NAD D 3045: Compact amplifier with a darker and thicker sound

The NAD D 3045 is an improved version of the D 3020 V2 integrated amplifier. The most noticeable changes to the NAD D 3045 amplifier compared to the NAD D 3020 V2 are the inclusion of a USB-B input, an HDMI input with ARC support, and an additional optical input.

The NAD D 3045 also received some other connectivity options. The amplifier has a built-in Bluetooth module with aptX support, so transmitting signals from various mobile devices will not cause any difficulties. Also very useful is the presence of a 3.5 mm output for connecting headphones on the front panel. Something has also been added to the rear panel of the new amplifier. NAD D 3045 received a preamplifier output and a subwoofer connector (the necessary adapters are included in the kit), as well as a control 12-volt trigger input.

In this model, NAD installed Class D amplifiers, which have been preferred recently. NAD D 3045 develops 60 W per channel, and there are two pairs of screw terminals for connecting acoustics. Class D amplifiers traditionally outperform classic A/B circuits in terms of efficiency, so the NAD D 3045 is quite compact and does not heat up during operation. Of course, 60 W of power is not enough to fully drive large floor-standing speakers, but choosing suitable acoustics for the NAD D 3045 will not be difficult. One of the options for customizing the sound of the amplifier is the bass equalization switch on the rear panel, which will increase the richness of the sound at low frequencies. A laptop, nettop or workstation can be connected via USB. In this case, the amplifier will act as an external audio interface that supports digital streams with parameters up to 24 bit / 192 kHz. You just have to install the device driver, which can be freely downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.

The decision to make an amplifier that could be placed on its side is quite successful for a model that looks more modern and fashionable than many of its competitors. There is a light indication of the set volume level and the selected input, and physical buttons are replaced by a touch panel. The touch panel is easy to use, but is a little slow, which can sometimes irritate particularly impatient users.

The volume control knob has a pleasant action, and the device is of high quality. We can say that the NAD D 3045 does not look like an amplifier, but like some kind of game console or media player. The amplifier is equipped with a miniature remote control, which is easy to lose if used carelessly, but this is quite forgivable for a device of such cost.

Interestingly, the headphone output retains much of the character of the NAD analog amplifiers of yesteryear. It gives a darker and thicker sound with a crowded, narrow stage. At the same time, I was pleasantly surprised by the resolution and the complete absence of audible noise. Unlike those headphone outputs, which most manufacturers install in amplifiers solely for show, here we have a completely worthy continuation of the main audio path, which can be used with no less pleasure than any other functions. The load capacity and power of the amplifier will be sufficient to work with typical dynamic low-impedance headphones. In addition, the vertical case of the NAD D 3045 also turned out to be an excellent stand for overhead and full-size models.

Characteristics of NAD D 3045

Rated power: 2x 30 W at 8 ohms
Dynamic power: 2x 60 W at 8 ohms, 2x 150 W at 2 ohms
Signal-to-noise ratio: more than 90 dB
Channel separation: more than 75 dB at 1 kHz
Frequency range: 20 -20000 (-0.3 dB) Distortion: less than 0.0005%
Inputs: Analog Stereo RCA, Analog Stereo + Optical Jack, USB-B, Optical, Coaxial, HDMI – ARC, Phono, Bluetooth aptX
Outputs: Stereo Preamp, for subwoofer
Additional interfaces: 12 V trigger output
Dimensions: 70 x 235 x 265 mm mm
Weight: 2.6 kg