At the time, I thought NAD electronics had a unique sonic signature: a rich, lush midrange, a slightly warm midbass, and slightly sweetened highs, but not enough HF extension or top-end air. I've enjoyed listening to a wide range of NAD gear over the years, beginning with the 7020 receiver I bought for my wife when we began dating, in the mid-1980s. I entered this reviewing process with some expectations of what I'd hear from the PP 3. (A Follow-Up review of the Epos M5i, an upgrade of the original M5, is in the works.) I tested the PP 3 via its MM input using my Rega Planar 3 turntable with Syrinx PU-3 tonearm and Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood cartridge, driving a Creek Destiny integrated amplifier and Epos M5i speakers. Moreover, the PP 3's A/D converter is powered by the USB bus, effectively creating separate analog and digital power supplies. NAD's Greg Stidsen told me that, in order for the PP 3 to perform to the "NAD standards" of ultralow noise, wide dynamic range, high overload margins, accurate RIAA equalization, and low distortion across the entire audioband, NAD included high-quality, audio-specific transistors and capacitors. NAD also includes the VinylStudio Lite software, to facilitate converting the analog signal to a computer file. ![]() ![]() The PP 3 has both MC and MM inputs, as well as a USB output (a USB cable is supplied). The PP 3 has circuitry identical to that of the PP 2 phono stage ($129), but adds a line input and a 16-bit analog-to-digital converter with USB interface, to permit the conversion of LPs to a digital format via a Mac or PC computer. NAD has solved this problem by offering the PP 3 moving-magnet/moving-coil phono stage ($199). (The Marantz PM5003, which I reviewed in the January 2010 issue, is a notable exception.) The problem is that so few entry-level integrated amplifiers and receivers available today include phono stages. And with the availability of affordable turntables such as the Pro-Ject Debut III, which I reviewed in the February 2010 Stereophile, the cost of entry to VinylLand is not very dear. I'm just getting used to CDs.) With abundant sources of new pop releases and a wide range of reissues on vinyl, and a variety of used LPs, every audiophile should own a turntable. ![]() Some pundits postulate that eventually CDs will die out, and we'll be faced with the choice of LPs or downloads. Even Mikey Fremer is surprised at vinyl's current popularity.
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