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
wetagogo OP
6 posts
 
A few questions about the stuff at back of the amp.

Bridging button: If I release the bridging button from under it's cover, what will happen? And is it protected because re-setting it is problematic?

There is a Tuner input and an Aux input. If I want to connect my TV to the amp, must I use one of these, or can I use a Tape input?

What should I do about the "Ground" screw?

Is it correct that the supplied interconnect you goes between Pre-Amp Out and Normal In?

What is "Lab In" for?
bigtee
803 posts
 
Look for a restored pair of older Large Advents or a pair of Dynaco A-25's. They can be found on E-bay fairly regularly. Good sound on the cheap. Might as well keep it old! Make sure the surrounds on the Advent woofers have been replaced (most have.) The Dynaco is a fine speaker and held up well. A nice pair is really something. They are not quite as big as the Advents but boast about as good bottom end. An overall fine speaker. I owned both of these back in the late 70's and early 80's (about the same time as the 3140.)
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
4,008 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
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