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| Model: | NU3000 |
| Category: | Amplifier (SS) |
| Suggested Retail Price: | $300 |
| Description: | appallingly inexpensive powerful class D 2-channel amplifier |
| Manufacturer URL: | Behringer |
| Model Picture: | View |
| Review by soldermizer on February 24, 2012 at 21:02:08 IP Address: 72.184.244.113 | Add Your Review for the NU3000 |
This is a low-end (in price anyway) "pro" amp. Alleged output is 2x1500 w/ch (peak) with reported 8/4 ohm RMS of about 600/300. Damned impressive for the price (<$300 delivered). Note that "stock" this amp has a pc-type fan and produces pc-like fan noise. For home use, some DIY'ers install a quieter fan. I said, WTF, this amp as marketed is in a rack of other equipments, pumping out a huge signal; For (presumably) gentler home use, why not disconnect the fan entirely, remove the duct, leave the top off, passively cooling it? BE ADVISED YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK: (A) voids the warranty, (B) presents a shock hazard (unless you put a screened top on) and (C) the long-term reliability of my mod is unknown. That said, I have many hours playing this amp and so far so thermal shut-downs, nor any audible ill effects. It is possible, but untested, that the thermal shutdown will still work even after my dubious mod.
| Product Weakness: | Fan noise unacceptable. Fan can be replaced or disconnected at cost of voiding warranty, saftety and long term deterioration risks. Twist-lock speaker connects require DIY adapt. |
| Product Strengths: | Inexpensive, powerful, extremely efficient class D, sound quality good to excellent. Perhaps make you feel stupid for paying more for something else. Blind test, anyone? |
| Amplifier: | Behringer NU3000 |
| Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | Carver C2 |
| Sources (CDP/Turntable): | PC w/ external DAC |
| Speakers: | (4x) Bose 901 II |
| Cables/Interconnects: | generique |
| Music Used (Genre/Selections): | Rock, Electronic |
| Time Period/Length of Audition: | 3 days |
| Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
By all and any means, check for rf emissions.
At the same time, be aware that 'd' amp RMS rating is for short time periods ONLY. Like in the range of 30 seconds to a minute.
At full rated power, even given 'hi efficiency', the amp could radiate 100 watts plus. To compare, check out a 100 watt incandescent bulb.
Too much is never enough
Hmmm, I spent more on tubes in one day that this whole amp costs.
By the way, I suggest just ignoring Cardinal Carcass.
If you have one handy, could you see how portable AM/FM/Shortwave radios fare in the vicinity of that amp? And does anything (besides the fan) seem cheap and cheesy, or does it feel pretty solid?
Class D amps and switch mode power supplies are inherently noisy and can produce unwanted EMI/RFI into other electronics including AM/FM Tuners, Receivers, and TV's. To reduce the EMI/RFI emissions, shielding is very important and part of that shielding normally includes the metal chassis / housing / top cover, etc.
I wonder if that Behringer amp with the top cover and ducting removed might now be a big source of EMI/RFI interference to other gear.
That's a good point, (regarding the consequences of D-I-Y modifications). In the U.S. an RF device (such as a computer, CD player or a digital amp) must be certified to meet Federal RF emission standards (and carry a so-called "Part 15" label) in order to be sold. Behringer being something more than a fly-by-night or genius-in-a-garage company, I assume this product carries such a label.
That said, the certification is not to zero RF emissions, and lots of folks have reported various pieces of audio gear being sensitive, in varying degrees, to RF from such sources as Wi-fi, your local TV station, etc.
... what the good gear sounds like? These $300 could be used towards purchase of something useful, you know - for instance, it's about 1/2 of price of a used entry-level amp of reasonable quality.
And why do you think it's a good idea to post such "reviews" (like this, or the previous one of eBay DAC/pre) here, on AUDIOPHILE forum?
Granted, there is a lot of cheap equipment that isn't. I haven't hear the Behringer so I can't say about that unit. But I do know of low-cost class D amps that are competitive against equipment several times their cost.
Which $600 used "entry level" amps do you recommend?
~~~~~~~~~~~
... 99%'er
It frightens me (a little) when someone proclaims something "good", clearly without having any clue what "good" is.
Even worse, there's mentioning of the blind tests in the same paragraph. I've no doubt whatsoever that one cheap piece of shit "equipment" is totally indistinguishable from another cheap piece of shit, in unresolving system, for untrained ears, going in with mindset that everything sounds the same.
Onto your question. Audiogon stinks right now, but until recently, you would be able to buy the following for around $500-600:
- McCormack DNA-0.5
- Belles 150A HotRod
- Classe CA-100
- PS Audio HCA-2
"Piece of shit?" Possibly. "Good used equipment?" Been there, done that. The "blind test" suggestion (always fighting words around these parts) merely suggests that a skeptic put some things to the test. Suggesting an acid test is an example of "critical thinking" or the scientific method -- two things that have brought mankind nearly all the good things he has (ironically, including audio reproduction) -- and which are often unwelcome here, because intellectually honest inquiry might, just might, show flaws in our cherished (but often erroneous) belief systems, just like it would to the three touchy topics of money, religion and politics.
"Sacred cows make the best hamburgers!"
What I saw is a fellow without any experience with anything resembling good-sounding gear, wasting his money on useless garbage - based solely on perception of "value", which in this case is anything but.
It's certainly your prerogative to accept or reject such help. In the case of latter - thou shalt remain clueless.
Oh very well ... we are entitled to our differences. Apparently I am sliding down the quality scale. You guys enjoy your audio nirvana, I will wallow in my sonic mud puddle, oinking with happiness.
"I may be going to Hell in a bucket, but at least I'm enjoying the ride."
Bob Wier
...Can I listen to FM, AM and shortwave radio when the amp is on, and if it's noisy, how far away do I have to move the radio or tuner? Honest to goodness question from someone who has struggled with EMI from the Tripath TA2022-based amps in the past. Have had other Class D amps which caused me no trouble at all in that regard.
I have an old portable radio that I used. To make it a fair test I turned off the rest of the electronics. Yes, there is noticeable EMI with the "Bare-inger" (Behringer NU3000 w/o lid) especially AM, especially within a few inches. Moved a few feet away, noise dimishes and I could tune AM and FM. Why anyone would want to listen to FM or (especially) AM is a quarrel for another time :)
Yours truly, Soldermizer. Voider of warranties and polluter of the HF radio spectrum.
"Haven't you heard? It's a battle of words, and most of them are lies" -Pink Floyd
Thanks for the info. Why radio? It's the original wireless streaming audio! It's also free, and "Free" is my favorite 4-letter f-word. And in my area, NPR news and talk is mostly on AM, and that includes Prairie Home Companion, Car Talk and other popular shows.
If you had to come up with a figure, roughly how far away would you need to place the radio and still have decent reception?
Oh by the way if you're ever interested, the Rosewill infrared thermometer (refer to link, below) periodically goes on sale for around $20 with free shipping, and it's a fine way see how hot your electronics are running. A thermal imager might be even better, but those cost a bit more than $20.
Its always great when one tries to access the site posted only to get to the above...
"If the audio industry built gear that sounded as good as it did 50 years ago, there would NEVER be a need to re-issued anything!"
works for me. try www.behringer.com and then search "NU3000". Amp still working well. No sparks yet :)
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