NAD 3020 Loudness

[presscot]

Does anybody know the loudness specification of NAD 3020? I couldn't info about it although found many schematics or service manuals on the internet. I'd like know what frequencies does its loudness boost and how much dB of boost? Thanks in advance

[JonSnell Electronic]

Specifications

• Power output: 20 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
• Frequency response: 10Hz to 70kHz.
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.02%
• Damping factor: 55.
• Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)
• Signal to noise ratio: 75dB (MM), 110dB (line)
• Dimensions: 420 x 96 x 240mm.
• Weight: 5.26kg.

[Frank Berry]

If you own that model, why not measure the loudness contour?

[presscot]

Originally Posted by Frank Berry

If you own that model, why not measure the loudness contour?

I’m not an Electrical Engineer. Just an owner. I like its loudness contour characteristics and would like to copy to my parametric equalizer.

[presscot]

Originally Posted by JonSnell Electronic

Specifications

• Power output: 20 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
• Frequency response: 10Hz to 70kHz.
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.02%
• Damping factor: 55.
• Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)
• Signal to noise ratio: 75dB (MM), 110dB (line)
• Dimensions: 420 x 96 x 240mm.
• Weight: 5.26kg.

Sorry, that’s not what I’m asking for. Thank you very much though

[OldDIY]

The characteristics are taken in the form of curves of the dependence of the output voltage on the frequency of the input sinusoidal signal. A signal generator or smartphone app is being used.
Several curves are taken at different volume levels.
A logarithmic scale is usually used.

[Ian Finch]

Originally Posted by presscot

I’m not an Electrical Engineer. Just an owner. I like its loudness contour characteristics and would like to copy to my parametric equalizer.

Like most 70's-80's amplifiers, the loudness characteristic is defined first by the specific type of tapped potentiometer (there are 4 connections to each wafer of the stereo volume control and one is a tap at about half volume). Then the roll-off frequency and depth is set by a quite simple little RC filter that reduces high frequencies more as you turn the volume down below the point where the tap is located.

There's quite a problem to duplicate the control though. You need a dual, tapped 20k log or audio taper potentiometer. Good luck finding any affordable tapped pot with the same characteristic now and you'll need a miracle to find the exact type for your particular version of the 3020. (there were many versions over the years)
The best you can hope for is a fairly close version but I doubt you'll find just what you need. The reference schematics show the filter and volume control as described on several NAD models and the volume control with the associated switch and RC filter is identified as VR1a and b on early model schematics showing the switching and tone control section and other sections of the amplifier in separate diagrams. You can find these at hifiengine and elsewhere on the net.

[Galu]

Originally Posted by presscot

I like its loudness contour characteristics and would like to copy to my parametric equalizer.

A typical loudness control compensation is shown in the attachment (dotted red line). It shows a large boost at low frequencies, a smaller boost at high frequencies and a slight dip at mid frequencies. This may give you a guide as to how to set your equaliser.

The graph is taken from: The Mysterious Loudness Control: What Does It Do? | Extron

[OldDIY]

Depends on the position of the volume control.
Linear at high volume.

[Galu]

Yes, the graph shows very little, or no, compensation at high levels - the blue dotted line.