Integrated Amp Reviews

PS Audio Sprout integrated amplifier Associated Equipment

Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment

Analog Sources: Pioneer PLX-1000, Thorens TD-124, VPI Traveler turntables; SME 3009 II tonearm; Grado Mono, Ortofon 2M Black, Soundsmith Carmen, Zu Audio DL-103 cartridges.
Digital Sources: Puresound A-8000 CD player; Halide HD, Line Magnetic LM 502 CA DACs.
Preamplification: Blue Horizon BN:09-11-009, Schiit Mani, Soundsmith MMP3 phono stages.
Integrated Amplifiers: Line Magnetic LM518 IA, Rogue Audio Sphinx, Simaudio Moon Neo 340i.
Loudspeakers: KEF LS50, Tekton Enzo XL, Totem Model 1 Signature.
Headphone amplifier: Schiit Asgard.
Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.
Cables: Interconnect: AudioQuest Big Sur & Cinnamon & Golden Gate, Kimber Kable Silver Streak. Speaker: Auditorium 23, Kimber Kable 8TC.
Accessories: Sound Anchor stands.—Herb Reichert

COMPANY INFO
PS Audio
4826 Sterling Drive
Boulder, CO 80301
(720) 406-8946
www.psaudio.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
fetuso's picture
Submitted by fetuso on April 25, 2015 - 4:29am

I've owned the D3020 for almost two months now and I am particularly sensitive to criticism of its remote and interface. The reason? Because such criticism actually kept me from buying this wonderful little amplifier for months, until I finally bought it because it was exactly what I was looking for. I've commented previously on his site and others about how these criticisms are overblown, but here I go gain. The remote is black on black, and yes it it hard to see the buttons. But the buttons are few and nicely spaced out. You'll have their locations memorized in no time and you'll have no need to even look at the remote. It also fits very nicely in the hand. Could NAD have added some white? Of course. But please don't let it stop you from buying this great amp. Same goes for the interface, which is really just the power button and input switch on the unit itself. I've never had an issue with these. In fairness, sometimes I have to press the power button a second time, but so what? We're talking maybe half a second to press it again. It is a bit quirky until you learn where it wants to be touched. My main point is that the D3020 is very user friendly and easy to live with. It also sounds great. Don't let these petty criticisms stop you from buying it if the features fit your needs.

fetuso's picture
Submitted by fetuso on April 25, 2015 - 10:45am

Sorry readers that a review about the Sprout has spawned comments about the D3020. I tried the bass button, didn't like it, so I don't care that it's on the back. The UI and remote are a bit quirky, yes, but not awful and horrible. To each his own I suppose. I Spend so little time with the interface that's it's not an issue. I turn it on and enjoy. What else is there to do with it? It's not like we're speaking to Martians with it.

I've said my piece.

AegisAvantGarde's picture
Submitted by AegisAvantGarde on December 6, 2015 - 5:54pm

I own the D3020 and despite the bad remote it sounds incredible for $400. That said, the Sprout is now available for $500 in Amazon but I have not heard it. I want to buy the sprout for my office just because I do need the extra watts it offers for my office speakers, Martin Logan Motion LX16. Ill post here when I get it and can compare them head on. In principle, the Sprout is another price point (originally $800 while the D3020 was originally $500) Now both costing almost the same D3020 $400 and the Sprout $500 they are almost at the same price point and according to Amazon both are selling really well and both represent great examples of budget HiFi. In the end just get whatever sounds better for you. Auditioning is a must in all HiFi purchases, sound is also about taste, never forget that.

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