The large display area will play host to some of Convoy’s major brands and is the place to go to audition Bluesound wireless streaming models, Music Hall turntables, IsoAcoustics isolation platforms, PSB and JBL loudspeakers and Cary Audio’s valve electronics. And NAD.

Geoff Matthews, Convoys CEO and NAD’s Australian distributor has been trawling Gumtree and eBay ads for NAD legacy product culled from its 45-year rich history.

We wanted the Convoy display room to pay homage to NAD’s 45-year history by displaying some of the brand’s best and most iconic models.

NAD now based in Canada, was formed in 1972 by a group of forward looking European audio importers with a mission to supply music lovers with audiophile quality Hi-Fi that was also outstanding value for money.

Chosen to head up the new Hi-Fi company were Bjorn Erik Edvarsen and Martin L. Borish.

Before long Edvarsen developed NAD’s most famous product and the model that made the brand a household logo in hi-fi circles globally.

This was the legendary NAD 3020 integrated amplifier, a model copied but rarely bettered by NAD’s multi-national rivals.

Rated at 20 watts per channel, and with a pricetag of about $249, the minimalist styled 3020 could drive just about any speaker load and it sounded compellingly musical.

Older StereoNET readers should recall good hi-fi stores selling an amazing sound system comprising the DUAL CS505 turntable with Grado FT1 cartridge, NAD 3020 amplifier and a pair of Mordaunt Short Pageant speakers for about $1299 in the late seventies and early 80’s.

It’s hardly an understatement to say that NAD made it possible for thousands of financially challenged music lovers to buy an affordable, hi-fi system that delivered a taste of hi-end sound for a fraction of the cost.

The NAD 3020 soon became the best selling amplifier in the audio industry’s history.

NAD went on to design a slew of best selling, value for money models throughout the 70’s, 80’s and beyond.

Best selling models comprised the 3125, 3130, 3240 and 3400 integrated amplifiers, the 4120A tuner, 7020, 7040, 7400 and 7600 receivers and the 2100, 2155, 2400 and 2700 stereo power amplifiers.'

You can follow the NAD Electronics journey yourself with this timeline on their website.

The NAD founding group’s vision continues today but with features undreamt of 45-years ago. These days NAD has embraced high-definition Bluesound wireless streaming and its models exploit the best the digital era has to offer.

StereoNET recently reviewed NAD’s high-end 50.2 file server and M32 Direct Digital amplifier powering B&W’s 805 D3 speakers, and we were blown away by the sound and the affordable price of the NAD models.

Visitors to the Convoy display at this year’s show are in for an auditory and visual treat.

Visit the Convoy room and a walk down memory lane with NAD in the State Ballroom.

For more information visit www.hifishow.com.au - Tickets on sale now.