Can an AVR be used as amp only?

[pearsall001]

I've been looking at a few pre/processors lately & I'm curious if my NAD T773 can still be put to good use. I currently have an external two channel amp for my front mains & a monoblock for my center. I only need power for the surrounds.

I would think that the T773 can be run that way but I need to know for sure. Has anyone here ever done this? Hopefully it can.

 

[markw]

Obviously, the NAD has preamp outputs, which allows you to use it as a preamp to drive external power amplifiers.

But, does it have power amp inputs on the back? If so, then you can use it as a power amp.

hint...if you had to remove a link to use the pre-outs, it most likely does.

I post this not to be a wise-***, buy simply because you're in the best position to provide the best answer by simply looking at it, not to mention you have the manual.

 

[chadnliz]

You could use it as an amp with a tape input ir any input but your going to need to find a reference volume level and adjust accordingly.

 

[Adam]

[Started to respond two hours ago, then my boss walked in. ]

Yep, like the others said - you sure can. As long as the AVR has the number of input that you want to use, you're set. Sounds like you want to drive two speakers, so Chad is spot on. You can use any two-channel input. You'll just want to adjust the volume setting on the NAD, along with the output levels on the pre-amp, to get the proper speaker sound levels in the back to match your other speakers.

I used an older receiver to drive two passive "subs" last year, and it worked just fine.

 

[markw]

Any of the the above mentioned schemes will allow you to use your receiver to drive your speakers, but remember, by using a aux or tape input on the NAD, you're feeding the signal from the external pre/pro through the NAD's internal pre/pro as well as it's power amp.

 

[pearsall001]

Any of the the above mentioned schemes will allow you to use your receiver to drive your speakers, but remember, by using a aux or tape input on the NAD, you're feeding the signal from the external pre/pro through the NAD's internal pre/pro as well as it's power amp.

Not quite so. I posted this question on other forums & the responses have been all over the place. So I figured a call to NAD was warranted to find out.

The NAD T773 has "main in's" which make it a snap to use as a power amp. I would run RCA's from the processor to the main in's & connect the speakers...that's it. Now the T773 is strictly a power amp, the entire pre/pro section is completely bypassed. No need to adjust volumn, or worry about processing. I could actually use it as a 7 channel amp if I wanted to.

They said to picture cutting the T773 in half...throw out the preamp & just keep the amp section. That's exactly what's happening by using the main in's.

 

[markw]

Actually, it is quite so

Not quite so. I posted this question on other forums & the responses have been all over the place. So I figured a call to NAD was warranted to find out.

The NAD T773 has "main in's" which make it a snap to use as a power amp. I would run RCA's from the processor to the main in's & connect the speakers...that's it. Now the T773 is strictly a power amp, the entire pre/pro section is completely bypassed. No need to adjust volumn, or worry about processing. I could actually use it as a 7 channel amp if I wanted to.

They said to picture cutting the T773 in half...throw out the preamp & just keep the amp section. That's exactly what's happening by using the main in's.

It's nice to know that NAD told you exactly what I told you in my first post here. FYI, the term "mains in" is Britspeak for "power amp input".

Actually, I'm surprised you didn't just check the manual.

And, as for my second post, it's dead on as well.

 

[pearsall001]

It's nice to know that NAD told you exactly what I told you in my first post here. FYI, the term "mains in" is Britspeak for "power amp input".

Actually, I'm surprised you didn't just check the manual.

And, as for my second post, it's dead on as well.

I stand corrected. I completely misread your post, & I send my apology.

You have to understand that I'm not very savy when it comes to electronic gear other than the on/off switch. I did look at the manual but it was all a big blur to me. Hence the reason that I posted the question & contacted NAD directly. Now that it's been explained (yourself included) I know exactly how I can use the T773 as strictly a power amp.

And from what I can gather there aren't too many avr's that allow you to do this. This will really make my life easier if I pick up a processor later on down the road.