that “looks like” an 8Ω resistor at some frequencies will show 4Ω
at others, and often, 3Ω or even 2Ω at still others. Furthermore,
actual loudspeaker loads are far more complex than simple test
resistors. What does all this mean? Simply, that power on paper is
but a poor predictor of “how loud,” “how dynamic,” “how musical.”
Nevertheless, in a competitive market comparisons will be made.
But when you make them, read the fine print—all of it. At NAD
we test under the most demanding, “worst-case” conditions,
reporting the minimum power output we achieve at any frequency
within human audibility (full audible bandwidth of 20Hz-20kHz),
and with all channels driven and fully stressed simultaneously at
clearly specified, vanishingly low distortion. Many competitors do
not: they often quote single-frequency power (1 kHz) reflecting at
most one “associated channel” (maximum 2 channels) dominating
the receiver’s power supply—often under a variety of deceptive
power headings. And if distortion is stated at all it’s usually at quite
high levels: 0.5 percent, 1 percent—in one case, 10 percent!—it’s
easy to print big numbers that simply do not tell the true story. The
bottom line: don’t be fooled by specs; let your ears be the judge.
PowerDrive™
This keystone of the NAD receivers’ amp-section design underpins
the unique dynamic potential of every model. PowerDrive’s
foundation is a “dual-rail” power supply that delivers optimized
internal voltage levels especially during the most demanding
conditions: dynamic peaks, big musical transients, deep-bass
excursions that drive a loudspeaker into its most power-hungry
impedance range. It’s a little like the “kickdown” of a sophisticated
automatic transmission - providing distortion-free current on
demand.
PowerDrive is one big reason why NAD AV receivers do not exhibit
the dynamic compression, flattened imaging, and even tinges of
harshness audiophiles so often decry as “receiver sound.” And
PowerDrive not only makes NAD receivers sound better, it makes
them cooler running, more efficient, and more reliable as well.
Performance
Today’s advanced Surround Sound receivers require quality in the
digital decoding stages, the video processing section, and in the
power amplifier design for the best overall performance. The T765
is an excellent example of the NAD Design Team’s expertise in all
three areas. Not only that, but we have made many ergonomic
refinements to simplify operation and make it more enjoyable to
get all the performance this magnificent receiver is capable of
delivering.
Using the latest 32 bit Dual Core Floating Point DSP technology,
NAD was able to include the expected surround formats from
Dolby and DTS, as well as including NAD’s own highly regarded
music surround mode; EARS. Unlike, the typical artificially enhanced
DSP modes like “Club”, “Stadium”, and “Church”, EARS uses DSP
technology to extract the natural ambience of the recording. This
is redirected to the surround channels to create natural surround
sound from any 2 channel source. This induces a warm natural
reverberant effect without the artificial “BOING” of artificial reverb.
The surround mode of the source material is automatically
detected via the digital inputs of the T765, and the “highest” or
most advanced form of decoding is switched in. Conversion of
the encoded digital bitstream is performed with high resolution
and extremely linear Burr-Brown 24 bit/192kHz D/A Converters
carefully selected for their performance capabilities. The T765
uses five two-channel DACs rather than the usual single 8 channel
DAC favored by many of today’s surround sound receivers. We
have found that the sonic performance of the two-channel DACs
used in a dual differential mode, is well worth the extra cost of this
configuration.
NAD’s reputation for producing power amplifiers that are both
potent and musical is upheld in fine manner with the T765.
Boasting a minimum of 80 watts continuous power per channel,
the T765 can easily fill a room with lifelike sound levels.
Credit for the sound of NAD’s components rests squarely with our
unique design approach and our experienced and very talented
design team. Most companies design their products to a technical
specification and a price point. While this sounds logical enough,
it does not address the way the product will actually be used by
the eventual owner. You don’t listen to specifications, you listen to
music and sound. While NAD products exhibit excellent technical
measurements, we have relied on our own ears and listening
experience to determine the final design of our products. Because
of our unique design approach, NAD’s sound is simply more “real”
sounding, adding enjoyment and excitement to your favourite films
and music recordings.
Flexibility
The T765 has all the flexibility required to serve as the command
center for even the most sophisticated Home Theater and multi-
room systems. A full suite of video switching caters to all the
popular video formats (HDMI, Component Video, S-Video, and
Composite Video). Digital inputs (including a handy front panel
input) and outputs are available in both coaxial and optical formats
to make it easy to attach all your digital sources for playback and
recording.
With the T765, NAD has made it easy to add more speakers for
listening to music in an additional room or “zone”. A second pair of
speakers can simply be added to the front channel amplifiers and
switched on or off from the remote control or front panel switch.
More elaborate systems can also be created using the Zone 2, 3
and 4 outputs to add additional amplifiers and speakers with the
added benefit of independent source selection and volume control.
For added flexibility the back surround amplifier channels can be
assigned to Zone 2 if the main zone is 5.1. A separate second
zone remote is included.
There are also 12 volt triggers to automatically switch remote
zone amplifiers on and off, and even an RS-232 data port for
connection to highly advanced automated control systems.
Thoughtful features like discrete On and Off codes, direct access
to inputs and FM station presets facilitate the integration of the
T765 into elaborate remote control systems.
An analog 7.1 input is also provided for attaching a DVD-Audio
