312
Integrated Amplifier
•2 x 25 Watts continuous power into 8 ohms
•75 watts dynamic power into 2 ohms
•line inputs, including two tape in / outs
•All Discrete circuitry including phono stage
•Short signal path from input to output
•Tone controls defeat switch
•Soft Clipping
NAD has always enjoyed a formidable reputation when it comes to budget amplifiers. The NAD Model 312's predecessors, the legendary Model 3020 and Model 302, (European Amplifier of the Year 1993/4) have been probably the world's best selling integrated amplifiers in their price range.
Although much from the Model 302 has been retained, there have been numerous improvements for the Model 312, without changing the basic hallmarks for any NAD component; excellent performance and value for money.
Flexibility
Flexibility is an NAD amplifier's strongest point. The Model 312 has 6 line inputs (including 2 tape in/outputs with dubbing facility) and a MM phono input. The pre-amplifier section can be separated from the power amplifier for easy upgrades (bi-amping, for instance) or adding ancillary equipment without making the Model 312 redundant. The headphone socket will drive virtually any nonelectrostatic headphone.
It is fashionable to omit tone controls nowadays: However, provided that the tone controls are properly designed they can be a really useful tool to make improvements to the overall sound. The Model 312 tone controls only work at the frequency extremes leaving the critical mid-band essentially unaltered. The tone control circuits can be completely bypassed by using the tone defeat switch.
Performance
The high level of performance is achieved by using discrete circuitry only, even the phono section - so often ignored by other manufacturers - boasts precision metal film resistors and close tolerance polypropylene capacitors to provide accurate equalisation, low distortion, a wide dynamic range (>100dB) and extremely low noise.
Instead of using switches directly behind the front panel for the input selector, the Model 312 has the switches located close to the back of the amplifier, avoiding long PCB tracks which can introduce distortion and degrade channel separation and cross-talk. The switches are activated by long push rods from the front panel.
Integrated Amplifier
A generous power supply and over-rated output devices further lead to low noise and low distortion for the entire amplifier. The use of rugged output devices also means that the amplifier is reliable and can deliver high output current. Even loudspeakers with complex loads (such as low impedances) can be driven with ease.
The Model 312 also incorporates NAD's acclaimed switchable "Soft Clipping" circuit which significantly reduces the risk of damage to loudspeakers due to prolonged high power operation.
The combination of flexibility, performance and price make it difficult to overlook this new NAD amplifier when selecting the components for a budget system. The Model 312 is another true HiFi classic in the making.
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