2. amps-preamps
  3. 1118142012

NAD 3140 - I know nothing

I have just bought this NAD 3140 integrated amp and know nothing about it at all. In fact, I know nothing about hi fi at all, but I love well-reproduced music (jazz, classical, really old blues and other American "roots" music, and lots more besides), so I want to start learning. Unfortunately, my budget is extremely meagre.

I've searched around on the 'net and found references to a legendary NAD 3020 and a few others. They all seem to be well thought of, but nothing about this one, even specifications - and I don't even know how many watts output it has!

What I'd be most gratful for would be recomendations for cheap old speakers to match it, and a tuner too. Because I've read that CD players are more likely to be faulty, I've been thinking of using a new DVD player with it to play CDs (and kill two birds with one stone - I'll be able to watch DVDs too) - is that a good idea?

Just can't seem to get this kind of advice down here in New Zealand!
wetagogo
gonglee3
304 posts
 
You can use tape in as well as aux for TV.

The ground is for connecting your Turntable, so if you don't have one, you don't have to worry about it.

You should release the Bridging button when using with 2 speakers.

You should connect pre/amp out, to power/amp in.

I don't know what "Lab in" is but I wouldn't worry about it.

I hope you like the sound you are putting together - if not, save up some money, and come back for more suggestions.

Toshiba 3960 is a good affordable DVD/CD player.
bigtee
803 posts
 
The lab input does away with some high and low filters it uses in the normal setting. Lab gives the widest band response.
mitch2
4,009 posts
 
Wetagogo,

The post from above, "You should release the Bridging button when using with 2 speakers." is not correct. The bridging button is for bridging two amplifiers. In that case, you reset the jumpers with patch cords to the second amp, and run speaker wires from the positive terminals. I had that setup with my 3140 and 2150. Don't do it until you know more! You can damage your system.

SLC is for "speaker lead compensator," which NAD devised for longer speaker runs. I am not sure how it corrects, or if it is even useful. Best to use shorter wire runs (less than 10 feet) if feasible.

What you need is the owner's manual. If you cannot get it on line through NAD, e-mail me and I will fax you a copy. I believe I still have mine. However, we just moved and it will be next week at the earliest until I can find it and fax it, but if you are interested let me know.

Tim
gonglee3
304 posts
 
Sorry for the error - I thought bridging was for using it in mono like some amps to get more power - listen to Tim, he has the particulat unit so he sounds like he knows for sure.
mitch2
4,009 posts
 
Gonglee, maybe a misunderstanding on my part of what you were saying. It sounds like we are saying the same thing. The bridging button is for running one speaker per amp, but you need a matching amp to do it. NAD actually made a power only amp to match the integrated 3140 for this purpose. I believe it was the 2140 (40 wpc, and also bridgable). When I was ready to upgrade (many years ago) that amp was no longer made and the dealer said the newer 2150 would also work. Apparently, NAD was so conservative in power rating their earlier amps, they kept essentially the same design and simply increased the power rating, so I was told. Anyway, my 3140/2150 combination served me well for many years and both amps are still in use in my second and third systems. Consulting the owner's manual should clear up the purpose and use of all the buttons for him, and my offer is good to get him a copy if he needs it, since I still have mine. - Tim
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