NAD

This company has several new upgraded models including the C316BEE V2 integrated amplifier with phono capability at $449, the D3020 V2 integrated amplifier at $449 and D3045 integrated amplifier at $749 (with phono, MQA, and DSD), the C658 Bluesound preamplifier and streaming DAC with MQA, Dirac room correction, and phono at $1649, and the T778 9-channel home theater receiver at $2995. Their new Bluesound MDC 2i plug-in cards also bring all of the new Bluesound 2i features discussed last year to NAD products with MDC capability.

The C 316BEE has garnered multiple accolades over the years, including an EISA award for 'Best Product 2008-2009' and top recommendations from the world's leading audio publications. With the resurgence of vinyl NAD decided to update the design by including NAD's highly acclaimed RIAA phono stage. This sophisticated circuit combines low noise with high overload margins to eliminate noise and distortion. RIAA equalization is extremely accurate, a rarity at this price, and there is even an infrasonic filter to reject airborne vibrations that can cause parasitic feedback and excessive woofer excursions. It's great to see more and more companies adding phono capability back into their amplification products.

Offering an excellent quality 24-bit/192kHZ DAC with 8 channels mixed to two for improved resolution, the D 3020 V2 represents the same kind of value-bending innovation that gave the original 3020 its over achieving reputation. The D 3020 V2offers inputs for both your digital and analogue sources. AptX HD Bluetooth allows streaming from portable devices while coaxial and optical inputs allow many different digital sources to be connected, from CD and DVD players, to set top boxes, media streamers like AppleTV, or satellite and cable receivers. There are also analogue inputs including a sophisticated Moving Magnet Phono input. Far from just another set of sockets, this phono stage includes highly accurate RIAA equalization, Infrasonic warp filtering, high overload margins, and extremely low noise. With V2 they also added a preamplifier output for increased connection flexibility.

In addition to a higher power rating than the D 3020 V2 (60 watts/channel vs. 30 watts/channel for the D 3020 V2), the D 3045 also adds a subwoofer output, HDMI connectivity with Audio Return Channel (ARC), compatibility with MQA and DSD, and 2-way AptX HD Bluetooth. It's like a D3020 V2 on steroids.

The C 658 is an entirely new type of component that combines a network streamer, a state-of-the art DAC, and many aspects of the traditional preamplifier into a single highly cost effective package. Also, thanks to NAD's exclusive Modular Design Construction (MDC) which lets you replace important circuits when updated versions become available, it will keep pace with the latest technology, not yet introduced, but inevitably coming in the future. In fact, an optional HDMI 4k switcher module is available now allowing the best sound from any of the many HDMI sources available (like game consoles and video STBs). While the C 658 immediately replaces (or adds) your Streamer, DAC, and Preamp, it also adds many new features you may not be aware of, like a Bluetooth AptX HD transmitter to use with your wireless headphones. The highly flexible outputs allow for a true balanced connection to powered loudspeakers or amplifiers. Single-ended connections for amplifiers and subwoofers are also provided and include an adjustable subwoofer crossover. A highly sophisticated Moving Magnet phono input is also included along with line inputs for legacy analog components. Also on board is Bluesound, the most sophisticated, high-resolution streaming system available. BluOS natively supports over 15 streaming music services and indexing of over 250,000 tracks from local network sources. The C 658 can become a node in the BluOS ecosystem allowing high-resolution network streaming to 64 zones and control options for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac OS phones, tablets, and desk top devices. BluOS also supports all major smart home controllers and is available in a wide range of products making it easy to create a whole house audio system with the C 658 at its heart.

The T 778 AV receiver with MDC features the latest developments in NAD's Hybrid Digital technology to create 9 high current/high power channels of amplification (9 x 100 watts/channel). For flexibility, the amplifier channels are configurable for use as surround or second zone audio. The silent black background and explosive dynamics afforded by this amplifier technology add lifelike realism, drama and excitement to all your music and movies. Advanced capabilities include 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos, DTS Master Audio, and Dirac Live room correction. Add bit-perfect 4K UHD video pass-through and the T 778 delivers the most accurate sound and image experience you've ever had. Musical performance is outstanding with High Res Multi-room streaming via BluOS.

Most A/V receivers available on the market today focus predominantly on Video, leaving audio circuit quality almost as an afterthought. NAD firmly believes that there are many people for whom music will always come first. With their reputation for high audio quality, it was apparent that the T 778 would have to please the most demanding Audiophiles as well as Videophiles.

As with all NAD components, the T778 continues their 'simple is better' design philosophy. This contributes to ease of use and maximizes performance where it counts. Perfect examples are the new touch screen and the ergonomic refinements that simplify operation and ease of access. The T 778 combines NAD's dedication to sound quality with complete compatibility with all the latest features and formats. Key features of the T 778 include:

• 9 channels of their latest Hybrid Digital Amplifier Technology
• New touch screen and improved ergonomics for user-friendly operation
• 4K UHD video pass-through
• High-resolution, BluOS-enabled network streaming
• 2-Way Bluetooth AptX HD
• Dirac Live Room Correction
• DirectDigital DAC- ESS Saber DAC with MQA decoding available on all digital inputs
MDC (Modular Design Construction) offers ability to upgrade to future digital formats as they become available. Two MDC slots provided.