Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Nad 3020 for Axiom M3 Bookshelfs?
#404313 05/17/14 08:57 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3
M
mattdmv Offline OP
newbie
OP Offline
newbie
M
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3
I just purchased a pair of M3 v3 for my bedroom setup and was wondering if the nad d3020 would be sufficient and provide a good sound for the speakers. I need something with usb input to plug directly into the computer.

Thanks.
Matt

Re: Nad 3020 for Axiom M3 Bookshelfs?
mattdmv #404314 05/17/14 09:20 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 6
M
MMM Offline
connoisseur
Offline
connoisseur
M
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 6
That NAD should be perfectly capable of driving those speakers.

I have run equal sized speakers off a much smaller 20w amp and it sounds wonderful for a bedroom setup. Face it, you are not trying to get 100db worth of sound out of those speakers. You will likely be listening in the 80db range with 90db peaks. That unit is more than capable of handling it.


Anthem: AVM60, Fosi DAC-Q5
Axiom: ADA1500, LFR1100 Actiive, QS8, EP500, M3, M3comp, M5
Re: Nad 3020 for Axiom M3 Bookshelfs?
mattdmv #404315 05/17/14 12:53 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1
S
newbie
Offline
newbie
S
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1
How about the NAD D 3020 to power M80 speakers? I have the NAD and am thinking of getting the M80s.

Re: Nad 3020 for Axiom M3 Bookshelfs?
stinkpea #404318 05/17/14 04:51 PM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 6
M
MMM Offline
connoisseur
Offline
connoisseur
M
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 6
The M80s are beautiful speakers. I just picked a set up myself. Now, spec wise, yes they will work.. But I don't know if you will be loosing something in the process of simply not having enough power to drive them.

I hooked them up to my Nakamichi that is a conservative 150w@4Ω and the speaker really opened up at 1/3 volume. The Nak's volume control is pretty linear. I am currently running it off my Anthem MCA5 250w@4Ω and what gets me is the unit can belt out that low sub class 35Hz sound that makes jazz really come alive.

I would fear that the NAD 3020 just doesn't have it in it to really make the M80 shine. But that is my opinion.


Anthem: AVM60, Fosi DAC-Q5
Axiom: ADA1500, LFR1100 Actiive, QS8, EP500, M3, M3comp, M5
Re: Nad 3020 for Axiom M3 Bookshelfs?
mattdmv #404334 05/18/14 02:44 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
shareholder in the making
Offline
shareholder in the making
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,654
Matt and Greg, welcome to Axiom. The M3 and M80 are each rated by Axiom with a sensitivity of 88dB for 1 watt at 1 meter. Don't think that bigger speaker means bigger amplifier, because enclosure size is related to tuning for low bass extension, but has no direct relation to sensitivity and power requirements.

At a typical listening distance of about 10' those speakers use 1 watt for a comfortably loud average listening level of about 83dB. Brief split second peaks on some dynamic source material require much more of course, and the 30 watts for which the 3020 is rated would allow for about a 98dB sound level. As always, the power requirement depends on speaker sensitivity, listening distance and how loud a level you use.


-----------------------------------

Enjoy the music, not the equipment.


Re: Nad 3020 for Axiom M3 Bookshelfs?
JohnK #404335 05/18/14 02:58 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 6
M
MMM Offline
connoisseur
Offline
connoisseur
M
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 6
Originally Posted By: JohnK
The M3 and M80 are each rated by Axiom with a sensitivity of 88dB for 1 watt at 1 meter. Don't think that bigger speaker means bigger amplifier, because enclosure size is related to tuning for low bass extension, but has no direct relation to sensitivity and power requirements.


Oh John, I beg to differ. The sensitivity might be the same but if you take a look at the impedance graph for the M80 you would see that the speaker spends less that 10% of its frequency range above the 8Ω level. In fact the lower 1/3 of its range is averaging below the 4Ω .. That sure does suck up the amps of current and that is what the NAD3020 doesn't have much to spare. Turn it up to a listening level and you will simply cook your amp.

The M80 really does need a bit bigger unit if you don't want serious clipping.

edit -- From reading more on the NAD3020, it may be able to take it as it can work down to 72W@2Ω just don't crank the volume as I would not push it as the M80 eats current. Or that is what my amp gauges say

Last edited by oakvillematt; 05/18/14 03:05 AM.

Anthem: AVM60, Fosi DAC-Q5
Axiom: ADA1500, LFR1100 Actiive, QS8, EP500, M3, M3comp, M5
Re: Nad 3020 for Axiom M3 Bookshelfs?
mattdmv #404336 05/18/14 04:18 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3
M
mattdmv Offline OP
newbie
OP Offline
newbie
M
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3
I am new to audio and like i said i purchased the M3's and i am looking for an amp/dac combo with USB to go into my computer. My budget is $700 for this. I been also looking at Outlaw Audio RR2150. Do you still the the nad d3020 would drive the speakers to nice volumes? Thanks everyone

Re: Nad 3020 for Axiom M3 Bookshelfs?
mattdmv #404337 05/18/14 05:56 AM
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,767
E
connoisseur
Offline
connoisseur
E
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,767
I drive my M3V3s in a fairly large room with a very modest Sony 2 CH Receiver that puts out only 90 Watts per channel.

This audio only system plays cleanly to levels that I can tolerate, 85 to 90 Db max at about 15' listening distance. Sounds great to me...

TAM

Re: Nad 3020 for Axiom M3 Bookshelfs?
mattdmv #404338 05/18/14 10:21 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 6
M
MMM Offline
connoisseur
Offline
connoisseur
M
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 6
Originally Posted By: mattdmv
I am new to audio and like i said i purchased the M3's and i am looking for an amp/dac combo with USB to go into my computer. My budget is $700 for this. I been also looking at Outlaw Audio RR2150. Do you still the the nad d3020 would drive the speakers to nice volumes? Thanks everyone


If I was in your position and didn't mind black speakers, I'd be snatching up the M22's that are in the B-Stock store and pare them up with he NAD D3020.

You end up with the best of all worlds. The M22 has a larger cabinet and frequency response that won't peter out in the lower octaves compared to the M3. As well, these bookshelf speakers are not in the power hungry 4Ω class so you can play them loud without running the risk of hard clipping from an amp like the NAD D3020, or any of the sub 100w amps that are out there.

And if my experience on b-stock, you will be hard pressed to find where the defect actually is. It takes a keen eye and some time studying he speaker to find the defect. I bought a b-stock pair of M80 and after an hour think I have found the small spot where the shadow is slightly different on the side that might be the defect, but I am not positive. I have since given up and decided they shipped me perfect speakers for well below list retail price.


Anthem: AVM60, Fosi DAC-Q5
Axiom: ADA1500, LFR1100 Actiive, QS8, EP500, M3, M3comp, M5
Re: Nad 3020 for Axiom M3 Bookshelfs?
mattdmv #404339 05/18/14 04:47 PM
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,767
E
connoisseur
Offline
connoisseur
E
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,767
The M3s in my system are no slouches when it comes to low end. In my room where they are placed in troublesome corners on stands, artificial bass reinforcement was so intrusive that I initially EQed the bass way down in my receiver. It still was not correct nor satisfying.

After heeding some advice here, I then tried plugging the rear ports. Voila, that tamed the bass to where it is now a nice clean sound throughout the spectrum.

I believe that the M3 will be a great choice for your needs...

TAM

Page 1 of 2 1 2

Moderated by  alan, Amie, Andrew, axiomadmin, Brent, Debbie, Ian, Jc 

Link Copied to Clipboard

Need Help Graphic

Forum Statistics
Forums16
Topics24,940
Posts442,457
Members15,616
Most Online2,082
Jan 22nd, 2020
Top Posters
Ken.C 18,044
pmbuko 16,441
SirQuack 13,840
CV 12,077
MarkSJohnson 11,458
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 558 guests, and 3 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newsletter Signup
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.4