Nice sound

Fan noise and fast remote volume control

Thanks for all the previous reviews. It was nice to read about the possible problems before buying the unit. I also read professional magazine reviews, like the SoundStage review of this receiver, that didn't even mention anything about the fan noise. This is another reminder to me of how most magazine heap praise on the product with only a sprinkle of shortcomings to give the review an impression of realism.

I purchased the Nak because I prefer less bells and whistles, where hopefully my money goes into better parts and design to provide good sound. As with the majority of reviews here I too think the sound from this receiver is very good. So much for my own worthless subjective review. Worthless, because I think all subjective reviews that says the sound is warm or bright, etc. are worthless.

In a dead quite room with the Nak out in the open I can hear the fan 12+ feet away. I was expecting noise but not this much. So I opened up the hood and found the fan located at the front of the unit, shooting air down a long tunnel containing the heat sinks for the power transistors. Interesting design. The fan runs at 7.7 volts, 69.2 mA, or 0.53 watts. In my unit Nak left plenty of wire that powered the fan. So it was easy to solder in a potentiometer. Now I have complete control over the fan speed and the noise it produces. I currently have the pot set at 60 ohms, which really reduces the speed and noise. Of course the slower fan means less cooling. I'm currently only driving two speakers and I don't like my music loud. I seldom have the volume knob beyond the 9 o'clock position. Also the manual says there is a protection circuit that will shutdown the speaker channels if the unit gets to hot. Nice insurance in case I set the fan speed to low.

I think a quick tap on the remote volume button produces to much change in volume. There are two identical colored wires running out the back of the motor that turns the volume knob when the remote control volume buttons are pushed. I easily soldered a 47 ohm resistor into just one of these wires. If anyone cares, I measure a voltage drop across this resistor of 1.45 volts when the remote volume control is running, or 0.045 watts. Now 2 quick taps on the remote button produces approximately the same amount of travel on the volume knob that use to take only 1 tap. For me this is just right, not to slow or to fast. If you want more control just solder in a potentiometer and adjust to your own desire.

I give this receiver 4 stars, because Nak made me do a little work to get the unit to what I wanted.

Simplicity, sound quality, no extraneous features

Limitation of speaker size configuration

First allow me to say this:

Anyone who slams this A/V receiver is completely out of his/her mind. Those who know what qualities to look for in a piece of audio equipment will appreciate what this unit has to offer.

I have been listening to audio equipment for most of my life and, as far as all-in-one products are concerned, this unit is top notch. I have been wanting to get into home theatre for some time, but was always concerned that my 2 channel audio would suffer.

This unit alleviated all my worries.

Overall sound is very smooth, both in two channel and surround modes. There is plenty of (real) power to run most speakers very well. Channel separation, soundstaging and overall dimensionality is quite good (not quite up to par with good separates, but easily competes with lower end separates).

There were those who made mention of a noisy fan problem with this amp. I could see this being somewhat of an issue (more of an annoyance) in a very, very, VERY quiet room. For my purposes, it is a non-issue.

My only real peeve is the fact that there are limitations in terms of selecting speaker size. In two channel mode, the user cannot set the subwoofer output to 'on' when the main left and right channels are set to 'large'. This would piss off any bass head. HOWEVER, I must say that with my setup, once again this is a very minor issue as the sound quality is not very noticeably affected with the mains set to small.
Actually, even when my small NHT 1.3s were set to 'large' (thus bypassing the subwoofer), the bass response was excellent as a result of the nak's superior amplification. The bass response is so good, in fact, that only the lowest notes are missed (and that's quite a statement given the NHT's 53 hz cutoff and steep rolloff from 80 hz down - 24db/octave).

I would highly recommend this A/V amp to anyone who is serious about their sound.

Similar Products Used:

Nak RE 1 - 2 channel receiver,
Adcom power amp, Counterpoint pre-amp combo

This receiver is very musical. Matching it with a good pair of speakers will amaze you. However, if you want more functions to play with, go for Denon or HK.

The Sound, build. Did I mention the sound? Ease of use. Did I mention the sound.

Not the best remote, (very soft) fan noise

I got this at basically a bargain from Dubai almost half the price it goes for in South Africa. I auditioned these in parallel with systems from HK, Marantz, Nad and Yamaha. Essentially as stated above my taste is more music rather than AV and was pretty much blown away by the sonic abilities of the Nakamichi (or more affectionately known as the ‘Nak’) when comparing to the other systems. The others were decent enough for AV but were found lacking for music and thus my reason for purchasing this product. For those interested the Marantz SR7000 was the next best of the lot tested.

The AV-10 is quite a basic – easy to use amplifier without many of the bells and whistles of most of its competition. Rather, emphasis is on what really matters – the sound. It does decoding for Dolby Digital (including Prologic), DTS, and just 2 surround effects: ‘Natural’ and ‘ Hall’. Unlike many other AV receivers/amplifiers, these surround modes (albeit just 2) actually do sound good although I don’t use them much however I think its better to have 2 items that work well rather than 20 that don’t.

This was connected to a set of Mission 701 and replaced a Sony amplifier, which had served me well. The results were very impressive indeed. The level of detail that poured forth from these ‘budget’ speakers was amazing (see my review in the speaker section).

Any type of music shines on the Nak with the level of detail and musicality that is found on high-end 2 channel amplifiers. Controlled bass, tinkling treble and a singing mid-range all make this amplifier sonically amazing, sounding better than more expensive amplifiers and this became more evident upon upgrading to the Mission 773e’s (my reviews of both speakers are in the speaker section). The Missions together with the Nak make for a quite good combination. This gets more impressive when you consider that I listen to everything from hard rock to classical and everything in-between. The Nak + Missions do all this without missing a beat. The tuner is no slouch either and performs its duty adequately. The tone controls can be defeated thus also enhancing its audio abilities by removing these circuits from the signal path.

The stereo sonic abilities of the Nak also extend to its sonic abilities for both Dolby Digital and DTS. The 5 discrete amplifiers show what they’re made of in The 5th Element, and the Matrix, where every explosion or tinkling of broken glass is in exceptional detail. Every little detail is in its place with the use of Nakamichi’s trademark Harmonic Time Alignment which ensures that the timing of all the channels are perfect. The center channel on the Nak uses its own power supply since this is the most strained channel for home theatre. This also ensures that sonic performance is at its best at all times and it shows. All of this build can be felt in the substantial weight of the receiver so take care when carrying it and don’t damage yourself as I did with my REL Storm III :-)

I’m using the Pioneer DV-535 as my CD source as well (my review of this is in the DVD section). I’m also using the DACs on the Nak to all the decoding. The Pioneer works very well as a CD player, probably as good as a very decent budget CD player, however using the DAC on the receiver makes the player sound a bit better than it should! The specifications do not detail the exact make of the DACs but whatever they are, they’re very good.

There are more than enough inputs to satisfy most people and all fairly decently laid out. Access to the speaker binding posts could do with some rethinking though, but only if using bare wire, however I’m using some hefty banana terminals, which negates that problem. The Nak has a very basic front, which I find very pleasing indeed. There are just the essential buttons that is laid out well and not dozens of gimmicky buttons everywhere. The buttons and knobs feel and look solidly built as expected from this make and the overall look is of a sophisticated nature.

There’s plenty of power for those out most people while it may seem overkill for speakers I have but it’s plenty loud enough for my tastes. Besides the matching of amplifier and speaker must be heard to be appreciated. The specifications says that it will do 100 W/channel (in 5.1 – 120w/ch in stereo) and they mean it! The volume knob on my setup does not go very high but unless you’re partially deaf how loud do you actually need to go?

A criticism may be found in the lack of an on-screen display however the Nak is so easy to set up that this is really not necessary, which is actually very commendable and is good work by the designers/programmers for keeping things nice and simple.

Now for the one annoying ‘feature’ of the Nak that many others also find and that is the fan noise. I say ‘feature’ since this is has become quite a characteristic of the receiver – annoying as it may be. However please note that I only hear this sound when I am next to the unit otherwise it is fairly innocuous.

The rest of my system consists of the following
Mission 701 (rear)
Mission 77C1 (center)
Mission 773e (main stereo)
REL Storm III (sub-bass)
Pioneer DV-535 (DVD/CD source)
Nakamichi AV-10 (receiver)


Overall this is an exceptionally well-made product. For one thing all the technology used in the Nak actually works, and its not fancy marketing terms to try to sell the product. For those that like the bells and whistles of home theatre then it may not be for you. However if you serious about sound and its quality then this may be perfect for you – it offers no compromise in its abilities for both stereo music and 5.1DD/DTS surround and should match well with most speakers. The added bonus of a decent DAC makes is even more attractive. So for the best of both worlds the Nakamichi AV-10 comes highly recommended. I hear rumours of a Nak’ AV-15, surely the tradition will continue.

I was just about to end with when I decided to offer one more comment. From all the negative reviews there was always one thing in common and heres just a word of advice - stick to reputed dealers - it may cost a bit a more but in the long run it is definitely worth it.

Similar Products Used:

sony, Nad, Marantz, Denon, Harman, Yamaha

Power, very musical, user friendly remote. Excellent Surround Receiver.

Construction. The problems I have had with the unit are primarily due to either sloppy workmanship during manufacturing or perhaps, design of the unit.

Given NAK's past reputation and having owned several pieces of Nak equipment (CD Player, Cassette Deck, Receivers, etc.) over the years, I listened to this unit at a local shop. It sounded better than the other units there, such as Yamaha, Denon, etc. The only other unit that could come close was the NAD 751. However, the NAK has more power per channel. Found one on E-Bay at a good price and for the most part, glad I did. IMHO, it is one of the better Surround Sound Receiver on the market. It has plenty of (clean) power for my needs and also serves quite well as a conventional receiver. The remote is easy to use and is capable of "learning" thus eliminating the need for multiple remotes.
My only critcism is the workmanship of my unit. I do not know if thie is typical for other AV 10s. In my expereince, NAK products were always built very well and lasted a long time (I am still using a NAK MB-1s CD player as well as a RE 1)), but this one has had problems. For example, the speaker pins are easily dislocated and malfunction due to either their desing or placement. The connections for the tape monitor have to be wiggled until they work properly.

Similar Products Used:

Older Nak equipment, NAD.

100 true watts, easy to use, best of both worlds receiver

no on screen display, no backlight on remote

Amazing receiver for both H/T and music.After purchasing this piece I had and unsure feeling and had to try the denon 3300 witch was 200 dollars cheaper.After testing the units side by side with several recordings the Nak was a clear winner in all departments.So I stuck with my purchase and was amazed when listening to movies on my DVD player.It became more and more evident after several live performance DVD's like the EAGLES HELL FREEZES OVER IN DTS that when i was litening to cd's through my Sony cd player that some detail and clarity was missing, and the bass was very poor.Three weeks ago I decided to upgrade my cd player with the Nak mb8 ( see the cd section for my review ) wow what a difference! I now listen to cd's It seems on a new system, the sound is so rich with detail,clarity is excellent, and the bass is true to the instrument. I now enjoy my system and everyday it amazes me.

My System: Nakamichi av10
Nakamichi MB8
B&W DM603 S2
B&W CC6 center
B&W DM601 Rears
Energy EPS12 Sub
Toshiba DVD player
Van Del Hul wiring
Toshiba 50 inch TV

Sound - both music & HT.

depending on basis for comparison or idealist expectation - almost everything else

This is NOT God's gift to audio, nor is it the proof that Nak's excellence in HiFi continues, rather it is simply a very good sounding unit in its category. Period.

Depending on your individual tastes, a lot of weaknesses can be said - sub-standard build quality, lack of features, lack of upgradeability, connection inflexibility, remote unfriendliness, degree of ugliness, fan noise etc.

For example, not being able to have subwoofer on with speakers set to 'large' - a big NO NO, lack of range and angle with remote control & the moody volume buttons - ANNOYING, can't bi-wire subwoofer (no pre-ins) - DISAPPOINTING.

However, the sound that comes out of it - pretty good, infact better than most. Very punchy, responsive, alert and "here-I-am" style. Good bass, good range, and most importantly, it does this for both music and HT.

Only the Rotel comes close in sound, but it is a little more softer (smoother, laid back). Obviously, depends on which speakers you use, could be a close call on which is the right unit for you. Forget the rest.

Personally, Rotel is of better value and a better unit overall when considering harmonic reproductions and build orientation (linear volume knob - essential for true audio control), but they can't seem to get the reliability out of their decoding chips, so unless the unit can work every time without fail, what's the use of it being the best in other departments?...

So Nak must take the nod as the best in its category, due to reliability & dependability and of course its "boisty" sound. Now to you audiophiles, that's because most people are quick to respond to something that "pops" out at them with good bass and "brightness", rather than listen to the subtleties of various music sources to highlight range and frequency balance, but each to their own.

Overall, good one Nak.

My system:

M&K 750 THX Select system (speakers),
Sony 725 DVD player (CDs & DVDs),
Nakamichi AV-10

Similar Products Used:

Rotel 965, Denon, Yamaha, Sony

Clarity, Spacious soundstage, Excellent Bass amplification, ease of use, true power rating

none yet

I have been wanting to venture into H/T for quite some time but was afraid to give up my very musical Carver separates for fear of losing musical sonics, well I must admit after weeks of research and reading the reviews here I narrowed down to the Nak and NAD. I lucked out and found an unopened new AV-10 on Audiogon BTW a great sight for high end equip. Person I bought from was getting divorce and needed money after just getting the unit. I feel I stole it! I would have to say I havent lost any musicality by going to this A/V receiver and leaving my separates, what sonics this piece has.
Bass mids and highs are fabulous as is the separation, no audible distortion and the 100x5, 120x2 seems legit. Only real gripe is you cant set sub on with fronts at large in 2 channel stereo. Not a big deal as I have a passive sub and a powered, either is adequate. Anyone questioning this receiver should leave any doubts to rest and buy one ASAP you will not be dissapointed. As for the fan noise I cant hear it sitting 18' away even in quite passages, this baby runs super cool. Good Listening!!!!

Similar Products Used:

no A/V, Carver separates, Yamaha, Phase Linear

High power, fair bass, good treble

Loud fan, weak FM stations do not come in without going over to physically push a button, lacking midrange, not musical

After reading all of the reviews I knew I just had to buy this receiver. Boy, what a mistake. Don't get me wrong, it is a good receiver, but not great. At first it seems overpowering, but you find it soon runs out of steam over half volume. The FM reception was very Poor in my area and a special button has to be pushed in every time I want to listen to a station. There is no reason once pushed this FM mute button should not stay in, but everytime I try to scan FM stations it goes off each time I switch stations. The fan is incredibly loud and I cannot stand it. I am going back to seperates! Although the bass is good, the midrange is lacking, and the treble is fair. I am going back to tubes!

Similar Products Used:

Harmon Kardon, Pioneer, Marantz

Power, Ergonomics

NONE

For you people out there looking for the best receiver in it's class your look should be over. I have owned Yamahas, Kenwoods and Sherwoods but this Nakamichi AV10 separates the boys from the men. It has no cheap frills like multiple DSP's e.t.c , they all sound fake anyway. Although the mere 2 DSP's this unit has sound spectacular. (Natural and Hall amongst DTS and DD)
I think the reason this unit sounds so good is the shear honest (real) power it has, 100x5 120x2 In stereo. My last receiver the Kenwood Vr2080 and Yamaha RXV793 were good but would distort at some givem part of music or a movie, especially the Kenwood. Fit and Finish are beyond reproach. Plain and simply it just sounds and looks better, set up is a sure delight and could not be any easier. You really do owe it to yourselves to try this bad boy out.

At the price i paid it was a steal, I bought mine from my local audio video installation center Extrpc and A1 Electronics for $760.00 Call them at516-359-6823

Similar Products Used:

VR-2080 SR7000, AVR-3801