NAD 312 User Manual (English)

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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 non-

electrostatic 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.

Need help?

Do you have a question about the NAD 312 and is the answer not in the manual?

NAD 312 Specifications

Power

continuous average power output	25W
rated distortion	0.03%
clipping power	40W
IHF dynamic headroom	3dB
IHF dynamic power at 8 Ohms	50W
IHF dynamic power at 4 Ohms	60W
IHF dynamic power at 2 Ohms	75W
damping factor	>60
power consumption	160W

Frequency and Distortion

frequency response	20Hz - 20kHz ±0.3dB
frequency response extended	3Hz/70kHz -3dB
total harmonic distortion (THD)	<0.03%

Input and Output Impedance

input impedance line inputs	20k / 500pF
input impedance phono input	47k / 200pF
preamp output impedance	220 Ohms
tape output impedance	Source Z + 2k
headphones output impedance	220 Ohms

Signal to Noise Ratio

signal to noise ratio (A weighted) ref. 1W	90dB
signal to noise ratio (A weighted) ref. rated power	104dB
signal to noise ratio phono (A weighted, with cartridge)	77dB ref 5mV

Tone Control