NAD T753 A/V Receiver Question

[Steve Eye]

Hi,
NewB here, I have some questions about a NAD T753 A/V Receiver I just brought home, and am hoping someone can clarify a couple of questions.
Is there any advantage to running an external power amp? I realize not all the speakers can be configured, but would like more power to the rears. The reviews that I have read lead me to believe that the T753 alone has enough power without the external amp. I like more lower level volume without compromising quality sound, and this is why I am asking about an external amp. The front and rear speakers are Snell Type K's
the center and sub are older Onkyo's that I plan to upgrade once I figure out the Nad. The external amp would be a Dynaco 120 that I have an opportunity to buy for $75. Any help on this subject will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[markw]

If you NEED more power, then an external amp comes in handy.

BUT...

Why do you think you need more power in the rear channels?. Most people add amps for the front channels. Do you realize that in movie applications the rears don't put out too much sound. Generally, they put out low level ambience sounds and the occasional SFX to keep you awake.

It's not like stereo music where both channels put out fairly equal volume.

 

[KenM10759]

+1 to what he said.

I don't see the advantage to using the Dynaco at all. The T753 is conservatively rated by NAD at 70w per channel continuous, all channels driven. The Dynaco 120 is a 60w per channel amp. If you really need something more, find a 100+ w per channel amp and feed the front mains.

Or, sell off the T753 and get a more modern receiver with HDMI in/out and better control.

 

[Steve Eye]

Thanks for the replies,
As far as the rears, I listen to alot of FM radio, NPRs music shows, and some underground stations, before the NAD (which I have not setup yet) I combine my Adcom GFA 555 amp, Adcom GFP 565 Pre amp, Adcom tuner, Snell Type C IVS main fronts along with my not so hot Onyko HT R510 A/V tuner, using the rear Snell type KS. I love the sound with the 4 speaker set up with both tuners playing together. I have never really liked the Onyko as I find it to be 'dirty' compared to the main snell and Adcom system, but at the time of purchase it fit my budget. Hence the new (to me) NAD. So this leads back to the Dynaco ST 120 external amp question, I was guessing it could deliver more power to the Snell Ks rears without cranking the volume and deliver a more cleaner sound along with the C IVs. I'm thinking that when watching movies I could lower the rears so it would not overwhelm the front Ks, and center. I apoligze for such a lengthy post..... but as you can see I really don't know squat.

 

[KenM10759]

I'm lost at this point. Too many pieces confuse me. You mention an Adcom tuner yet also run the tuner on the Onkyo at the same time?

The NAD shouldn't be putting out any less power to the rears than the front channels. We have no clue as to how loud you like, how big your room is and I haven't looked up the Snell speakers to get a read on how sensitive they are (or aren't.)

Best of luck, I've got nothing good to add.

 

[markw]

Thanks for the replies,
As far as the rears, I listen to alot of FM radio, NPRs music shows, and some underground stations, before the NAD (which I have not setup yet) I combine my Adcom GFA 555 amp, Adcom GFP 565 Pre amp, Adcom tuner, Snell Type C IVS main fronts along with my not so hot Onyko HT R510 A/V tuner, using the rear Snell type KS. I love the sound with the 4 speaker set up with both tuners playing together. I have never really liked the Onyko as I find it to be 'dirty' compared to the main snell and Adcom system, but at the time of purchase it fit my budget. Hence the new (to me) NAD. So this leads back to the Dynaco ST 120 external amp question, I was guessing it could deliver more power to the Snell Ks rears without cranking the volume and deliver a more cleaner sound along with the C IVs. I'm thinking that when watching movies I could lower the rears so it would not overwhelm the front Ks, and center. I apoligze for such a lengthy post..... but as you can see I really don't know squat.

Before going any further, remove your Adcom and onkyo stuff from the equation and use ONLY the NAD. You might be surprised.

 

[lovinthehd]

Yes, I'd not anticipate the need but rather setup the NAD and calibrate the setup and then see if for some reason you think the surrounds need more power (generally they need less than half the power, i.e. 3dB less than the fronts).

 

[maur]

HiHi
Very new to audio but have inherited some gear which i know little about. Two big floor speakers custom made which cost 20 thousand back in the nineties... But I have no specs.
Two receivers... The nad 7020e and Sony str d1090 Which should I use.. I know the nad is a top brand... But looks like it's up to 40 Watts per channel depending on ohm. Sony str reviews not nearly as good but it's a meaty unit with 120 Watts per channel.
Which would you use of the two if you had to... And what should i use 4 or 8 ohm setting on what are said to be top of the line speakers.
Any help would be great

 

[markw]

We can't really give a good answer because we know absolutely about those speakers but, OTTOMH, I'd err on the side of more power than not enough. It's better to have it an not need it than to need it and not have it.

As for the 8/4 ohm switch, we don't know anything about those speakers to give a good answer but the general philosophy here is to go with the 8 ohm setting.

 

[KenM10759]

Start examining those "$20,000" speakers. There is almost always a plate on the back near the binding posts (where the speaker wires connect) that gives the make and model. Speakers from that generation also often have a plate on the front, under the removable grill. Those covers are usually held on by plastic ball & socket snaps.

Failing that, pictures (lots of views) can help, and most members here can identify a speaker by looks and a couple of measurements.

Knowing what the speakers are helps determine which receiver/amp would work best, though I agree it's likely to be the Sony. The NAD 7020e was an "ok" piece back in the day, it's not got a lot of power.