REVIEW! NAD c3050 Integrated AMP! A DIGITAL/ANALOG STAR!

[@boatformypotplants]

Very informative and entertaining review Bob, and told like you're one of us - ie just hifi fans with a bit of techno-knowledge but not too much. Getting down with the kids.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Exactly. On review, there are some accidental omissions here... but you get the point! Good looks, solid and powerful sound, a few design missteps IMHO. Thanks for watching!

[@mcbrion1951]

The only thing that you can’t tell by this tribute is what the 3050 sounds like. I’ve owned the 316 BEE, the 320, 325, and 356. The 3050 is light years ahead of all them. It has considerably more energy and upper mid range and treble (and the dynamics in those frequencies) than the older line, and also when you get down to the upper bass, mid bass, and low bass, the sound doesn’t get a little blurry, as it can with the 325 I’m listening to in my system right now. I did send the 3050 back, however, because it only had one input, and there was no way of me using my subwoofers as a stereo pair. But sonically, I was quite impressed. It is considerably more transparent from top to bottom and what I like best is that it has the textures of the instruments it’s playing, so flute sounds like a woody instrument (flutes are not always made of wood, but people know that), and voolin sections sound like individual violins instead of some clumped-together mush of violins sound that even some more expensive components don’t quite get right or if they do, it’s not that much better!

[@mtnr11]

I appreciate the candor of your questions re how you feel about this amp. I often have those same thoughts with some of my purchases. We all want to be blown away when we unbox a new piece of equipment - after all, most of us do sacrifice $ to make these purchases. Good review.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks... overall very positive outlook on this. I'm glad I didn't spring for the module ($600). My WiiM mini streamer is tucked behind it, out of sight. I listened to it again last night and it sounded great. Adding a sub definitely increases enjoyment ... even with my big Forte IV's

[@jim010109]

Great review! In my humble opinion, if more companies would have modern guts, but retro looks, they would sell like hotcakes. If Marantz came out with a stereo receiver that looked like the ones in the 70's, they probably could keep them in stock.

[@jim010109]

Couldn't keep them in stock

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I feel the same way about cars! Impossible to do (Challenger may be an exception) but how cool would it be! This is definitely a fine looking unit.! Powerful too! Thanks for watching!

[@hanksta34]

There are more than one doing that now. Kind of like resto-modded muscle cars, right?

[@ramondelgado6778]

What a great review!!! I’ve been considering this one and so awesome that you reviewed it! Thank you so much!!!!!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Hey, Ramon! I do it all for you! Happy hunting and thanks for the watching!

[@ramondelgado6778]

I’m really enjoying your work! Thank you and happy thanksgiving!!!!

[@vinyljoe1940]

You're right Bob that unit looks very vintage in the coolest way.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I thought so! But will it be a keeper? Time will tell!

[@gregcarson3444]

1) Thanks for giving us the meat first, then the unboxing at the end, good move Bob. 2) for sure it has the classic NAD look, about 40 years ago, use to have a NAD tuner. 3) I agree with you I miss the old volume knobs, and what is with the marks. I miss the old days when you use to listen to it at 10:00 to 2:00.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks!

[@johncartwright243]

Thank you! You just saved me $1400! Three solid deal breakers for me (same as your complaints). I have the NAD C-316BEE and wondered if this would be a worth while upgrade. Nope! All the deal breakers with the C3050 do not exist with the C-316BEE, and the sound is fantastic. I'll just play my records, grin like sin and be happy! Oh and the model I have?....$400! Yep! 😊

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Glad I could be of service! Thanks for watching!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thanks for sharing your beautiful new amp. I hope you get the joy and sonic happiness you both expect and deserve. All the best, my friend.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks, Simon! This one was off the cuff and a little scattered... but the was a lot to unpack! Thanks, as always, for watching!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog A very crowded price space with many to chose from. Can be a minefield to make the right choice, but I think you did this amp some justice. Not sure if it would be my first choice at this price, but definitely on the list as something to consider. Take care, Sir.

[@lindabutler4903]

I have a question does anyone replying own the NADC3050 ?

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

@@lindabutler4903 I do not.

[@garrycleak3055]

Such a genuine and interesting unbiased review ,considering one of these, hmm that volume knob tho :/ thanx from Australia

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@garrycleak3055 Appreciate your comments. Good luck in your search! Check out the Cambridge EVO 150 if you can swing it. Cool!

[@stephenfurley1025]

The volume control is a rotary encoder. It works in the digital domain rather than being analogue, as is commonly the case.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Still don't like it... but thanks for the update! And thanks for watching!

[@mikewolfe9458]

Great review! These look super cool. I was thinking last week about recommending one to my family member who is about to put together a system. The subwoofer thing would definitely piss me off. I’m not a big headphone user, but I use them when I have to at night when the family is asleep. I’d be annoyed having to unplug the cable or the sub. These sure look great though, and they seem to be a pretty good value. Thanks for all the work you put into the reviews!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks so much! I hope the c3050 works out!💪🏼

[@knish72]

I use it to listen to my vinyl lps through my airpods max headphones with a nagoaka mp150 cartridge. I'm a late night listener so this amp works for me.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Pretty good. I have a nagaoka mom-110 on one of my tables. Great for rock. Great value!

[@moonytheloony6516]

🍁🦃🍁🦃🍁🦃🍁 Happy Thanksgiving to you and your Family and thank you Bob, for all you've done on this channel, it is greatly appreciated by me. 🦃🍁🦃🍁🦃🍁🦃🍁

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks! I hope you have a great Holiday Season, and I hope Santa brings you some 500 monoblocks!

[@musiclassica]

Thanks for this review, Bob. This amp seems to have been conceptualised on a Monday. I'll stick with my C316BEE V2.

[@PhilipsN2552]

i really like what NAD did 'here'. I listened to it at 'Klubben Hi-Fi' over here were I reside! Sounds great. Ani'm not a even a D class 'guy'! And yes I do hate ALL volume knobs without stops.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Me too! It was warmer sounding, especially with vinyl, than I expected from digital. I heard the M10 once and to me it sounded thin. That's what I expected here, but I as surprised. Good power. Matte the module ( which I opted out of) would solve some of the design quirks.

[@thomasceddia254]

Fantastic and honest. I'm going to buy one. Thank you

[@philthomas8351]

This Nad amp is on my list. Love the looks and hear it sounds pretty good.

[@nicstevens5650]

Thanks for making this vid.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Hey, Man... I do it all for you!

[@OldskoolHiFi]

Just found your channel, great review. Subbed!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thank you, so much! More good stuff on the way!

[@akamvisis]

Thank you for the review ! The NAD C3050 - The Yamaha RN1000A - The Cambridge Audio CXA81 are in mshort list for my new Wharfedale Lintons ! Any suggestions ?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

How are the wharfdales finished? The Nad has that vintage vibe too. Those are all good amps.

[@akamvisis]

​@@UnitedStatesofAnalog walnut.

[@garrycleak3055]

I used to run my Lintons with a Sugden a21a, but that’s a different beastie. Any of those Amps you list will go fine with the Lintons, however I would recommend you try a DENON pma 1700.

[@andrewcrone-langkjr4869]

Got the 3050 in my setup with only a tt connected. Very happy with looks and sound. The volume knob is a strange choice, but I mostly use the remote, so it doesn’t really bother me.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Congrats on finding one! Did you get the full version with Blusound/Dirac module?

[@andrewcrone-langkjr4869]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog No extras. Too expensive and not important to me 😅

[@mikecampbell5856]

Great review and I'm glad you like your amp! I always enjoy the appearance of vintage gear and that does look vintage. If a company sold the best sounding amp in the whole universe and it looked stupid, I wouldn't want it. LOL A full size amp should have more analog inputs though. Shame on them.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Agreed. I always need something to focus on when I'm listening: album cover, liner notes, VU meters, cool front panel. This unit hits the mark visually for me! It is also powerful and sounds very good. Again, best with vinyl in my opinion. Thanks for watching!

[@stevezeidman7224]

Hi Bob! This is a great looking piece. I think there’s a little too much stuffed into this amp. Dac, headphone amp, phono. Two things the would really hold me back. Having to unplug the sub for headphones is a pretty bad miss. Also just one rca in is really limiting.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

All correct! It won't be for everyone. I hope they firmware update the volume situation... it really is frustrating😫

[@stevezeidman7224]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog I agree. Forgot about that one! That would be three! I’m also a bit troubled by it being class D. NAD has gone full in on that architecture. I can’t seem to warm up to it. Based on Fosi V3 and BT20, those components cost about $5 to produce….maybe

[@davidbono9359]

That is a nice-looking amp - I like the combination of (faux) woodgrain and black front panel. Like you point out, it would be nicer if the vintage-ness wasn't so superficial, and NAD had invested a little more in the controls. Say, that's a nice Fender bass on the wall! Are you a bass player? I'd like to see a video on that someday...

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I dabble. Butterscotch Fender 50th Anniversary model, if I remember.

[@davidbono9359]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog Can't go wrong with a Fender in Butterscotch!

[@edzedeboer9230]

Just bought the same model today in The Netherlands for 1499 Euro's. Very powerful device, Bluetooth from my Samsung S22 working fine. I am only missing some line inputs. My old Philips 977 automatic turntable sounds brilliant. Remote has a lot of buttons and the manual in PDF doesn't show many details.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Congrats. Glad you love it. It's a cool piece for sure. I need to revisit that amplifier and find a place for it in my home!

[@BAMF6669]

This is all Greek to me, but Bob, you make it sound interesting to learn. Once I get my own listening space in my house, I'm calling on you to help me set it up. Need to hear that Rock 'n Roll news with clarity!!!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks for watching, Joshua. Trying to squeeze the most out of an artist's recording can become an obsession!

[@lindabutler4903]

I have a NAD C 3050 that my wife gifted me with. That was over a month ago. I still haven’t heard anything on it . I have owned McIntosh and NAD and found them to be very reliable until now. Contacted NAD. Still waiting .

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

What was the issue on the NAD???? Was it DOA?

[@attrktmarketing4582]

Hey @bob you have both the C3050 and the technics SUG700M2. I’m looking at both. How does the sound and power differ between the two?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@attrktmarketing4582 no contest... you want the Technics! I've loved it since day one!

[@attrktmarketing4582]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog thanks. What is it about the technics sound you like so much?

[@40bdg]

Thanks, I agree it's a looker

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

That's the appeal! Thanks for watching!

[@scottbaylor6215]

Excellent review as always. I'd have a hard time putting this on my short list. IDK, I really like my CXA81 from Cambridge for a little less. IDK, just didn't hit for me.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

There are options at $1400 hundo for sure! Like I said, I bought it on looks and crossed my fingers! It's good, so I'll try and find a place for it in my home!

[@scottbaylor6215]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog Let us know where you put it and how it sound. Keep doing what you are doing. 🤘🏼🎸🤘🏼

[@dazzleships]

Great channel! You’re very watchable 👍🏻

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I try to be... but my wife would wholeheartedly disagree!

[@63nuke]

I have a tendency to buy things just because they look cool. That's often a bad idea but this is a good review and maybe I need to check it out.

[@wim1983]

Very detailed "mechanic" review, so NAD need to work on v2 version? Never ending cycle of v2 or MKII product models in HiFi industry...

[@frischma1]

That NAD sure looks cool. I’d have liked them to do A set volume knob For sure though. I was also curious how you compare your technics’ phono stage to that black ice one you were testing ?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

That's a close call. I enjoyed them equally. Just may be a question of available space and system aesthetics (amount of boxes your willing to put up with). I have always been impressed with how good the Technics sounded for a built in phono stage. That's pretty rare! Black Ice is cool in that it has that adjustability and can do MC as well. Thanks for watching!

[@coolcarbon4709]

I’ve got one of the 1972 LEs. Couldn’t get one in the UK but found one in France so had shipped over… Agree with most of your comments. Overall somewhat disappointing, it sits there looking pretty but I use something else from the ‘fun-fi’ sphere… I’ve got the M10 V2 as well as some Linn stuff too, it’s all subjective at the end of the week….😊 Each to their own I guess. Good honest review, thanks.

[@haydendoan7691]

Great review and insights, Bob! You mentioned about the volume setting. I wondered if you ever got used to the LED volume indicators to help you approximate the volume setting?

[@studiocartoonsdeluxe]

Hey! Thanks for this! Also, wondering what make and model eyeglasses you have?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks! Jacques Marie-Mage Molino!

[@champchamp6350]

Which one sounds better this nad c3050 or the yamaha as 801

[@majawyszomirska3223]

How does this amplifier sound with a gramophon? What cheap bookshelf speakers do you recommend for this amplifier for a small room? Will KEF LS50 be a good choice?

[@Victorius-ua]

Does it sound really good? Some people say class D can't sound good on high frequances. And does it worth each $? It costs about 1400 dollars, so I expect it to sound on that price

[@gln121970]

Re: the volume. If you add the MDC2 BluOS D, you still won’t have a number for the volume, but the firmware upgrade will give the leds more change between each led.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Interesting . Why can't I upgrade using a he included usb? I need to research that! Thanks!!!

[@gln121970]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog it may be possible. I always planned on getting the mdc and heard that it was a fix so I didn’t spend much time worrying about it. Maybe worth reaching out to NAD.

[@gln121970]

Also, glad to hear the dac is decent and using coax in on a cd was good because I plan on getting a transport soon. Streaming was much improved when using bluos but I have an iPhone. so I was using airplay prior to and not really getting the advantage of aptX hd.

[@5zarak]

I have a question. When you add MDC 2 Bluos Is amp turn on automatically when you start streaming via phone?

[@gln121970]

@@5zarak yes. If you use the BluOS app to stream, it will turn on the amp automatically.

[@michaelbrown3294]

Another great review Bob! I have been looking at this one for a while, just haven’t pulled the trigger would look good in my Kissa Bar! Still would love to send you pictures, just not sure how to do that. Also, do you have your Come And Play It t-shirt for sale anywhere?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Send it to [e-mail]. I can direct you to my t-shirt design too!

[@stevenj2380]

I think the design will have a short life before it feature; the inputs and 'look' are revised. Maybe also it should have been a contemporary receiver. A tuner, especially with FM HD channels. Wouldn't that sell?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I work in radio for a living, but I don't know about the tuner part. Car listening is still king. I think this unit is the basis for a good product. The volume control and some of the design choices are a mystery to me. Maybe there will be software upgrades in the way. Thanks for watching!

[@petebroadbent4332]

Great review, are those LS50 speakers behind you, how do they sound through this amp?

[@sopasadena1499]

Interested to know how the amp section compares to other amps you know well also on efficient and inefficient speakers using an outboard dac and music you know. Thanks

[@scottbennett3119]

Sound is what matters most to me.

[@user-hb1ve6mc6f]

Please review the NAD M66

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

If the would send me one... I would. I need 100k more subs! Click the button! Thanks!

[@goodboid]

I had the limited edition version of this amp on rotation for a while. Sounded awful with my JBL 4429s. The lag when switching between songs on it's app drove me up the wall. Couldn't wait to be rid of it.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I hid a WiiM mini streamer behind it. I power it from the usb in the back. Pretty convenient and no one knows it's their. Haven't noticed any lag... at least that I remember! Sorry it didn't work out for you. Did you sell it or return it?

[@Zhorellski]

it's missing the Loudness (mojo of vintage Amp) button

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

All hail the loudness button! Thanks for watching!

[@white9093]

What I don't understand how can it be 100 watts per channel at 4 and 8 ohms!? Just a bit confused

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Good question! That might be a sign!

[@white9093]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog Sign?

[@13lars]

Im dying to get a comparison with the Leak 230 and this.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Me too!😀

[@rodrigoedington457]

Me too!

[@AudioElectronicsChicago]

thumbs up for this great amp 👍🏻

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Your vote has been recorded!

[@m1ke1981]

i have 6 ohm, speakers can i use this amp? sorry, i’m a newbie 😅

[@bngs1983]

I wonder how does it sound with Klipsch speakers?

[@elmenomaronido6653]

The Front is aluminum or plastic ?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

It feels cold to the touch like metal. Most likely aluminum. Any other questions?

[@paulomontero12]

If it was all in black instead if that fake wood look it definitely would be more attractive to buyer’s.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Maybe... but don't we have enough black boxes already. As cheap as the materials are it looks good from a few feet away!

[@kraig7777]

Wow this is a hard nope from me. $1400 and a chifi volume knob?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I call it a "Fun-Fi" knob. But it is annoying... but I can't figure out why it bothers me so much! I couldn't adequately explain it!

[@ZorgDK]

Can you add an external headphone amp?

[@mash35231]

I love the t-shirt, how can I buy one?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

usanalog.square.site/

[@matsnaslund5762]

Volume, you do hear the volume don’t you?! Who cares where the knob is!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I get it! Just reporting my feelings. Something is just not right with the was the volume control is set up or calibrated. I am not the first to comment on it. Sometimes I can't find the right spot. Thanks for watching!

[@dtracy03ss]

Hilarious, i just Left a Big comment on the First Vid unboxing got all yhe ay through thos and there it is again for my 6th view!!! Check out that comment, Now to the concerns you have! With the Volume I say leave the Marks because theyhelp the vintage Vibe, and as far as Level - What was a HUGE Reason you bought this?? Oh yah those Killer VUs, so I'm saying use the VU level fir your Volume settings!!! You didn't mention the Very Nice Speaker Hook ups for the Quality they have! The Sub thing is a bit WEIRD, Maybe they will fix it by the time i get one but Really doesn't matter to me because I don't use a Sub as my L100s and my Model 5s really don't need the Help with that, they do very well at shaking things when the Volume gets to that Point, LOL. Anyway geat Review no hold backs, but at 1400 its a Steal in my book, when compared to a Lot of Un-Named China Stuff on the Market. From my Comment of previous video, my Headphones will be plugged into the TEAC ! Keep up the Great vids! See Ya All!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

You're doing your part. No need to watch it a 7th time!

[@user-gk1nt6sm2z]

I have that style of volume knob in my car and on my marrantz home theater. I Hate it. I have an old excellent, so I'm dissapointed.

[@justme-27]

I miss my 3030...sold it in 1990 for what I paid for it new in 1980...shouldnt have sold it

[@9thstreetbrandt]

Have you caught wind of all the T778s that have been failing? It’s 3 years old and the amp modules have blown. I went online and saw in NAD groups that this is a well known and common problem. When I reach out to them, they told me I’m out of luck and that my $3000 paper weight is out of warranty!! WTH

[@CraciunAlexandruGh]

1. I really don't consider this a review because... You never really mentioned how it sounds. 2. You are a bit chaotic with your approach. You mentioned you were starting to detail de front of the unit ans after a few sentences you jumped to something else. 3. Thw volume control is a digital volume control without db rating which is very common with British brands or no screen amps like Rega or Rotel. You need a motorized mechanical volume control to use the dial markings and a remote.

[@jamesvw769]

No loudness feature. Deal breaker.