NAD D 3020 analogue input volume.

[ChrisIRL]

Hi all,

I've recently noticed that there is a slight but obvious volume increase when connecting through the NADs analogue input vs digital input. It's not just a volume increase but almost like a gain increase. Perhaps runnning a signal through the NADS built in DAC stifles the signal somewhat?

Is this true of amplifier analogue vs digital inputs in general?

Thanks, C.

 

[davedotco]

Hi all,

I've recently noticed that there is a slight but obvious volume increase when connecting through the NADs analogue input vs digital input. It's not just a volume increase but almost like a gain increase. Perhaps runnning a signal through the NADS built in DAC stifles the signal somewhat?

Is this true of amplifier analogue vs digital inputs in general?

Thanks, C.

This is almost certainly due to your analogue source having a higher than needed ouput level.

Many manufacturers do this as it makes their product louder and as everyone knows louder sounds better.

Try and find a source with a lower output level to try, even an iPod headphone out will do, try listening with the volume turned down on the iPod, then turn it all the way up and try again.

You should be able to hear what is going on pretty easily.

 

[ChrisIRL]

Cheers Dave,

This higher than needed output, is it harmful for the amplifier do you know?

Thanks

 

[davedotco]

Cheers Dave,

This higher than needed output, is it harmful for the amplifier do you know?

Thanks

Unlikely.

To explain further, when demoing two comparable items, the louder one will almost always sound better, even if the difference in level is only half a dB or so.

Ie if you plugged two CD players into the NAD, the one with the higher output will normally sound better, even if they were identical in every other respect.

Manufacturers know this so they give their players slightly more than the CD standard 2volts output (2.2volts say). This player will then audition as better than any comparable player with a, nominally correct, 2volt output.

So the next manufacturer goes for 2.3volt, the next 2.4, etc, etc. The result is impressive, as you have heard for yourself.

 

[ChrisIRL]

Sneaky sneaky!

In my case I hear the difference from the same source strangely. My Arcam rblink bluetooth receiver has both analogue and coaxial output. When I connect it to the NAD using both analogue and digital out I can flick between sources on the NAD allowing quick for quick comparision. The volume difference is approx 6 db increase through analogue. Originally I was only doing this to compare the arcam dac vs the NADs internal DAC ( Arcam wins by the way for anyone interested).

Anyhow, was just curious in case it becomes important for future purchases of other sources.

Thanks!