T 763 A/V Receiver

6 x 100W Simultaneous Minimum Continuous Power into 4 / 8 ohms 210W, 300W, 370W IHF Dynamic Power into 8, 4 and 2 ohms, respectively PowerDrive High Current Holmgren Toroidal Power Transformer Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, ProLogic II, DTS, DTS ES, DTS NEO:6, Matrix 7.1, EARS and Enhanced Stereo HDCD Stereo Bypass 5 A/V Custom Presets store unique speaker level and tone control settings Direct access speaker level adjustment for surround, center and subwoofer 6 A/V Inputs all S-Video and Composite, 2 full tape loops Component Video, 3 Inputs and 1 Output, HDTV Compatible 3 Audio Inputs, 1 Tape Loop 6 Digital Inputs, 4 Coaxial, 2 TOS Link freely assignable 2 Digital Outputs, 1 Coaxial, 1 TOS Link 7.1 Analogue Input (for DVD-Audio) Speaker A + B switching (Speakers B stereo only) Multi-Source 2nd zone A/V pre-out with independent source and volume ZR-2 Second Zone Remote included, discrete codes for independent zone 2 x IR Outputs, One IR input RS-232 port interface for advanced control systems 3 x 12V Trigger Outputs, 12V Trigger Input IEC Detachable Power Cable Preamp Outputs for all 7.1 channels (2 Subwoofers) Amplifier Input for 6 Power Amps DS FM/AM Tuner with 30 direct access presets NAD Soft Clipping HTR-2 - 8 Device Illuminated Learning Remote with Macro function
The NAD T 763 is heir to many generations of award winning NAD designs. This exceptional pedigree is evident in both the look and the feel of the T 763, and it is unmistakable the moment you listen. Based on the highly successful T 762, the T 763 boasts detail improvements in virtually every area of the receiver, for a cumulative effect that is fully deserving of the new model number. Starting with a revised heat management system that reduces internal operating temperatures even under the most severe operating conditions, along with a new volume control circuit and input switching circuit to further reduce noise and distortion. Operating software is now upgradable via the RS-232 port for an added degree of future proof operation. Performance Todays advanced Surround Sound receivers require quality in both the digital decoding stages and the analogue amplifying stages for the best overall performance. The T 763 is an excellent example of the NAD Design Teams expertise in both areas. Using the latest high speed DSP technology, NAD was able to include the newest surround formats from Dolby and DTS, as well as including NADs own highly regarded music surround mode, the EARS (Enhanced Ambient Recovery Circuit) circuit. Unlike the typical artificially enhanced DSP modes like Club, Stadium, and Church, EARS uses DSP technology to extract the natural ambience to create surround sound from any 2 channel source inducing a warm natural reverberant effect without the artificial BOING. Surround processing is automatically detected via the digital inputs of the T 763, and the highest or most advanced form of decoding is switched in. Conversion of the decoded digital bitstream is performed with high resolution and extremely linear D/A Converters carefully selected for their performance capabilities.
NADs reputation for producing power amplifiers that are both potent and musical is upheld in fine manner with the T 763. Boasting a minimum of 100 watts continuous power per channel, the T 763 can fill even large rooms to lifelike sound levels. With a huge toroidal power transformer and separate rectification and smoothing capacitors for the front and surround channels, the T 763 can easily meet its power spec with all channels operating simultaneously. NADs exclusive PowerDrive amplifier technology automatically adjusts the power supply settings of the amplifier to the needs of the loudspeaker. This ensures remarkably dynamic and distortion-free performance with any type of loudspeaker, even demanding 4 ohm designs. Many less advanced receivers resort to performance robbing protection resistors to allow the use of 4 ohm speakers. With PowerDrive, the performance is always optimized for the actual operating condition and as a result the amplifier exhibits very low distortion and good current drive in the real world. Credit for the sound of NADs 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 dont 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, NADs sound is simply more real sounding, adding enjoyment and excitement to your favourite films and music recordings. Flexibility The T 763 has all the flexibility required to serve as the command center for even the most sophisticated Home Theatre systems. A full suite of video switching caters to all the popular video formats (Component Video, S-Video, and Composite Video). Digital inputs 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 T 763, NAD has made it easy to add more speakers for listening to music in additional rooms or zones. 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 Multi-Source output to add additional amplifiers and speakers with the added benefit of independent source selection and volume control. 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 facilitates the integration of the T 763 into elaborate remote control systems. An analogue 7.1 input is also provided for attaching a DVD-Audio player or any other yet to be developed surround decoder, making sure the T 763 does not become obsolete anytime soon. Preamp

outputs and main amp inputs, a long standing NAD feature, allow the addition of more powerful amplifier channels and/or the reconfiguring of amplifier channels. (for example adding a more powerful external amplifier to the front channels, and using the onboard front channel amp or back surround channels amps to power a second music zone from the Multi-Source output.) Luxurious Simplicity All the capability and flexibility in the world is quite useless if the receiver becomes too complicated to be operated by every member of the family. NAD has taken special measures to make operation of the T 763 as logical and straightforward as possible. Initial system setup is best accomplished using your television monitor and the clear and simple On Screen Display (OSD), which can be configured to also give status updates as settings are changed in everyday use. Once the T 763 is informed of your specific system set-up, all settings are stored in a non-volatile memory making this a one time task. The informative front panel display indicates complete information about the source being listened to or watched including selected surround mode and volume setting. The FM tuner includes 30 favourite station presets that can be custom named, or if the station supports the Radio Data System (RDS), it will automatically stream information about the station and music being played. Five independent Scenario Presets can store speaker level and tone control settings for instant recall, making it easy to custom tailor your system for different types of program material. Encoded surround modes like Dolby Digital and DTS are automatically selected if the program is so encoded. The T 763 also remembers your last used settings when switched in and out of Standby mode. The included HTR-2 remote handset is a model type that is replacing the typical remotes found for TVs, VCRs DVD players etc. It has illuminated buttons for easy operation in low light environments. Remote commands for products not already included in the HTR-2s memory can be easily taught to the HTR-2. And the HTR-2s Macro function allows up to 64 individual commands to be triggered by the pressing just two keys. With this feature, all of the commands required for watching a DVD, for example, are executed automatically by the HTR-2s Macro function. Summary The T 763 offers remarkable performance and flexibility in a compact and simple to operate package. This multi-channel powerhouse will bring your favourite music and movies to life in your home entertainment room with an absolute minimum of fuss and a maximum of pure enjoyment.

Amplifier Section Power output Stereo Mode (8 within rated distortion) IHF dynamic power; 8 IHF dynamic power; 4 IHF dynamic power; 2 Simultaneous power output surround mode Total harmonic distortion at rated power IM distortion at rated power Damping factor 8 Input sensitivity and impedance Frequency response Signal/noise ratio; ref rated power 8 Signal/noise ratio; ref 1W / 8 Remote Control Tuner Section Input sensitivity Mono 50dB Stereo: Harmonic Distortion; FM Mono Harmonic Distortion; FM Stereo Signal/noise; Mono Signal/noise; Stereo Stereo separation at 1kHz Frequency response; + 1.5dB Video Section Input and output impedance Component Video Bandwidth Physical Specifications Dimensions (W x H x D) Net Weight Shipping Weight 17 1/8 x 6 3/4 x 16 5/8 (435 x170x 423mm) 45.4lbs (20.7kg) 48.8lbs (22.2kg) 75 50MHz 16.1dBf 36.1dBf 0.25% 0.5% 60dB 55dB 40dB 30Hz - 15kHz 130W (21.1dbW) 2 x 210W (23.22dBW) 2 x 300W (24.77dBW) 2 x 370W (25.68dBW) 6 x 100W (20dBW) 0.08% 0.08% 60 400mV / 50k 5 to 20,000 Hz >90dB >80dB Yes 0.8dB
NAD Electronics International reserves the right to change specifications or features without notice. NAD is a registered trademark of NAD Electronics International. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form whatsoever without the written permission of NAD Electronics International. 10/03 NAD Electronics International.

www.NADelectronics.com

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NAD T763 A/V SURROUND SOUND RECEIVER

Hearing is Believing

The leaves have been raked, the garage cleaned up and the lawn mowed. I have finished all the things on my honey-do list, so now I can have some time to myself. After I finish the weekly chores around the house that my wife assigns, I like nothing better than to sit down, relax in front of my theater system and enjoy sonic bliss. Of course, almost anything would sound better than a high decibel lawn mower or orbital car polisher, however, I dont like to settle for merely adequate. I much prefer a powerful, quality receiver playing my favorite tracks through an excellent set of speakers.
his particular autumn day a NAD T763 surround sound receiver was the perfect therapy for my weary bones. The T763 represents the middle ground of performance receivers by NAD. It is a descendant
of generations of award-winning electronic components, from a company that would rather be known in serious audiophile circles than by a group of teenagers gathered at a mega-electronics store. Finding an authorized NAD dealer may be harder than driving down to your local Appliances-R-Us, but the rewards of enjoying one of their performance-oriented receivers, such as the T763, is well worth the effort.
The NAD T763 A/V receiver features controls that are easy to operate, logical and straightforward.

Unique Features

NAD has earned a reputation for producing power amplifiers that deliver the power they promise with minimal noise distortion. By using NADs PowerDrive amplifier technology, power adjustments are made automatically to meet the needs of each loudspeaker. The benefit to the PowerDrive system is an even power distribution for dynamic performance with little distortion even at high volume levels. And speaking of volume levels, the T763 asserts an ample 100 continuous watts per channel into six channels driven simultaneously. Even large rooms benefit from the considerable power the T763 demonstrates. A review of the NAD T763 wouldnt be complete without including one of the most highly regarded music surround modes available, the EARS circuit. Developed by NAD, the EARS (Enhanced Ambient Recovery System) circuit
is a digital signal processor designed to create an artificial listening environment. Unlike many other DSP systems, the EARS circuit uses proprietary NAD surround processing to reproduce a two-channel recording with a natural ambient acoustic sound without resorting to artificially generated reflections or regenerations. This subtle but effective surround mode enhances the spatial presence of a recording for a tremendously enjoyable experience. Digitally speaking, the T763 combines this high-speed DSP engine with a 24-bit 96kHz-sampling-capable D/A converter for all channels. Beyond processing and amplifying a sound source, this receiver has the flexibility to act as a command center for a variety of home theater needs. The receiver offers video switching for all the popular video formats such as component, composite and S-Video, and digital audio inputs and outputs as well. To accommodate a separate listening experience, NAD has added a convenient second zone to the speaker outputs for a second pair of speakers to be added to the front channel amplifiers. Playing music in a separate room, by the poolside or in the garage is as simple as running the speaker wires and using the included
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separate second zone remote control. Because technology advances so rapidly, most new electronics are left behind almost as fast as they hit store shelves. With the T763, NAD wanted to create a flexible system that could be improved as new technology emerged. This future-proof design is possible by upgrading the T763 operating software through a RS-232 data port. In addition to upgrades, the Windowscompatible NAD software can interface with a personal computer for connection to highly advanced automated control systems. Complete remote control functionality of the T763 from a remote location is available with an optional accessory available from NAD audio specialists. This forward thinking flexibility adds value to an already valuable piece of equipment.

Installation/Setup/Ease of Use
Like other NAD products Ive had the pleasure of reviewing, the T763 has a beautiful simplicity about it. The unit is attractive and well built without a multitude of LEDs, buttons or switches to clutter up the front panel. The few buttons that are located on the front panel each serve a distinct purpose and are clearly marked. An oval display window in the center of the receiver gives the user solid feedback of the controls with its unambiguous white readout. To select a video input and its assigned audio and digital inputs, a single video button is used. For audio selections, an audio button is provided to step through audio sources. These two buttons do the work of separate buttons for each input such as a DVD, CD, satellite, VCR, etc. This simplicity bridges the gap between form and function because the controls are easy to operate, logical and straightforward. Additionally, each input can be renamed and the video, analog and digital inputs are assignable or can even be selected as off. When setting up the T763, it is recommended to connect the receiver to a monitor to take advantage of the On Screen Display (OSD). I was reminded of this after I wired an MB Quart Vera series speaker ensemble to the receiver and the powered subwoofer wasnt playing. By connecting the unit to my display, I was able to configure the T763 speaker settings menu to turn on the subwoofer output. The OSD is a powerful tool capable of making changes to input settings, speaker settings,
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crossover points and listening modes. Although a sound pressure level metering system isnt included, the channel balance can be adjusted with the OSD by using an inexpensive SPL meter (such as the Radio Shack #33-2050 meter) or simply by ear. By increasing or decreasing the decibel levels of each channel, adjusting the speaker distance and fine-tuning the delays, the T763 can be refined to fit the dimensions of most rooms for optimal imaging. Once configured, system parameters can be saved to one of five presets. After being saved and named into the non-volatile memory, the presets can be recalled to match a specific speaker setup. For example, you might name a preset movie that has a prominent center channel and increased sub output. A preset named music may have a lower crossover frequency and reduced sub level.

Final Take

Heat is always an issue with large, powerful receivers. My experience with NADs T752 was a prime example. Even properly ventilated, the older T752 ran hot. But the new T763, with its huge toroidal power transformer and brawny Class AB amplifier with multiple high current outputs, stays cool. NAD enhanced the uniquely designed heat sink with four precision fans that run at low speed to insure temperatures dont melt nearby audio equipment. Lower ambient temperatures translate into lower distortion levels regardless of high speaker load levels or dynamic program material. During my lengthy test period, I listened to a variety of music and movies over a period of several months. The receiver was first connected to the aforementioned MB Quart Vera speakers and later to the Image ensemble by PSB Speakers. Zone 2 was utilized for all-weather Infinity Outrigger and JBL Northridge speakers playing poolside. During the course of my evaluation, I always seemed amazed at how well the T763 delivered power to each speaker without crying uncle. No matter how demanding an action soundtrack was or how deep musical bass notes became, the receiver continued to drive the loudspeakers with more power in reserve. When listening at realistic sound levels, subtle nuances of surround sound material were apparent. While watching movies, the balance between effects and dialogue was evenly

matched. Voices seemed clear while background noises and music stayed detailed and in proper soundstage. Musically speaking, the T763 not only exhibited the hard-hitting forceful lows I had come to expect, but softer details and subtleties in everything from woodwind instruments to female vocals. I believe this receiver would deliver adequate amplification in a large listening environment as well as providing a smooth sound at moderate listening levels. I must admit I received a great deal of satisfaction from the NAD T763 during my evaluation. There are plenty of features and advanced technology that set NAD apart from other manufacturers. Abundant connections allow for future growth and the supplied backlit universal remote control is one of the better controllers available. Custom installation features such as the ability to operate a Zone 2 and the optional accessory for programming the T763 via personal computer are extraordinary. Power output should be fine for most applications and the DSP processing proved to be exceptional. By Tim Tepas

Rating

NAD T763 Surround Sound Receiver 6 x 100 watts Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, Digital ProLogic IIx, ProLogic IIx, DTS, DTS ES, DTS NEO:6, Matrix 7.1, EARS, Enhanced Stereo Surround Modes (6) A/V Inputs (S-Video and Composite) (3) Inputs and (1) Output (Component Video) (6) Digital Inputs (4 Coaxial, 2 TosLink) (2) Digital Outputs (1 Coaxial, 1 TosLink) 7.1 Analog Input (for DVD-Audio) (2) IR Outputs, (1) IR Input RS-232 port interface for advanced control systems 3 x 12V Trigger Outputs, 12V Trigger Input Illuminated Learning Remote with Macro Function Dimensions: 17.2W x 6.75H x 16.75D Weight: 41 lbs. Warranty: 2 Years MSRP $1,399 NAD Electronics (800) 263-4641 www.nadelectronics.com