I need an expert opinion

[HorizonsEdge]

I recently got a NAD 3020v2 to drive my KEF Q150's. The NAD has been running hot. Hotter than spec. I contacted NAD support for the spec and bought an infrared thermometer to monitor. Anyway, this is what they have come up with:

Thank you for those details.

In speaking with our NAD Specialist, he has suggested that this model KEF speaker can dip down to 3.7ohms and that this is likely what is driving the D3020 to run hotter than usual. It would be advisable to be on the safe side and either pair a different set of speakers to the D3020 or pair a different integrated amp with these Q150s

I hope this helps!

Does this make sense? or is it just something to blame their performance issues on?

Thanks

and happy get out of 2020 alive!

 

[sergeauckland]

The 3020v2 is rated down to 2 ohms, (2x 150 watts) so your 'speakers are fine with it.

However, there is a lot inside it and not much ventilation, so I would expect it to get warm. How hot does it actually get?

Reading the manual, they do stress the importance of adequate ventilation, so they expect it to get warm.

S

 

[HorizonsEdge]

NAD says temp is capped at 44C. I am running 50C at 60% volume. I had to cannibalize a PC case fan and make it into a USB fan to cool it.

 

[Helicopter]

3.7 ohm minimum impedance is amp friendly, not the other way around. More likely the 86dB sensitivity is giving the 3020 a hard time.

The amp should be able to handle 60 percent volume all day long.

50 degrees C (122F) is not really that hot IMO. Maybe it will be fine. If 50 degree temperature is the only symptom, I would just accept it. 60 C (140F) would concern me.

 

[wwenze]

Even if it does dip to 3.7 ohm at the lowest, that is only for a narrow portion of your entire spectra, like, 5% of all the power?

The 3020v2 is rated down to 2 ohms, (2x 150 watts) so your 'speakers are fine with it.

However, there is a lot inside it and not much ventilation, so I would expect it to get warm. How hot does it actually get?

Reading the manual, they do stress the importance of adequate ventilation, so they expect it to get warm.

S

I think I see the problem here... from NAD's specifications:

• Rated Power at 8 ohms
• 2 x 30 Watts
• IHF Dynamic Power 8 ohms
• 2 x 60 Watts
• 4 ohms
• 2 x 100 Watts
• 2 ohms
• 2 x 150 Watts

The presence of dynamic power rating, plus the 4 ohm / 2 ohm ratings (I assume those are dynamic power too) being much higher than the rated power @ 8 ohm, suggests that this thing actually has a butt-ton of max output current capability, and decent enough supply voltage to provide 60W into 8 ohms. Which means the thing limiting continuous power is likely heat.

https://www.hifinews.com/content/nad-d-3020-v2-amplifier-lab-report

On basically the cooling sucks.

 

[trl]

I recently got a NAD 3020v2 to drive my KEF Q150's. The NAD has been running hot. Hotter than spec. I contacted NAD support for the spec and bought an infrared thermometer to monitor. Anyway, this is what they have come up with:



Does this make sense? or is it just something to blame their performance issues on?

Thanks

and happy get out of 2020 alive!

Based on https://nadelectronics.com/product/d-3020v2-hybrid-digital-amplifier/ NAD os aware that their amp should be compatible with 8 and 4 Ohms speakers. That means NAD amplifier should be comfortable driving a 4 Ohms speaker that can go as low as 2.5-3 Ohms at the resonance frequencies. Their answer lacks customer obsession and technical knowledge as well.

Happy 2021 to all!

 

[HorizonsEdge]

To close this out . . .

I tested the 3020v2 with Polk S15's and got the same results. As much as I really like the NAD because of the sound and size I just sent it back to safeandsoundhq.com . They were very helpful. NAD and KEF CS chimed in as well. Overall it was a good experience aside from the fact that I had to send it back.

I unboxed my backup system, Yamaha r-s202+topping d30, and will use that for a while.

I really want a smaller foot print solution. Any idea's?

 

[zachery2006]

I don't think 50/60 Celsius degree is a big deal. If it is more than 70, then I would concern. If it is really bother you, you can buy some heatsink and glue to the surface.

 

[Geert]

I really want a smaller foot print solution. Any idea's?

Teac AX-501, or one of their other amp's in this product line. I had one for years. Great build quality, and is class D so mine never got hot.