAL&searchstring=speaker&searchregion=100
gonglee3
304 posts
 
B&W is a good company - should be ok.
For DVD player, Toshiba 3960 is an affordable and surprisingly good sounding one.
gonglee3
304 posts
 
You can use tape in as well as aux for TV.

The ground is for connecting your Turntable, so if you don't have one, you don't have to worry about it.

You should release the Bridging button when using with 2 speakers.

You should connect pre/amp out, to power/amp in.

I don't know what "Lab in" is but I wouldn't worry about it.

I hope you like the sound you are putting together - if not, save up some money, and come back for more suggestions.

Toshiba 3960 is a good affordable DVD/CD player.
gonglee3
304 posts
 
Sorry for the error - I thought bridging was for using it in mono like some amps to get more power - listen to Tim, he has the particulat unit so he sounds like he knows for sure.
gonglee3
304 posts
 
Glad you found nice speakers.
You sound like you are not %100 happy with CD.

If you want to upgrade, I would recommend a NAD CD player. They go together well with a NAD receiver.

You should be able to find used one for not too much at the auction.

You might want to get better cables - like Ixos or signal to hook them all up.

There is a lot you can do to tweak your system to sound better - If you still want more. I would read here -

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?hbest&1094164615&openflup&39&4#39
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