NAD 3120 & Mordaunt-Short MS10i

[matthewpianist]

An ancient, bulky analog device, today it has no meaning, even aesthetic (old European/American audio equipment was usually worse in quality and appearance than Japanese)

That's just a matter of opinion and preference, and if we're talking bulky, have you actually seen some of the Sansui and Pioneer amps of the day?

There was good and bad from every country, and the NAD was ground breaking in bringing great sound to a more affordable price point. A 3020 or 3120 in nicely fettled condition can still sound very engaging today, and there's nothing meaningless about that. It's the same with my 33/303 combination, though I also have the Audiolab 6000A MkII, which is outstanding for its price.

I've tried compact kit like the WiiM Amp Ultra and the Ultra/Vibelink combination and, to be perfectly honest, I was underwhelmed and unengaged.

 

[landco]

A 3020 or 3120 in nicely fettled condition can still sound very engaging today

Amplifiers do not sound, they do not have "their own" sound. Amplifiers amplify, nothing more. To participate in the discussion, you first need to overcome the typical audiophile stereotype.

 

[matthewpianist]

Amplifiers do not sound, they do not have "their own" sound. Amplifiers amplify, nothing more. To participate in the discussion, you first need to overcome the typical audiophile stereotype.

It's my choice whether or not I participate in this discussion, not yours. I have more than enough experience with hi-fi (40 years in fact), to know that amplifiers do impact the sound, and I'm not alone in this. I'm not an 'audiophile stereotype' and have the wisdom and experience to question some of the things touted as being game changers, but I know what I hear and have the faculties as a listener (and furthermore as a musician) to be able to differentiate when something makes a difference.

 

[Al ears]

It's my choice whether or not I participate in this discussion, not yours. I have more than enough experience with hi-fi (40 years in fact), to know that amplifiers do impact the sound, and I'm not alone in this. I'm not an 'audiophile stereotype' and have the wisdom and experience to question some of the things touted as being game changers, but I know what I hear and have the faculties as a listener (and furthermore as a musician) to be able to differentiate when something makes a difference.

It would appear the person to whom you replied has been banned.....

 

[matthewpianist]

It would appear the person to whom you replied has been banned.....

Yes, I see there has been similar posts aimed at other forum members.

 

[Al ears]

Yes, I see there has been similar posts aimed at other forum members.

Indeed.

 

[record_spot]

Amplifiers do not sound, they do not have "their own" sound. Amplifiers amplify, nothing more. To participate in the discussion, you first need to overcome the typical audiophile stereotype.

I think to participate in this discussion you first need to make sure you don't get yourself banned...

 

[record_spot]

So, back on track, I posted the other night about the recordstore.co.uk sale and how they'd knocked 40% off of The Rolling Stones in Mono 16LP boxset, which just turned up tonight. I can safely say that having played the first three LPs ("The Rolling Stones", "No2" and "12x5") the NAD amp, MS10i speakers and the Cambridge Audio Alva ST turntable with the AT-VM540ML is an utter winner of a combination.

All I will say is that shopping around carefully will get you some very fine pieces from yesteryear. The NAD amp is recapped and fully serviced, the speakers checked over too. The mono LPs are a real joy and I recall the appeal of that aspect of vinyl from my younger years. The mono mix is so dialled in, but you don't lose a thing. The separation in the instruments and the vocals are rock solid - it's fantastic.

As a rough guide, the turntable was about £450 as an open box (aka - mint) bought direct from Cambridge, the AT-540ML came in at about £240 at the time, the NAD 3120 was about £175 and the MS10i speakers £110. And for playback this good, that's ****ing nuts. This kind of thing - and yes, it's to my ears and my audio preferences - puts some systems with rather heftier price tags in place.

Back in June last year I was down at Cranage listening to a bunch of different systems, many of which were absolutely stunning, others less so. Given the options out there, we're spoilt for choice these days, but it's worth considering older, carefully looked after gear too. This trip down memory lane has been a real delight for me and brought some genuine high quality audio with it.

 

[Al ears]

So, back on track, I posted the other night about the recordstore.co.uk sale and how they'd knocked 40% off of The Rolling Stones in Mono 16LP boxset, which just turned up tonight. I can safely say that having played the first three LPs ("The Rolling Stones", "No2" and "12x5") the NAD amp, MS10i speakers and the Cambridge Audio Alva ST turntable with the AT-VM540ML is an utter winner of a combination.

All I will say is that shopping around carefully will get you some very fine pieces from yesteryear. The NAD amp is recapped and fully serviced, the speakers checked over too. The mono LPs are a real joy and I recall the appeal of that aspect of vinyl from my younger years. The mono mix is so dialled in, but you don't lose a thing. The separation in the instruments and the vocals are rock solid - it's fantastic.

As a rough guide, the turntable was about £450 as an open box (aka - mint) bought direct from Cambridge, the AT-540ML came in at about £240 at the time, the NAD 3120 was about £175 and the MS10i speakers £110. And for playback this good, that's ****ing nuts. This kind of thing - and yes, it's to my ears and my audio preferences - puts some systems with rather heftier price tags in place.

Back in June last year I was down at Cranage listening to a bunch of different systems, many of which were absolutely stunning, others less so. Given the options out there, we're spoilt for choice these days, but it's worth considering older, carefully looked after gear too. This trip down memory lane has been a real delight for me and brought some genuine high quality audio with it.

Should you buy many more Mono pressings it might be worth investing in a Mono cartridge and another headshell.