Kinda depends on if you want features or clean driven power. I'm mixed, why can't these high end manufacturers do both and not charge $2000 and up, I mean way up.
Given the 748's specs and the 747's lab measurements (I assume the 748 would yield similar results in a similiar test) I agree with you. If someone wants more clean power one should look pass the 748
. It's standard HTM lab measurements for power output at 0.1% (can still call it clean I suppose) THD will likely be about 20% more for 2 channel and 60% more for ACD based on test results on the 747. Actually it does not offer much features either relative to others in this price range. I guess for brand loyalty, NAD fans could find reasons in acquiring one, otherwise something like an Onkyo 609 seems to offer much more (no preouts though) for half the price. Surprisingly the 748 is only 0.5 lbs heavier than the entry level Onkyo.
T748 specs:
FTC 2 x 80W
Full Disclosure Power (all channels driven simultaneously) 7 x 40W
IHF Dynamic Power 8 ohms
4 ohms
2 x 110W
2 x 160W
Total Harmonic Distortion at rated power <0.08%
IM distortion at rated power <0.08%
Damping Factor, 8 ohms >60
Input Sensitivity and Impedance 250mV/47kohms
Frequency Response ±0.5dB (ref. 1kHz, 20Hz-20kHz)
Signal/Noise Ratio >100dB (ref. rated power at 8 ohms, A-WTD)
>90dB (ref. 1W at 8ohms, A-WTD)
According Home Theater Magazine's lab measurements:
Onkyo 609:
HT Labs Measures
Five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 81.0 watts
1% distortion at 95.1 watts
Seven channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 77.7 watts
1% distortion at 88.9 watts
Analog frequency response in Direct mode:
–0.05 dB at 10 Hz
–0.01 dB at 20 Hz
+0.03 dB at 20 kHz
–2.56 dB at 50 kHz
NAD T747
HT Labs Measures
Five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 99.7 watts
1% distortion at 114.0 watts
Seven channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads:
0.1% distortion at 66.8 watts
1% distortion at 79.8 watts
Analog frequency response in Bypass mode:
–0.13 dB at 10 Hz
–0.04 dB at 20 Hz
–0.06 dB at 20 kHz
–3.05 dB at 50 kHz
Unless they improved it on the 748, the 609 has much better cross talk specs and the 747 has slightly better SNR.