NAD 3240PE Stereo Amplifier

Elite-ist · Oct 24, 2017

Hi all,

No, it's not the biggest amp in terms of power output, but it's a small amp that yields a big stick. This amp - a NAD 3240PE - was sitting in an upper cupboard in one of the offices at work. It probably sat there since the place, where I presently work, shut down operations in 2006. I'm still working at the same site and the running joke I like to tell is I came with all the other assets once the new employer bought the place.

I ran it for a few hours today in my usual test area - the downstairs bedroom. It has some great features - somewhat typical of NAD components which were were well-built back in the day and surprised plenty of buyers with its affordability and ability to embarrass other similar components at more than twice its retail price.

I've attached a scan of the info on it. Anything jump out at you for a 40 wpc amplifier? How about 6 dB of dynamic headroom or a switchable soft-clipping circuit or a good phono preamp stage. Read on...

And a little demo I did of it, today:

<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MVffsgh7n2k" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

Nando.

orange · Oct 24, 2017

I can't beging to appreciate that through the little 'speakers' in a widescreen monitor...I'm going to have to get a small amp and speakers going on the bench.

laatsch55 · Oct 24, 2017

Man, your workplace was pretty damn easy on that piece Nando, not a scratch on er!!

Elite-ist · Oct 24, 2017

Lee: It's like new - just needed to be dusted off and a spray-clean of the exterior with ACDelco glass cleaner.

Nando.

Netfly · Oct 24, 2017

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62vauxhall · Oct 25, 2017

I too happen to like the sound of NAD equipment. There's something about it that makes me want to hear it again. I've had three 3020's that were probably all the amplification I need in my "environment" but sold them after I played with them for a while. I like their pre-amps and CD players but I've only listened to the older stuff.

My only not so good experience with NAD was a 7240PE receiver. It was a basket case, with disconnected output transistors that I found in the trunk of I car I brought to a steel recycler. The obvious intention was for it to be recycled as well.

But silly me, I thought I could resurrect the thing and and even posted about here on Phoenix last year. I also posted on other sites and did benefit knowledge wise from some who were familiar with NAD gear. My understanding was the Power
Envelope design works and to some extent there are two amplifiers on one chassis so complex.

My foray into that receiver did not have a good outcome and cost a bundle in transistors I had to chase down from all over the place - California, Hong Kong and Australia. Also learned that what NAD prints may differ substantially from the actual product. In the case of that 7240PE, Darlington transistors wound up being used at one point for which no mention was made on the schematic or parts list. The printed part number was for something else completely.

But they do sound good and 6dB headroom is nothing to sneeze at. So long as you or anyone else does not have to get inside it. I will still be attracted by NAD gear but likely avoid any that have the "PE" designation.

If that amp has a speaker protection relay(s) in it, the ones NAD used are known to be flaky.

kevin · Oct 25, 2017

Elite-ist said:

ACDelco Glass Cleaner ....... I carry that in my trunk at all times !!!! Good stuff !!

Elite-ist · Oct 25, 2017

I go thorough plenty of cans of ACDelco glass cleaner. I got into the habit of using it probably about 20 years ago when I went to a new car show and all the new GM cars on display were sparkling-clean. The old fellow at the show booth was using glass cleaner to clean all the exterior surfaces, not just the glass. Of course, I use it on my cars, stereo equipment, and even counter tops.

Nando.

Elite-ist · Oct 25, 2017

Gary: As usual, I looked up info about it after I got it home. That's when I discovered mostly positive reviews on this integrated amplifier. I have a survivor NAD 3020. It looks a little haggard, but it sounds great. I need to resolder the speakers connectors and find a replacement knob that's factory-correct.

Nando.

62vauxhall · Oct 25, 2017

Elite-ist said:

What knob do you need? Big'un or little'un?

Elite-ist · Oct 26, 2017

I will let you know once I retrieve it, Gary. It's squirreled away on a shelf in storage.

Nando.

NAD 3240PE Stereo Amplifier

Elite-ist

Administrator, (and straight-up pimp stick!)

orange

Veteran and General Yakker

laatsch55

Administrator,

Elite-ist

Administrator, (and straight-up pimp stick!)

Netfly

Journeyman

62vauxhall

Veteran and General Yakker

kevin

Forum Veteran and Hillbilly

Elite-ist

Administrator, (and straight-up pimp stick!)

Elite-ist

Administrator, (and straight-up pimp stick!)

62vauxhall

Veteran and General Yakker

Elite-ist

Administrator, (and straight-up pimp stick!)