NAD introduces 7.1-channel T 737 / T 747 AV receivers

The goods keep flowing from the doors at NAD, and now we've got two new multi-channel AV receivers to swoon over. The lower-end T 737 checks in with 40-watts of power per channel, a trio of surround modes, AM / FM tuner, XM / DAB compatibility and iPod support. The T 747 steps it up with a 60-watt per channel amp, internal decoding of the latest lossless audio codecs from Dolby and DTS and an auto-calibration function to ensure your setup is, um, set up correctly. Expect 'em to hit retail outlets in February / January (respectively) for $799 and $1,299 (also respectively).

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2009 7:36AM]

1300$ for a 60 watt per channel amp? Uh, that appears on the surface to suck.

[JustinY Posted Jan 3rd 2009 9:01AM]

You must be new to home theater. 60wpc from NAD really means 60 watts per channel to ALL speakers unlike Onkyo or Sony where it likely means 60 watts per channel to TWO speakers.

Maybe NAD will actually fix their reliability issues with this new line. Will this batch of expensive receivers last more than a few months past warranty?

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2009 9:48AM]

It is not always just about watts, there is more than goes into it than just that. I rather have quality sound with low THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). On top of that, to gain an audible difference to the human ear (3 db), you have to double the watts. As you can see, to continue to gain an audible difference that you can hear, it quickly becomes out of control.

I have heard tube amps than are in the single to low double digits for watt rating that would blow the doors off of most of todays receivers.

[minimalist Posted Jan 3rd 2009 3:30PM]

I've had a NAD 35 watt per channel Integrated Amp for 20 years. They make great entry level audiophile equipment with a minimum of bells and whistles. Instead of focusing on an endless grocery list of lists specifications they focus on quality components and good sound. I think of them as being not unlike Rotel in their design philosophy.

Their power ratings are extremely conservative too. That 35 watt/channel amp has amazing headroom which means it can handle really loud bursts better than many "150 watt/channel" amps.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2009 8:27AM]

it's the sound quality you need to care about, not the wattage. In most cases, people only listen to about 20 wpc anyway.

I'd like to buy two of these so I can tell my friends I have a pair of NADs. :p

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2009 9:31AM]

That 60 watts per channel is an All-Channels-Driven test meaning it is probably closer to a competitors 140 watt unit. Few manufacturers tell you the truth, most tell you power to one speaker.