Upgrade NAD T787?

[rikardaw]

Hi guys!

I just recently upgraded my speakers from old Tannoy HPD to Focal Aria 948 and the matching center channel 900CC. Im running my 5.1 (but want to go 7.1 when I heard Gene mentioning that he got his surround back in the ceiling) with my old NAD T787. Now I listen to both music and movies on that machine (I know its not optimal) and I want to get better sound for both music and movies.
I have three options as I see it if I want to stay on a decent budget (around 1000-1500 dollars)
1. Upgrade the MDC module to the AM230 with Atmos, Dirac and new DACs. Can anybody attest to the performance of this card?
2. Add an external amplifier (second hand) to get all the channels driven externally from the receiver (like the pre-pro on a budget gene discussed with the Denon 3600?) Question is how good the preamp outs are on the NAD? Does anybody know?
or
3. Get rid of it and get a new AVR. (Denon X3600 and used power amp?)

What do you guys think?

Thanks for your time

Rikard

 

[PENG]

Hi guys!

I just recently upgraded my speakers from old Tannoy HPD to Focal Aria 948 and the matching center channel 900CC. Im running my 5.1 (but want to go 7.1 when I heard Gene mentioning that he got his surround back in the ceiling) with my old NAD T787. Now I listen to both music and movies on that machine (I know its not optimal) and I want to get better sound for both music and movies.
I have three options as I see it if I want to stay on a decent budget (around 1000-1500 dollars)
1. Upgrade the MDC module to the AM230 with Atmos, Dirac and new DACs. Can anybody attest to the performance of this card?
2. Add an external amplifier (second hand) to get all the channels driven externally from the receiver (like the pre-pro on a budget gene discussed with the Denon 3600?) Question is how good the preamp outs are on the NAD? Does anybody know?
or
3. Get rid of it and get a new AVR. (Denon X3600 and used power amp?)

What do you guys think?

Thanks for your time

Rikard

For that budget, option 2 sounds good until you are ready to go 7.1 and beyond. For example a Monolith 200 WX5 for $1,399 The T787 is dated, aside from its relatively strong amp section, even the recently reviewed AVR-X3600H, or a $699 AVR-X3500H should out perform it in both digital and analog. Even the amp section, despite the weight, two transformers and a lot of storage caps, it couldn't do better than a mid range Denon AVR, based on S&V's bench tests. It also has very average DAC and preamp specs, but I doubt it would have much audible effects. That's just my opinion, though I did take a look of its specs, service manual and a couple of reviews including S&V's, before I offer my 2 cents.

 

[rikardaw]

For that budget, option 2 sounds good until you are ready to go 7.1 and beyond. For example a Monolith 200 WX5 for $1,399 The T787 is dated, aside from its relatively strong amp section, even the recently reviewed AVR-X3600H, or a $699 AVR-X3500H should out perform it in both digital and analog. Even the amp section, despite the weight, two transformers and a lot of storage caps, it couldn't do better than a mid range Denon AVR, based on S&V's bench tests. It also has very average DAC and preamp specs, but I doubt it would have much audible effects. That's just my opinion, though I did take a look of its specs, service manual and a couple of reviews including S&V's, before I offer my 2 cents.

Found a used Arcam P7 150w x 7. Do you think that would be a good combo?

 

[PENG]

Found a used Arcam P7 150w x 7. Do you think that would be a good combo?

That looks like an excellent power amplifier. It is not much more powerful than your T787 but has superior audio specs. Whether it is a good match for your speakers or not would depend on you spl requirement, seating distance and room dimensions. You really should figure out your need first using an online calculator such as This one.

If you want to have the best possible sound quality for your 948, you should focus on using high quality media contents and pay attention to room acoustics. The linked calculator will tell you whether the NAD has enough power output for your needs. As I mentioned before, in terms of audio specs the T787 (the prepro section) is very average by today's standard but I don't think the lesser specs would make an audible difference. If it bothers you, then you should replace it with either a mid range AVR or a separate prepro such as the CX-A5100 or AV7705. @AcuDefTechGuy seems to prefer manual EQ over YPAO, so if you don't want to spend time playing around with manual EQ, the AV7705 comes with Audyssey XT32 that can work quite well if you use the $20 Editor App.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

separate prepro such as the CX-A5100 or AV7705. @AcuDefTechGuy seems to prefer manual EQ over YPAO

I prefer no EQ above 80Hz at all, manual or automatic.

I do manual PEQ only for bass preference below 80Hz.

 

[rikardaw]

I decided after much thought to upgrade to the am 230 card and then we see what happens. I have been warned by several people that it might not be a good idea but im happy with the sound for movies and it will be cheaper than buying a new avr.
If im not happy I will probably add a 2 channel integrated to boost the fronts and listen to all the music thru that one.
I will let you know how it goes if anyone is interested and maybe considering the upgrade themselves.

 

[jkp401]

I decided after much thought to upgrade to the am 230 card and then we see what happens. I have been warned by several people that it might not be a good idea but im happy with the sound for movies and it will be cheaper than buying a new avr.
If im not happy I will probably add a 2 channel integrated to boost the fronts and listen to all the music thru that one.
I will let you know how it goes if anyone is interested and maybe considering the upgrade themselves.

Hello. I was reading your post and wondering if you'd provide an update on you decision. Satisfied? Would you make the same choice or follow another upgrade path. I currently own a NAD T785 with the VM200 and AM200 cards. I love the tonal qualities for both movies and music but like you, I am now considering upgrading to the Anthem MRC 1120 or doing the NAD MDC card upgrades. 230 and 300. Thanks. J.