Description
NAD 7020 Stereo ReceiverEquivalent to the NAD 3020 amplifier and NAD 4020 tuner together in a single unit. An 1980s Classic The NAD 3020 launched in 1979 to rave reviews in the hi-fi press. Designed by Bjorn Erik Edvardsen for the British company New Acoustic Dimension it was the antithesis of trends that had dominated the 1970s. Where rival brands glorified in the quantity of knobs, dials and twinkling lights, NAD stripped it back to basics. They spent the money where it mattered: delivering the best quality sound for the price. Specification The NAD 7020 used the amplifier components and circuit design from the renowned and highly successful NAD 3020 and tuner components from the NAD 4020. It had 2 channels with 20W RMS per channel (rated at 8 ohms). While this appeared a modest claim in print, magazine reviews reported that it punched well above its weight. Features included soft clipping which acted like a form of compression to avoid harshness and distortion if the amplifier was over-driven; and the pre-amp and power-amp stages were connected by twin pairs of RCA sockets, bridged by metal links. Owners who wanted to take it to the next level could remove the links and connect the 7020 to an external power amp. Inputs were via RCA sockets for phono (suitable for turntables with moving magnet cartridges), tape and auxiliary. A single pair of RCA outlets were provided for tape (record), with a switch on the front panel to toggle between the input and output circuits. Also a single 5-pin DIN socket, popular with 8-track and reel-to-reel tape machines in the 1970s, incorporating record and play pins in one connector. Speaker outputs had raw wire spring terminals in two stereo groups: A and B. Owners could use this for a second pair of speakers in another room, or to create a more spacious ambient stereo sound. The instructions explain how to wire the speakers for best ambient effect. The analogue tuner had a good reputation for sound, too. It has no presets, but accurate tuning was easy with a big knob, long, finely graduated scale and an intuitive left/centre/right tuning indicator. The tuning scale is subtly illuminated, just enough to see the markings in a darkened room (see picture). Setting the input selector to FM Mute filtered out white noise between stations when tuning. This is the UK variant suitable for 240V 50Hz AC mains supply only.There is no voltage selector to change input voltage on this model. History In 1981 my father and I went to Hi-Fi Markets in Lion House, Tottenham Court Road, to audition the classic combination of Dual CS 505 (£75), NAD 3020 (£80), NAD 4020 (£80) and AR 18S speakers (£120). We thought it was a fabulous combination but they were sold out of most products. Instead they offered a Dual CS 506-1 and this 7020 receiver, which was the 3020 + 4020 in one box, for £160. Apart from a warranty repair to the transformer in 1982, the 7020 remained on the same shelf, in the same room, used and enjoyed for 10 years. When it was eventually replaced with something more high-end, the NAD was carefully removed, packed in its original box, and stowed in the attic in case it came in useful again. There it remained untouched for 30 years. Cosmetic Condition Condition has benefitted from being set up in one place and not moved again until it was packed away. I probably handled it more when taking pictures for this listing than anyone has in the last 40 years. However, it was used and very much enjoyed and there is evidence of that use. You will notice: The balance ring isnt quite centred (and never was);Minor abrasion on the sharp edges of the fascia where paint has worn away;Paint worn by fingertips between the B and A+B settings on the speaker knob, caused by regular switching of the speakers to off when using headphones;Paint worn below the AM setting caused by regular use of the selector knob;Marks on the right hand side, near the lower front screw;A mottling of the paint finish most evident on the far right hand side. Ive highlighted all this in the photographs. Functionality It works well. I lifted the lid and checked visually for any signs of heat or decay. With the lid removed I powered it up, left it running for 10 minutes and inspected for any acrid smells or curls of smoke. There were none. The rheostats for volume and balance sounded scratchy at first becoming quieter after a few rotations. I tested the phono input with the Dual CS 506-1 and a pair of Monitor Audio 252s. The sound was very much as I remembered: not as detailed as something more expensive, nor with as broad or deep a soundstage, but with a warm tone and gutsy delivery that gave it a lively, engaging character. It got my toes tapping. I enjoyed it enough to keep listening to the end of the record. There were no issues. I checked the auxiliary input with the analogue stereo output from a television, and left it running on FM while I took photographs of the illuminated display. Total running time was getting on for two hours with no issues. I was not able to check the tape output or DIN socket (no tape machine to hand), though the RCA input worked fine. I would be delighted to demonstrate it to someone collecting it in person. Reason for Sale Im de-cluttering. The attic floor is groaning under the weight of stuff kept in case it came in useful again. Time to put it to better use. This is a nice, clean, well-kept example of a NAD 7020 receiver that deserves to be in use and enjoyed. Packing and Post While I am happy to post it, the receiver and even the box are 42 years old and fragile. If you can, better to collect it in person. Prices shown are for Royal Mail Tracked with Signature, according to the Royal Mail Online Prices PDF, dated 12 July 2023. International Post To international buyers, I am relying on eBays Global Shipping Program for international post. This is where I simply post it to a UK warehouse and eBay take responsibility for the entire shipment from that point on: customs declaration, customs fees, shipping and delivery. I dont get to see or calculate those prices or delivery dates, but you do. I will simply promise to despatch it within 2 days of receiving payment in full.
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