NAD has launched two new variants of its new Classic Series C 3030 amplifier.
The standard model is a powerful amp with great retro styling, and the S model adds the BluOS streaming platform.
If like me you fell in love with Hi-Fi via a parent's stereo setup, you'll have a very clear idea of what exciting audio kit should look like: VU meters, a big rotary dial, tactile controls and little glowing lights. And that's what NAD's new integrated amplifiers deliver. I'm sold already.
The NAD C 3030 and its soon-to-come streaming version, the NAD C 3030 S, go all-in on the 1970s style – and to be fair to the brand, it was doing 70s style in the actual 70s.
Its original 3030 amp is a beloved original, so NAD isn't just wrapping itself in nostalgia for the sake of it. And like its 70s products, the goal here is to deliver sensational sound with a minimum of fuss.
NAD C 3030 and 3030 S: key features, pricing and availability
The C 3030 is part of NAD's Classic Series and has a strong family resemblance to the more expensive, award-winning NAD C 3050.
Like the 3050, it uses Class D amplification rather than the Class A/B of its 70s predecessor, but rather than the 100W per channel of the 3050, the 3030 delivers 50W per channel.
The two new models are largely identical, but the S version comes with an integrated streaming setup based on the BluOS platform. That supports playback at up to 24-bit/192kHz, MQA decoding and a host of streaming services.
Both models come with HDMI eARC, TOSLINK, line-level analogue inputs and an MM phono stage, and both have Bluetooth with aptX HD. They also have a subwoofer output that can be adjusted via a rear-mounted high pass filter switch.
The NAD C 3030 is available now with a recommended price of £899 / €999 / $1,199 (about AU$1,799). Pricing and availability for the NAD C 3030 S are yet to be announced.
