TECHWEEK
NAD’s flagship T778 AV receiver features a 9 x 100 W power amp configuration. And we are talking about hybrid digital amplifiers NAD, which debuted in this particular product. The most important feature of the NAD T778 is its modular design, that is, the case provides two MDC slots with the ability to replace the components installed in them by the user.
In terms of video, the NAD T 778 is capable of 4K / Ultra HD throughput and is compliant with the High Definition Blu-ray platform. The NAD T 778 can handle Dolby Atmos, DTS: X and DTS Master Audio configurations, supporting home theater configurations up to 7.1.4 channels. The T 778 is equipped with Dirac Live automatic room correction. In addition, it supports MQA decoding on all of its digital inputs. The device will be able to provide wireless multi-room streaming via Apple AirPlay 2. It also has a Bluetooth module with aptX HD support.
The receiver is equipped with a new and improved touch screen, providing simple and allegedly intuitive front panel operation. It is also certified for compliance with major control systems. Integration of the device into home theater and smart home complexes is also possible using the RS232 serial port. There is also an infrared input for a remote control signal sensor with a learning function and an input / output for a remote trigger. At the same time, the NAD T 778 is assembled in a low-profile 3U rack-mount case.
The NAD T 778 can be controlled both in the traditional way using a very convenient remote control, and from the NAD Remote app, which is available for iOS and Android. An RS232 port is provided for control systems. We cannot fail to mention the proprietary BluOS streaming system, which is fully supported by this receiver. Within the framework of the system, you can both listen to Internet radio and stream high-definition files from network storages, for example, Bluesound Vault 2.
Now it’s time to talk about the Dirac Live system itself. This system is the development of the Swedish company of the same name, which has set itself the task of creating an algorithm that makes it possible to bring the sound of specific acoustic systems in a specific room closer to the ideal, as well as to fight all the problems of this room – standing waves, reverberations, etc. Oddly enough, but the first customers of Dirac were automobile concerns – BMW, Rolls-Royce, Volvo, etc. From the home category, Swedes use algorithms: Pioneer, Datasat, Barco, Theta Digital, Arcam, Emotiva, Storm Audio, AudioControl and now NAD.
The system requires taking measurements at nine points, supports the calculation for both a single listening position and for a sofa and even chairs in several rows. The correction is carried out not only in the frequency response, but also in the impulse characteristics. Based on the measurements, the system itself calculates distances and levels, as well as correction curves that you can set yourself. An important point – the program is installed on a PC / Mac and in the process of work must have access to the Internet, since all calculations are carried out on the Dirac server.
Even for an experienced user, the process takes at least 40 minutes, moreover, “automatic” adjustment is far from always optimal. But this is a feature of Dirac algorithms and has nothing to do with NAD specifically. You can read about the result of the system’s operation below, but for now I would like to convey to you one important thought: Dirac is a powerful tool for combating room imperfections, it has enormous capabilities, and the devices equipped with it have a clear advantage over everyone else.
There is only one caveat – customizing Dirac by an amateur will lead to an absolutely unpredictable result, which can both please and disappoint. To achieve a clearly predictable effect, you need to understand what all these graphs mean and what you should strive for. Although the software is constantly being improved, and in the near future, perhaps, it will be enough to press the “automatic optimization” button – and the result will be guaranteed to be excellent. In the meantime, you should rely on the experience of professionals or study the branches on NAD / Arcam / Datasat, where some users willingly share their experience and can prompt a beginner.
“NAD strongly believes that there are many people who put music first,” said the company’s chief technology officer, Greg Stidsen. ”
The NAD T778 will appeal to the most demanding audio and video filmmakers, and its MDC system will help protect your investment for years to come.
