I hadn’t realized it wasn’t HDMI 2.1. I just assumed It was. Thanks for pointing that out. The T758 V3 had a bazaar USB adapter that was required as well. I remember when I had it and was setting it up... what the heck is this kludge to get this to work...No HDMI 2.1 support. BT requires plugging in a USB adapter. Makes no sense for $3k.
For the most part I agree. However, outstanding units like the M27/M22 and the M10 both give a reason for some hope. This is much better than there T758 but still not good, in particular at $3kI haven’t considered NAD as a reasonable option for years. My first separates were the 1020 pre and 2150 amp which I dearly loved. Since they’ve been building AVR’s, their equipment has been quirky and unreliable...and except maybe for the master series, pretty damned ugly as well. The T778 is one of the nicest looking AVR’s out there, but it’s underperformance, especially given its $3000 asking price, is inexcusable, and Amir’s experience with the T778 only reinforces the continuing concerns over NAD’s reliability. I really want this company to turn around and get it together, but they just can’t seem to make that happen. Very disappointing.
I haven’t considered NAD as a reasonable option for years. My first separates were the 1020 pre and 2150 amp which I dearly loved. Since they’ve been building AVR’s, their equipment has been quirky and unreliable...and except maybe for the master series, pretty damned ugly as well. The T778 is one of the nicest looking AVR’s out there, but it’s underperformance, especially given its $3000 asking price, is inexcusable, and Amir’s experience with the T778 only reinforces the continuing concerns over NAD’s reliability. I really want this company to turn around and get it together, but they just can’t seem to make that happen. Very disappointing.
Testing for frequency dependency, we don't see much except for 20 kHz where it oddly performed better:
Companies with attention to detail that got into the AVR business (e.g., Cambridge Audio) soon found out that the AVR business was messy and they could not maintain the standards they had set for themselves at low margins and discontinued those products than market sub-par equipment. NAD decided to put the Dirac/Hypex lipstick on and rely on brand marketing to push out sub-par stuff.
I think it is time to acknowledge contemporary Denon has surpassed NAD in quality and performance/value while NAD gets more and more into the "lifestyle" product business where engineering isn't the sole criterion.
Does anyone know which of this amp’s measurements are audibly different from the AVRs ranked ahead of it on this site? Before Covid I never paid attention to the measurements. I’d love for someone to tell me what I’m supposed to be listening for.
Ah, good catch. Forgot that this test was using analog input. So the reality is worse than it looks.With such a massive roll-off in the frequency response, the harmonics simply aren't there to contribute...
Yes, all frequency sweeps are done at the same level that gets us 5 watt output.@amirm what level do you run the FR sweep? 4.47V (5W@4R)?
Even if you absolutely need Dirac, there are a plethora of cheap devices which will do Dirac (MiniDSP comes to mind) that are independent of an AVR, yet can be used with one.I think we can just permanently write off NAD as a brand worth considering for AVRs, unless you absolutely need Dirac. For the performance, these things are extremely overpriced.
Better to just get a Denon or Yamaha. I currently own a Yamaha, but my next one will likely be a Denon.
HDMI 2.1 is going to be interesting. Especially considering HDMI 2.1 sources are hitting the market within Q3 and Q4 of this year. While displays are already out and ready.No HDMI 2.1 support. BT requires plugging in a USB adapter. Makes no sense for $3k.