NAD T761 A/V Receivers
NAD T761 A/V Receivers
[May 19, 2003]
Maprik
AudioPhile
Strength:
Straightforward set-up. Classic NAD sound.
Weakness:
Cannot use a coaxial digital audio cable if you are using component video cables (the best). I picked up the T761 for a bedroom surround system and during hook-up noticed that you cannot use a coaxial digital audio cable and component video cables at the same time. To use component video you can only use optical audio in. This is a problem since my DVD player has only Coaxial digital out. I had to purchase a digital signal converter to convert my Coaxial signal to Toslink. What a pain in the *$$!!! Audio quality is good but I think this was a crazy design oversight! It does not have all of the connections you could possibly need. |
[Apr 01, 2003]
hodorman
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Full warm and brilliant sound. Listen to it next to Denon or Rotel and let your ears be the judge. Sounds better than the Denon, and just as good as the Rotel for a lot less money. Easy to learn to use. Easy to set up. Nice remote (don't know what all the complaints are about).
Weakness:
Delay when switcing sources, but no big deal. On-screen display when increasing volume of DVDs. I read all the problems that people posted on this site and it worried me. But I have owned NAD equipment since 1985 and never been disappointed by them. All products have problems, but NAD is a quality company. So as long as you buy from a reputable dealer you have nothing to worry about. Take with a grain of salt all the complainers on this website. NAD is amazing equipment and the T761 is no exception. I'm loving it. I replaced an old 2600A Amp and C-160 Preamp, and the system sounds great for two channel music listening. I haven't completed my speaker wish list yet, but so far so good. Similar Products Used: ADS L780 Dynaudio Audience 52 NAD 505 DVD/CD player Tara Labs for most wiring |
[Mar 20, 2003]
BeenThere
AudioPhile
Strength:
Non fatiguing, musical sound with sufficient power that does not distort at high volume Top quality connections EARS is a great surround format Does not get too hot HTR-1 remote Simply, spartan appearance Solid construction and good weight
Weakness:
Speaker connectors a bit cramped but not really a big deal As with most reviewers, I auditioned comparable receivers from Arcam, Rotel and the like, and can honestly state that for less than $1k, the NAD T761 is the best choice. The musicality and features are as good as the rest, but priced much less. It has all of the connectors one could need and the HTR-1 remote works great. I purchased a reconditioned unit and could not tell it wasn't brand new in every respect. I am very happy with the receiver. With a budget below $1k, the T761 is still the best choice for musical performance. Similar Products Used: Rotel, Arcam, Harman Kardon, Denon |
[Mar 19, 2003]
Mauricio
AudioPhile
Strength:
Price. Sound. EARS mode is great for opera!!!
Weakness:
Non detachable power cord. Binding posts are to close to each other and doesn't accept spades. I write this in defense of NAD T761. Some have writen that the sound didn't impress them. I tell you that perhaps you're listen to jitter! I use a cheap JVC-DVD as transport(music) connected coaxially to the wonderfull Monarchy Audio DIP upsampler who feds the receiver through DH Labs Silver-sonic D75 digital cable. All these are great audio bargains!! The DIP feed the receiver with a "purified" digital signal, upsampled to 96 Khz and with dither added (random digits to make a 24 bits digital word; sorry to the experts if I'm wrong). The combination sounds fantastic! Next I will replace the power cord for a hi-end one just for fun. The message is that this unit can give more of itself if mated to better partners. Cables are important. Does anyone know the voltage/impedance of the preamplifier outputs? |
[Mar 12, 2003]
excelis
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Non fatiguing and clean sounding in both stereo and surround Has all of the features and functionality that I need and none that I do not Best priced of all better quality, non mass market, mid-fi choices HTR-1 remote is ok (still need to test how it programs) Does not seem to get hot even after hours Simple (uncluttered), spartan appearance Good weight, although closer to 35/36lbs versus 38lbs which NAD claims
Weakness:
EARS surround mode does not really excite Fixed cross-over frequency of LFE signal to subwoofer -- it's either on or off -- I have built in crossover on sub amp, so ok for me Speaker connectors somewhat close together Preferred to be able to de-activate all signaling even to front panel display in direct, stereo mode Approximately 2-3 delay when switching between modes (not an issue for me) Volume can go up to +25dB, however, would have preferred an extra +10dB for the brief periods of slam-on-demand. I noticed that volume can go to great negative dB than positive dB. Not a problem/weakness, as much as a difference noted I approached my decision to purchase the T761 after similar deliberation as last (and other) reviewer(s) and having auditioned competing HT receivers, which included the Arcam AVR200, Rotel RSX-1055, and Denon 3803. The Denon was the newest, released in Fall 2002. While each of these receivers (less so the Arcam) had more functionality and flexibility -- extent of OSD options and quantity of rear panel connectors -- I have not missed any of this paraphanelia. When considering the sonic quality of the NAD, especially factoring the price, I was smitten. In order of comparison, the Arcam was probably the most musically satisfying of the group, but was also the lowest powered raising question whether it would produce real impact when called. At less than one-half the price of the Arcam, the NAD for me more than closed any gap in sonic quality difference. While the Rotel was ever so slightly less musical than the Arcam, it had great features and all-around probably the case to beat. While my ears did not really identify that much (if any) sonic improvement over the T761, the price of the Rotel was more than double that of the T761. Finally, the Denon would be all of a HT receiver that I could imagine needing (especially liked the component video up conversion), however, I was consistently fatigued (ears really felt it) after listening for any period. The sound was detailed but quite fatiguing and with a limited soundstage. After the comparisons, the NAD did not disappoint sonically. There are some unfortunate quirks in the design and functionality, but given the quality, and non fatiguing, sound through an honest 80 watts, plus attractive price, I was satisfied with my choice. I can happily apply money saved to an integrated or tube for 2-channel. I purchased a reconditioned T761 given the history of hit-and-miss quality from other reviews. I highly recommend speaking with David at DMC Electronics -- fantastic service and all-around smooth to work with. I am not affiliated with DMC, but received great all-around service and wanted to share. Similar Products Used: Arcam AVR-200, Denon 3803, Rotel RSX-1055 |
[Feb 23, 2003]
agrave02
Audio Enthusiast
I purchased the NAD T761 after much deliberation. The quality control issues posted by other reviewers gave me a few restless nights over whether to purchase this unit or something in the HK AVR series. I finally settled on the NAD, having owned other NAD products and, admittedly, not being crazy about the HK AVR units' aesthetics. Despite my reservations, I have had no quality problems with the channels others have experiened. That said, there are a few things that bother me about this unit. The other reviewers comments about the unit taking a long pause in searching for formats is dead on target. Setting up the remote to use as a universal is a nightmare. Getting the unit out of stand-by mode is tricky. You have to hit the source select mode to awaken it...or is this just my unit?? I purchased this unit on the theory that it would be dual-use - for both HT and music. I have to say, the sound from the HT is impressive. I am very pleased with the sound. While watching some movies, I nearly jumped out of my seat a few times. It sets a good soundstage. It is sharp and crystal clear - very detailed. I don't run a sub with the unit, but the Mirage 890i I have for front L and R still provide enough low end. I am reconsidering getting a sub. I don't think it's needed anymore. BUT, I only wish I could say as much about the music reproduction capabilities. I expected much more...perhaps unrealistly? It performs well, but I wanted great. The sound is detailed and bright - not warm and not rich. I wanted it to sound as good reproducing music as it does when handling movie soundtracks. I might be biased, however, as I also run an AMC 3030 tube amp and enjoy the warm, soft tones it provides. So, take that with a grain. |
[Jan 28, 2003]
mjasoncc
Audio Enthusiast
My first T761 lost a channel. I took called Saturday Audio Exchange and they gave me a new on with a new warranty. Since then, no problems. The sound quality for music and for movies is astounding. In fact, the sound is astounding for everything I run through it, which includes: Imac computer mp3's, TV, CD, DVD, Xbox, HDTV receiver, and Tivo. I use all of the digital inputs and the love that the T761 serves as the central switching / routing unit for all of those components. Without this unit, I'd have a remote control / switching nightmare. With it, everything looks great, sounds even better, and switches easily. I would suggest that my friends buy it from a reuptable, local dealer. If there's any problems, a good dealer will stand behind it, like SAE did. |
[Dec 20, 2002]
Haujobbin
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Excellent sound, drives my NHT 2.9 with no problem.
Weakness:
Remote is not intuitive. I was looking for Audio and Video perfomance without alot of bells and whistles. Most important was the 2 channel sound. Purchased a reconditioned unit on EBay then picked the unit up from the store in Northhampton, MA. I have had zero quality issues and am very impressed with the sound. The 80WPC is conservative, when compared to my previous Denon with a similar rating there is no comparison. Music is warm without being over colored. Tough to beat a reconditioned unit for sound and price. Similar Products Used: Denon, Sony, Carver |
[Nov 17, 2002]
Mikael W
Casual Listener
Strength:
The music feels alive....in 2ch. and home theater. Very good Tuner.
Weakness:
Slow in changing decoding formats. Can´t put the unit in standby without the remote. When you want to shut down the sub you have to use the "on screen" menu. I purchased this one with a 5 year extended warranty at a local store, after reading of all the quality problems. Ironically my decision to buy the Nad was made because of my earlier problems with a Yamaha RX-V800 receiver. I bougth the Yamaha at a E-store and had a lot of problems, after a new unit with the same problem and another repair, it went back to the Internet-store. Now it´s time for the review of the Nad which i have owned since april-02. I didn´t like the 2ch. sound of the Yamaha it was to cold and without any life, but detailed. In Contrary the Nad has a warm and lifelike sound that you feel. Vocals is more alive and there is a lot of kick in the music. In the HT-sector it is also very good but one thing is annoying me though, when it is locking on to new decoding format it´s a bit slow. Similar Products Used: Yamaha RX-V800 |
[Nov 12, 2002]
Paul
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
VERY clean, open and detailed sound. i did direct comparisons with several different brands of speakers and each time, it was like the NAD was revealing more and more of what they were secretly capable of.
Weakness:
quality control does seem to be lacking with these ( i hope they've gotten a fix on this, because i just spent $900 on a T752) i don't own this particular unit, but i have had some (limited) experience with it that may be worthwile. my first exposure to the 761 and NAD was when i was demoing some magneplanrs at home. the dealer gave me the NAD to use with them since they are a 4 ohm load and need a consistent high current. i didn't think my Kenwood would cut it. well, the magnaplanars were all wrong for my room, but while i had the NAD, i figured i'd try them out with some Onix Rockets i was auditioning. i was startled at the improvement over the Onkyo 600. i returned the NAD after the weekend very impressed. so impressed that a month later i decided to give it another try, this time against a HK 520, going to a set of Ascend Acoustics. w/in 10 minutes of hooking up the NAD, the right front channel cut out, and remained out the rest of the weekend. i still tried to listen to the other channels, and i regretably had to admit, the NAD sounded clearly superior to the HK-which itself is supposed to be an excellant, and musical, reciever.& Similar Products Used: Onkyo 600, HK 520e |