Okay. I'm back again after reading those depressing threads about the cost of ML panel replacement...
Following the recommendation of the dealer (who also sells some Martin Logan speakers) I swapped my NAD T757 for a NAD T777. NAD tech support originally recommended adding a seperate power amplifier to the T757 receiver. The dealer, however, had different ideas and suggested the T777 receiver was a better solution. The T777 is near the top of the range and features 80 watts continuous all channels driven, but more importantly - 140 watts continuous into 2 channels and is stable into 4 ohms. The receiver has a massive torroidal transformer and power supply. The build quality is good, but I'm a bit disappointed with the speaker terminals. The online images depict terminals similar to those on my Theos. When I unpacked the receiver, I couldn't believe NAD had fitted such flimsy terminals to a receiver occupying the second from top rung of it's model range. Hmmmmm.
I finished the setup, let the receiver settle in for a while before listening. This receiver has a slightly more sophisticated version of Audyssey than the T757, but my main listening mode was direct 2 channel analogue bypass using my CEC CD player. I reckon the T777 played a little louder and cleaner than the T757 before switching off - but switch off it did!
&*%$#@ and @#$%&*%!!!
Playing light jazz, pop and less demanding music, the T777 was great, and yes, I think it's a better unit than the T757. But when I punched on with Mika's latest album particularly track 6 'Blue Eyes' (which has some great bass lines) the T777 took a nap - twice. I had to turn the power off at the wall and wait for a couple of minutes. While waiting I checked the temperature on top of the unit - just slightly warm. I removed the power plug and inserted it into a totally seperate power socket before trying again. Cue Mika, cue digital spl meter, and go............!
Spl meter started hitting around 104dB peak, averaging around 96 to 97dB. I started to relax then - the T777 goes to sleep again. Grrrrrrrrr!
Insert one Bryston B-60. Switch on. Wait for a minute or so for a warm up. Cue Mika, cue digital spl meter, and go............! 97dB, 98dB average levels. Some peaks straying into 104db, 105dB etc. No switch off! Great Bryston sound.
I later watched a couple of movies. As long as I kept the levels (and my expectations) down a little, the T777 performed okay. I can't fault the sound quality. The NAD absolutely hammers every other av receiver I have heard - including the respectable Denon 4311. The Denon 3312 is not even in the race. I couldn't get a good price on the Anthem MRX-700, and there wasn't one to audition anyway. Maybe the Anthem would be a better buy.
The whole problem with the NAD T777, and most other receivers, is that despite the claims made by manufacturers that their product can drive any HT speaker, the bottom line is they can, but not to very high levels. So we have to accept this downfall when asking them to drive electrostatics.
A better solution is to buy very expensive av pre-power seperates which can run into many $1000s. I just can't afford this expense at the moment. I don't know whether I will return the T777 to the dealer. I might have to bite the bullet and buy the seperate power amp originally recommended by NAD tech support. Naturally, the dealer thought they knew better. If the dealer had followed NAD advice, I would have kept the original receiver with the addition of the power amp. As it stands, I spent another $1000 on changeover and there'll be an additional $1000 for the C275BEE. Still, this combination is WAY cheaper than the av seperates I priced up earlier this year.
Don't take my ramblings as a huge rant. I am merely detailing my experiences setting up multi channel home theatre for small money. There are lots of options out there, and I've only tried a few of them.
