NAD with LSi

McLoki

I have a chance to purchase an NAD T163 pre-amp to complete my home theater for a good price. It has been updated to a new chipset and firmware so it will do PLIIx.

My question is, how does NAD work with the LSi's? Basically - should I go for it or hold out for a Rotel 1068, outlaw 990, or Integra Research RDC-7. (my other front runners, but about $300 more than I can get the NAD for.)

Is there reliability pretty good? I know they are well thought of, but with the already laid back sound of the LSi's, will the result be to laid back for involving home theater. (80% use will be for home theater)

Anyway - just wondering before I agree to purchase.

Michael

pearsall001

Having the NAD T773 receiver I can offer my thoughts. With my setup I have it powering my center, surrounds & used as processor. It sounds like you'll be using it for mostly Ht. It's prosessor is outstanding. Watching movies & HD tv the sound in superb. You can't go wrong w/ NAD. As far as being laid back I wouldn't concern mysely with that issue. It does what it does exceptionally well. I think the laid back issue is connected more with your amp. My T773 is 3 yrs old now so I'd suspect the T-163 is even further advanced with it's processor. The other brands you mentioned I never owned or heard so I really can't make a legit comment about them. Good luck in your hunt!

univera

Just heard the LS9's this weekend on full tube setup. Laid back with tubes but silky smooth. I too own the T-773 and previously owned the 770. I assume your desired pre pro is the same setup used in the 773. Very musical and not overly laid back, IMO. NAD is regarded as being a bit up front, so I think you will enjoy it. My HT has always sounded very involving and the musicicality of the NAD HT pieces can't be touched without spending alot more money. I had no problems with my 770 over the course of 3-4 years. My new 773 is too new to me to give reliability issues. NAD only seems to have had problems with one short lived model of HT several years back.

How much is that prospective piece running? I am considering going to a pre-pro and selling the 773.

McLoki

univera wrote:

Just heard the LS9's this weekend on full tube setup. Laid back with tubes but silky smooth. I too own the T-773 and previously owned the 770. I assume your desired pre pro is the same setup used in the 773. Very musical and not overly laid back, IMO. NAD is regarded as being a bit up front, so I think you will enjoy it. My HT has always sounded very involving and the musicicality of the NAD HT pieces can't be touched without spending alot more money. I had no problems with my 770 over the course of 3-4 years. My new 773 is too new to me to give reliability issues. NAD only seems to have had problems with one short lived model of HT several years back.

How much is that prospective piece running? I am considering going to a pre-pro and selling the 773.

It is $1500 new, I have seen them used from $750-$900. The one I am looking at is at the low end of that range. I guess if I don't like it, I can always turn it around and get something else......

Michael

I-SIG

No HDMI on that thing?

Wes

McLoki

I-SIG wrote:

No HDMI on that thing?

Wes

Nope, no HDMI, but to be honest, I don't need it. All my video sources go directly to my tv, all my audio sources go directly to my AVR. (soon to be preamp) To be honest, I would rather the pre not have the circutry to handle video and just give me the best sound that it can.

In the budget class, this is about as good as I can find. I could get an Outlaw 990, but it will cost a few hundred more and while it will add features, I don't know if it will actually sound a few hundred better.....

Just fishing for opinions as I have never owned anthing made by NAD before.

Michael

univera

Go with the NAD. Reviews on the pre/pro section are outstanding, as I'm sure you've read. From what I can tell, you can spend A LOT more to get a little better quality. NAD is music first in design, so even those parts of the reproduction in movies should be better than other designs.

mantis

If you can go hear both together, bring a pair of speakers and listen. Both companies make quality products. I perfer Rotel over NAD but you might not. Rotel does have digital amps out that you could check out.

Dan

opus

And 0 transactions.

That is a real nuttester

McLoki

I am getting a good price, my mind is all but made up to at least give the NAD a chance in my system. Opus has a Rotel 1066 that he has graciously offered for a faceoff in the NAD vs Rotel wars and I should be able to hear both on my system. (I have already heard his Rotel once and did really like the sound)

If I like the Rotel more, I should be able to sell the NAD for close to what I have in it and purchase something else. (if they are close, I will probably just stick with the NAD.)

We will report our findings once we get the shootout set up and running. (and providing I don't delay to long and miss the deal on the NAD)

Thanks for everyones input - it will be interesting to say the least.

Michael

McLoki

Sent payment this morning. It is about 9 hours away (by car) so I am hoping to have it by this weekend.

I will post my initial thoughts when I get it in and set up. I also spoke with Kevin (Opus) and expect a shootout between the Rotel 1066 and NAD T163 in the coming weeks.

I love new stuff....

Michael

Edit - just talked to the seller, he is shipping out tomorrow and I should have it on Friday...

Ricardo

Congrats Mike; you've been wanting to upgrade that pre for a looong time now. Good choice.

opus

Of Course the Rotel will have the Signal Power power cord upgrade so I expect it will be an unfair shootout:rolleyes:

McLoki

If the NAD loses the shootout, you know I will purchasing one of those cords....

Michael

opus

DID YOU GET IT?

McLoki

Yep - took a long lunch today and played with my new pre-amp. (ok - about 2.5 hours for lunch today) It is nice, but not perfect (like any pre\pro with a $1500 price tag would be).

Will post thoughts in another thread......