NAD 1300 Precision Control Preamplifier Phono MM/MC

NAD 1300 Stereo Preamplifier — Organized Specifications & Product Overview

The NAD 1300 Stereo Preamplifier by NAD Electronics was manufactured between January 1987 and February 1989, and was designed for technically sophisticated audiophiles who demanded both state-of-the-art sound quality and advanced operational flexibility. According to its original brochure, the 1300 emphasizes signal purity, exceptional phono performance, and ultra-low noise, while maintaining extensive system control. Its design focuses on simplicity in the main signal path, combined with unusually high dynamic range and headroom for both analog and emerging digital sources of the era.

A major highlight is its FET-input phono preamplifier, engineered for outstanding soundstage imaging and fine inner detail. Using eight selected low-noise transistors per channel, the phono section achieves excellent rejection of radio-frequency interference from digital devices and broadcast signals. It also incorporates a dedicated Class-A preamp stage for low-output moving-coil cartridges, offering quieter playback than many competing designs. The unique “Null” circuit allows users to electronically cancel mono information, aiding cartridge alignment and FM antenna tuning. Combined with bi-directional tape loops and an External Processor Loop (EPL), the 1300 offers system flexibility rarely found in preamps of its class.

General Information

• Model: NAD 1300 Stereo Preamplifier

• Production Period: Jan 1987 – Feb 1989

• Design Philosophy: High headroom, low noise, signal purity

• Target User: Advanced audiophiles and vinyl enthusiasts

• Remote Control: No

• NAD Link: No

Phono Section (MM / MC)

Input Impedance

• MM: 47 kΩ / 200 pF

• MC: 100 Ω / 1000 pF

Input Sensitivity (1 kHz, ref. 0.5 V)

• MM: 1.3 mV

• MC: 60 µV

Input Overload (20 Hz / 1 kHz / 20 kHz)

• MM: 20 / 200 / 2000 mV

• MC: 1 / 10 / 100 mV

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted, cartridge connected)

• MM: 80 dB (ref. 5 mV)

• MC: 78 dB (ref. 0.5 mV)

Other Phono Specs

• THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): < 0.02%

• RIAA Accuracy: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)

• Selectable Input Capacitance: Yes

• Topology: FET input, low-noise transistor array, Class-A stage

Line-Level Inputs

• Input Impedance: 100 kΩ / 220 pF

• Input Sensitivity (ref. 0.5 V): 80 mV

• Maximum Input Signal: 12 V

• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): >100 dB

• Frequency Response: ±0.3 dB

Line-Level Outputs

Output Impedance

• Normal: 50 Ω

• Tape / EPL: 1 kΩ

• High Level: 100 Ω

• Headphones: 70 Ω

Maximum Output Level

• Tape / Normal / EPL: 12 V

• High Level / Headphones: 15 V

Tone Control & Filtering

Tone Controls

• Treble: ±12 dB at 3 / 6 / 12 kHz

• Bass: ±12 dB at 50 / 120 / 250 Hz

Bass Equalization

• +3 dB at 55 Hz

• +6 dB at 36 Hz

Filters

• Infasonic (Subsonic) Filter:

  • −3 dB at 14 Hz

  • 18 dB/octave slope

  • Switchable

Special Features

• High-definition FET-input phono stage

• Class-A MC preamplifier

• “Null” circuit for cartridge and FM alignment

• Bi-directional tape loops

• External Processor Loop (EPL)

• Ultra-high headroom line stage

• Dynamic range exceeding 110 dB (relative to 2V CD output)

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 435 × 84 × 273 mm
  (Excludes feet, terminals, and controls)

• Height with Feet: +18 mm

• Net Weight: 4.3 kg

• Shipping Weight: 5.0 kg

Power

• Supply: 120–240 V, 50/60 Hz

• Power Consumption: 20 W