NAD T163 pre-pro. Opinions?

[64Bug]

Hi all.

I was at my local audio shop yesterday and was set to buy the NAD T175 ($2100.00 Cdn). The salesman (with whom I have dealt with on many occassions) admitted to me that the T175 is having major handshaking issues with the HDMI and would not even sell one to me!!! He says there are so many issues with HDMI that he thinks the format will die off.

He thinks I should buy the T163 instead ($1200.00 Cdn). Does anyone have an opinion on this? It is basically 5 year old technology. I love the sweet sound of NAD amps. I am just not too sure about the processors.

I was thinking of purchasing a LMC-2 with the LMA-2 or the XPA-5 (Emotiva). But the LMC-2 will have HDMI also, so I am also a little worried!!!

Any input on these topics would be appreciated.

 

[gus6464]

Not all AVR's have HDMI handshake issues. I have a Yamaha RX-V661 and have yet to experience any hdmi issues. At that price range you should also be looking at the Integra 9.8 pre/pro as this baby does it all.

http://www.integrahometheater.com/model.cfm?m=DTC-9.8&class=Separates&p=i

Also a lot of the times the handshake problems come from the source and not the receiver or pre/pro.

 

[3db]

Hi all.

I was at my local audio shop yesterday and was set to buy the NAD T175 ($2100.00 Cdn). The salesman (with whom I have dealt with on many occassions) admitted to me that the T175 is having major handshaking issues with the HDMI and would not even sell one to me!!! He says there are so many issues with HDMI that he thinks the format will die off.

He thinks I should buy the T163 instead ($1200.00 Cdn). Does anyone have an opinion on this? It is basically 5 year old technology. I love the sweet sound of NAD amps. I am just not too sure about the processors.

I was thinking of purchasing a LMC-2 with the LMA-2 or the XPA-5 (Emotiva). But the LMC-2 will have HDMI also, so I am also a little worried!!!

Any input on these topics would be appreciated.

I'm not sure if I trust that sales person. It sounds like he's trying to move old stock. HDMI is here to stay as long as a new better format has been invented yet.

Try looking at Anthem. I don't know at what price range they start including HDMI but there products are REALLY good!!

 

[deedubb]

You could always do what I am if you like the sound of NAD. I'm using a Pioneer Elite as the pre/pro with a 7 channel NAD amp.

 

[64Bug]

I have always wondered if using a receiver as a pre/pro would work as well as true separates (amp and designated separate pre/pro).

A lot of money could be saved by using a cheaper receiver compared to laying down the cash on a separate pre/pro.

Would there be any downfalls to this set up or is it worth it to go true separates?

 

[jostenmeat]

Hey 64Bug, I've got that unit, its a nice pre.pro. However, I am chomping at the bit to get an HDMI pre with decoders. I think the Integra 9.8 is really the only thing out there for me, I dunno. I really wonder if I can be patient enough to wait out other offerings, such as Outlaw in the summer, etc.

If I don't trade in this unit to my dealer for something, I'll need to unload it. I will undoubtedly sell it for an unbeatable price. Unfortunately, I have no idea when I will replace it at this point. Could be sooner, could be later.

The NAD is a nice looking unit, understated, but still classy. I wish it had multiple and simultaneous x-over points. This can only choose a single x-over for a setting, and then the choice is simply to apply it to any speaker, or not (large).

The OSD is simple, easy to use, assignable triggers for any input, etc. I vote for separates if you got the space and money. Easier upgradeability. I love my NAD amp, and I don't have to buy a new amp when I upgrade the pre. Im thankful for that.

Although Ive seen a few use the Onkyo 705 as a pre, for hi-def audio support. But the way I look at it... why spend on an amp section you will never use. It will also always be on. A 705 and T163 will be pretty comparable in price, tough call. Some say that the analog section of a NAD is better to the point that the benefits of hi-def audio could be tempered by "downgrading" to Onkyo. I don't know...

 

[chadnliz]

Recievers used as Pre-amps only gets you a fraction of the perfomance of true seperates, amps and all the extra technology stuffed into a recievers chassis is still going to muck up the sound.there is no way around that, also I think HDMI sucks and we are all being made to salute crap sent up a flag pole, it only serves the Moive makers with copy protection issues, in many cases Componet Video looks much better.
If you dont need the Processor/Reciever to do video switching (again this makes no sense as 1 simple button on a remote can switch video on your display) plus you keep the signal short and pure, the more paths a signal travels thru the worse it gets.
That NAD is a solid value and great performer, I almost bought it but went with the Rotel RSP1068 because it was much more adjustable. I cant think of a valid reason to sway you away from the NAD unless you have issues with video switching, even if you do I would get a seperate switcher and run audio direct into NAD or whatever you use.
People are no doubt going to argue with a point or two I made and thats fine, there are clearly wrong ways to do things, many right ways but only one BEST way.

 

[64Bug]

There are some excellent points being made in this thread!!!

One of the features that appeals to me about the NAD pre-pros is the "EARS" feature. NAD has always put their money into the musicality of its componenets instead of features hardly any one uses. I can pick up the T-973 amp for $2000.00 Cdn. The only thing I don't like about it is the fact that has fans..... fans just don't make a lot of sense to me in an amp (noise, reliability). I would much rather have an amp that has big beefy heat sinks in it.

What tears me apart is buying a T-163 which is basically 5 year old technology....... or buying a pre-pro that is cutting edge that could have some teething problems. The thought of using HDMI appeals to me in the sense of having a nice clean install..... but it is another digital interface that could cause some problems.

I hear the integra 9.8 is a great pre-pro but I have been told it does not play 2-channel (stereo) that well (just what I heard).

I have to admit the Emotiva gear has me drooling. It sounds like the LMC-2 is going to be a great pre-pro with a great price. And the XPA-5 could be the deal of the year for an amp!!!

So many decisions.

 

[3db]

There are some excellent points being made in this thread!!!

One of the features that appeals to me about the NAD pre-pros is the "EARS" feature. NAD has always put their money into the musicality of its componenets instead of features hardly any one uses. I can pick up the T-973 amp for $2000.00 Cdn. The only thing I don't like about it is the fact that has fans..... fans just don't make a lot of sense to me in an amp (noise, reliability). I would much rather have an amp that has big beefy heat sinks in it.

What tears me apart is buying a T-163 which is basically 5 year old technology....... or buying a pre-pro that is cutting edge that could have some teething problems. The thought of using HDMI appeals to me in the sense of having a nice clean install..... but it is another digital interface that could cause some problems.

I hear the integra 9.8 is a great pre-pro but I have been told it does not play 2-channel (stereo) that well (just what I heard).

I have to admit the Emotiva gear has me drooling. It sounds like the LMC-2 is going to be a great pre-pro with a great price. And the XPA-5 could be the deal of the year for an amp!!!

So many decisions.

My 2nd time stating this. Look at Anthem pre/pros. Their beefier amps are stable into one ohm and are a very serious compettion to Bryston.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

I have always wondered if using a receiver as a pre/pro would work as well as true separates (amp and designated separate pre/pro).

A lot of money could be saved by using a cheaper receiver compared to laying down the cash on a separate pre/pro.

Would there be any downfalls to this set up or is it worth it to go true separates?

Its dumb as hell in my humble opinion to buy a receiver AND an amp. Most prepros have EVERYTHING you need for a great AV system.

Emotiva has an EXCELLENT track record on this board. Their new prepros and amps are SERIOUS STUFF for the money.

 

[64Bug]

I've heard nothing but good things about Anthem gear. Although, I think there is only one dealer of Anthem equipment in Edmonton. I am pretty sure it would be much more expensive than any NAD or Emotiva combo.

I think Emotiva LMC-2 and a XPA-5, LPA-2 or even a LPA-1 may be the way to go.

The hardest thing will be waiting. Hopefully I can hold out!!!

 

[3db]

I've heard nothing but good things about Anthem gear. Although, I think there is only one dealer of Anthem equipment in Edmonton. I am pretty sure it would be much more expensive than any NAD or Emotiva combo.

I think Emotiva LMC-2 and a XPA-5, LPA-2 or even a LPA-1 may be the way to go.

The hardest thing will be waiting. Hopefully I can hold out!!!

Worth a check into it. Who knows. You may find yourself a good deal. If its too expensive, than Emotiva is the route to take.

 

[deedubb]

Its dumb as hell in my humble opinion to buy a receiver AND an amp. Most prepros have EVERYTHING you need for a great AV system.

Emotiva has an EXCELLENT track record on this board. Their new prepros and amps are SERIOUS STUFF for the money.

At first glance it may appear to be a dumb way to do things, but many pre/pros are bare bones and many receivers offer more than dedicated pre/pros. So, if you want the features of some receivers, it makes perfect sense to add a dedicated amp and use the receiver as a pre/pro.

 

[chadnliz]

Features? Or useless fluff?
Be careful, most recievers offer a ton of crap that never gets used and furthermore simply sacrafices quality where it could have been applied to what really matters.