The flagship AV receiver NAD T 778 received a 9 x 100 W power amplifier configuration. Moreover, we are talking about NAD hybrid digital amplifiers, which debuted in this particular product. The most important feature of the new product is its modular design, that is, the case has two MDC slots with the ability for the user to replace the components installed in them.
For video, the NAD T 778 receiver is capable of 4K/Ultra HD transmission 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. At the same time, the T 778 is equipped with automatic room correction Dirac Live. Additionally, 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. A Bluetooth module with aptX HD support is also installed on board.
The receiver features a new and improved touchscreen that offers simple and allegedly intuitive front-panel operation. It is also certified to comply with major control systems. Integration of the device into home theater and smart home systems is also possible using the RS232 serial port. There is also an infrared remote sensor input with learning function and a remote trigger input/output. At the same time, NAD T 778 is assembled in a low-profile case for mounting in a 3U rack.
You can control the NAD T 778 either in the traditional way using a very convenient remote control, or from the NAD Remote application, which is available for iOS and Android. The RS232 port is intended for control systems. One cannot fail to mention the proprietary BluOS streaming system, which is fully supported by this receiver. Within the system, you can both listen to Internet radio and stream high-resolution files from network storage, for example, Bluesound Vault 2.
Well, now it’s time to talk about the Dirac Live system itself. This system is the development of a 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, and also to combat all the problems of this room – standing waves, reverberations, etc. Oddly enough, the first clients of Dirac were automobile concerns – BMW, Rolls-Royce, Volvo, etc. From the home category, the Swedes’ algorithms are used by: Pioneer, Datasat, Barco, Theta Digital, Arcam, Emotiva, Storm Audio, AudioControl and now NAD.
The system requires taking measurements at nine points and supports calculations 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 is that the program is installed on a PC/Mac and during operation 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 not always optimal. But this is a feature of Dirac algorithms and has nothing to do with NAD specifically. You can read about the results of the system’s operation below, but for now I would like to convey to you one important idea: Dirac is a powerful means of combating the shortcomings of a room, it has enormous capabilities, and devices equipped with it have a clear advantage over all others.
There is only one caveat – setting up Dirac by an amateur will lead to a completely unpredictable result, which can either please or 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, in the near future, perhaps, it will be enough to press the “automatic optimization” button – and the result is guaranteed to be excellent. In the meantime, you should rely on the experience of professionals or study the threads on NAD/Arcam/Datasat, where some users are willing to share their experience and can give advice to a beginner.
“NAD firmly believes that there are many people for whom music will always come first,” said the company’s chief technology officer, Greg Stidsen. “The NAD T 778 will appeal to the most demanding audio and videophiles, and its MDC system will help protect your investment for years to come.”
Characteristics NAD T 778
Number of channels 9.2
Output power 9 x 85 W (8 Ohm, 0.05%, all channels work), 140 W (8 Ohm, FTC)
Frequency range 20 Hz – 20 kHz (- 0.8 dB, mode Direct)
Signal-to-noise ratio more than 100 dB (Line), more than 85 dB (Phono)
Harmonic coefficient less than 0.08%
Damping factor more than 300
Input sensitivity/impedance 750 mV / 50 kOhm
Built-in decoders (main) Dolby Atmos, DTS:X , DTS Neural:X, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio
Dirac Live auto-calibration system
Bluetooth support
AirPlay support available, including AirPlay 2
Inputs 6 HDMI / HDCP 2.2 with 4K support / 60 Hz (one on the front panel), 3 line (1 on the front panel), Phono, 2 optical (1 on the front panel), 2 coaxial, 2 optical, USB for portable media Outputs
2 HDMI / HDCP 2.2, per Zone 2, 7.1 channel, 6.3 mm headphone jack Speaker
outputs 9 pairs of screw terminals
Other switching USB for BluOS hub, trigger input and output, IR input/output, RS232, Ethernet (for external control)
BluOS support BluOS Kit: USB Hub, Wi-Fi Dongle, Bluetooth USB Micro Adapter, USB cable/extension cable
Dimensions (WxHxD) 435x140x430 mm
Weight 12.1 kg
