I’m a current T778 owner as well and my unit is in the shop. It’s the most unreliable brand I’ve ever dealt with but it has the best sound quality that I’ve ever heard in my life. Obviously a love hate relationship.
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My first
experience with the NAD T778
Iv’e texted
NAD concerning hardware issues as well as software issues. My NAD T778
has now been returned to the dealer for service.
- Occasionally
the front panel on the receiver don’t show on start-up.
- I’m losing
picture through the HDMI-switch when playing PS4/XBOX ONE S.
- There’s
also a software issue that’s been confirmed by NAD. Some of the saved pre-sets
on DIRAC sometimes get lost.
- The
receiver is highly sensitive after disconnection the main power-cord, even
though I’ve shut the main power button on the back of the receiver first. After
the receiver been without power for a day, (and not in standby) – It’s acting
strange. Sometimes for security reasons, I’ve unplugged the receiver during a
thunderstorm.
- When
shifting movies with different formats, the receiver won’t switch between the
different formats automatically.
- The
receiver eventually shut down, and wouldn’t start up and went completely dead.
This is a
receiver for about 3000 euro, and the build quality is really crap. The sound
quality is some of the best I’ve ever heard. But the build quality is really
disappointing. I’ve asked my local dealer to tell me where It’s manufactured
(China, or other country in Asia) But he could not give me a sufficient answer)
Please text the following critique to NAD.
The build
quality is really disappointing. Not ready for market at this price.
Please look
at customers reviews on Cruchfield
Build
quality put's it to shame
The thing
is; NAD T777 was sold out in Sweden at the time I bought the NAD T778.
Like all
new models from NAD; especially the receivers; they suffer from what we call in
Swedish: “Barnsjukdomar”, translating: “The diseases affecting a newborns
during their first year”.
This is no
excuse. The company sells NAD T778 at a hefty price: 3000 euro, and refer to it
“Their reference avr”. I’m having a hard time figuring out what’s so special
about it?
The specs
are there, as well as the sound quality, but mine has broken down after only
two months.
I grew up
during the 80-ties, with my dad buying “The Monitor Series”. At the time NAD
was a brand to be reckon with! There’s been no problem with this power-amp,
expected from a faulty left channel after 30 years, and which can be expected,
as well as forgiven.
f you read
about the NAD T747 you’ll probably see that it was actually Philips receiver
disguised in a NAD box. The same goes for NAD Silverline S300, and where
customers eventually found out that it was a Gryphon.
NAD today
is still selling their established concept “Music First” but they’ve been
sloppy ever since the early 2000.
My father
bought the NAD T754, and had to return it due to a bad subwoofer output.
The
subwoofer was making terrible noises even though not receiving a signal.
personally owned the NAD T753v2, and was experiencing hum in several speakers.
The dealer
later discovered how internal cables was moving freely inside several of these
receivers delivered from the factory; and how the cables unfortunately got in
contact with sensitive components inside the avr. So as a result of this: NAD
decided to put all their sensitive components on separate circuit boards
instead. I had to return this unit for a brand new one, and this was 2005 I
think?
I got in
contact with another customer with a different problem: The NAD T787. The owner
told med about this unforgiving hum due to two oversized trafos, which was too
big to function properly inside the smaller box. The customed sent the unit
back to NAD several times, but never got it performing the way it should.
So why am I
still buying in to the company’s concept? I guess it’s due to the nostalgia.
As a kid I
grew up with their “no nonsense philosophy”. My first integrated amp was the
NAD 3020, a great sounding receiver for a 16 year old getting his first
hifi-gear ever.
NAD today
is just another sloppy brand, which has been compromised – buing low level
components from other manufactures. I guess this what happens after
hifi-brand’s been around for a couple of decades.
I don’t
think I’ll settle for a new unit, and with great sadness leaving NAD for Denon
instead.
Karl Gustafsson, Sweden
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djengan,
That particular model has 3 switches in a row that carry the audio signal on to the power amp section.
Tape 2
Tape Monitor
Tone Defeat
These switches are rarely if every used so there are 3 chances that a corruption can occur. It will manifest itself with the exact behavior you describe. Anywhere from apparent shift in balance to missing a channel entirely. I have had several different brands come in for repair (years ago) that can be "fixed" by just exercising the switches.
Anyone else who currently uses something similar I would ask to try this - without touching the switches put on some high quality music and listen for a minute then "exercise" the switches that you don't use and
go back to the beginning of the track and listen again. It will sound much better and have greater detail and it didn't cost you a "ripoff" repair bill..
When the purity of any connection in your system is not right this happens. Interconnects that have sat in one position for months have the same problem. If you simply listen to music then twist the RCA connections by a barely detectable amount (enough to break and re-establish a better connection) your system will sound better guaranteed.
Roger |
Over the years I've owned several NAD components, back to the 1980's and have had minimal problems with the brand. A receiver I bought years ago had that same problem (one channel suddenly about 25% of the volume of the other), and my M5 Masters Series SACD player had a transport failure (wouldn't open the tray), but other than that, good service from NAD components.
Having said that, I understand that NAD was one of the first audio companies to outsource their manufacturing to "contract" builders. It would not surprise me that, if you opened two of the same model that the components would be from different suppliers.
I have since upgraded to electronics designed and built in the USA (McIntosh & PS Audio)...and so far (knock on wood), haven't had service issues with either brand. |
It has a built in timer :-) |
People love NAD your breaking there heart oh boy!! |
Hello Everyone i do like this site a lot
I've had NAD's for a long time myself i stared off with the 7600 Receiver and the 2600 Amp with a pair of SDA Polk Flagships i think it was inn the 90tee it sounded great the Amp where strapped i guess that was the word used at that time.
And now i have the same Speakers but with pair of S 200 and an S 100 Preamp they all have done me great
I guess my point is things can happen to any kind of Electronics NAD we make it right i believe
Thanks to all here |
djengan,
I suspect that the problem your having is simpler than they say.
Two questions:
Do you live near salt water?
Do you own a tape deck?
The description of the problem does not suggest that it is serious.
I'm guessing you don't use the tape monitor switch. It will eventually cause the audio to "drop out" or drop in volume if it is not used especially if you live near salt water.
The cure:
Exercise the tape monitor switch a few times and see what happens.
If there is a "tape 2" switch - same thing.
Hope this helps
Roger
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yes, tons of refurbished at various dealers - nad is going to end up like adcom. |
I have been running NAD components for many years without one issue (unlike some other brands). All the below are running in various set-ups. C740 Receiver C520 CDP C356BEE Int Amp C375BEE Int Amp C546BEE CDP |
I agree with eldergod. See a lot of refurbished Nad on the 'Gon. Was looking at the refurb Nad Tuners. Don't think I will get one now..... |
The Nad PE stuff from the 80's apparently had issues too. I still contend that the current integrated amps( or the ones just being retired for the new digital amps) are pretty rock solid. Yeah there's failures. Obviously Nad is good to replace them, refurbish and sell with full warranty. What's the percentage of failures, that's the big question.
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my own experience matches most of the above posters--the pre-1990 nad stuff has been durable and reliable, while almost all of my post-1990 nad gear was problematic (though in fairness it sounded good when it was working).
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Just look at how many NAD products are sold on here alone as 'Factory Refurbished'...... Where there's smoke......... |
It sounds like you didn't politely insist on speaking with a manager. It sounds like you haven't pursued the matter, but with a budget of over $4000 for a replacement, you won't miss the Nad.
I had Denon replace a remote out of warranty. I've had Paradigm replace a tweeter out of warranty. I've had Nissan repair my Altima out of warranty. All free. I guess perhaps it's a skill one has to develop. |
Sorry for typo. "advice". Yes, I contacted nad and the first question was "is the unit still in warranty". When I said no I've got the answer "Sorry for the trouble". Any further conversation with them was over.
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It meant to be advise not complaining. No help from nad.
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Apparently Djeng prefers complaining to strangers on the internet to contacting Nad to see if they’d warranty his broken 356.
Call them. Get a real live person on the phone. Explain that you are a repeat Nad customer. Be friendly. Have your receipt that proves it's only a "couple of months" out of warranty as you've stated. Ask if there is anything that they can do to cover this under warranty on a one time basis. If they say no, politely ask to speak to a manager about this unfortunate situation. Report back here with the results. |
NAD used to be good stuff. I am sorry to hear your experience. Why did NAD not offer to make it good?
I enjoy my 45 year old Crown International DC150A series II everyday. Also use a 40 year old Crown SL1 PL1 every day. Still sounds great. Both still hit lows hard and clean highs. No service on it since it was purchased. Can anyone beat that for reliabiliy? It will be fun to hear. |
I would think NAD/Lenbrook would be helpful. I called them to talk about parts for my PSB speakers and they were fantastic. I also called tech support for my Bluesound Node 2 and they had a real live Canadian person on the telephone to help troubleshoot. They solved the problem in minutes with professionalism.
I also have an NAD M51 DAC. It’s been flawless, but maybe a year old at best. It’s quiet, well built and does not seem to be laden with cheaply sourced parts.
The OP’s predicament is frustrating. It’s also either indicative of some really bad luck (as he/she had 3 NADs fail) or a real quality control problem.
My experience in the past 2 years with NAD and Lenbrook has been fantastic though. |
Hi. Older duffer with about 40 years in "the chase." Sorry about your experiences with NAD. A few years ago, I had to make a tough call. Had been using a modded Moscode 300 with great success (left up full time) that bellied up. I listen nearfield in a small room and am highly critical. After much search, I found a clean MUSE 160 from a Gon member with a great track record. A couple months in, fireworks from the right channel...surprisingly, the other channel kept playing until I got to the switch. Now what? Years prior (about 7 now) I had read strong positive reviews about the NAD M2 digital box (dac/pre/amp) ...strong across the board around the build, innovation, and of course, the sound. Full retail was $6k, beyond my means. And, yes, I also had heard the negatives around NAD's service ills. Well, as these things go, I was able to find a used one within budget, a tough call considering my recent experience with amps. So far, the gamble has paid off richly. Since then, I also landed an 80's NAD 3140 integrated for the bedroom that has a terrific headphone section. That piece is now driving my son's system, the heart of his recorded music and solid body guitar playback. Folks, this hobby IS a gamble in my experience. I left an Electrocompaniet Ampliwire II (which had a British sports car reputation) on for 20+ years with no issues, VENTED PROPERLY ON ALL SIDES. Remember always, heat is the enemy. Good luck with you future choices...it's all worth it in the end. Best, Norm |
I have had a number of NAD products, amps, preamp, tape deck, receiver and none had ever failed. A few years ago I bought a M51 DAC and it took a dump during a firmware update after only three weeks of use. Was it my fault? Bad firmware? Bad hardware ? Who knows but NAD sent another one to Spearit to for an exchange. They could have easily said send it in for repair, but they didn't . I would buy another NAD based on that experience and how great that DAC sounds. |
I concur with the panel that NAD took a big hit when it junk-sourced to china. I wanted to buy into the Master Series, changed my mind quickly due to reported QC issues. The older NAD from 80's and 90's is very good in comparison. |
+1 to bad NAD quality.
NAD M51 DAC, after about 1.5 years of use USB-in stops working (others works). Service said it's motherboard issue and price to repair comparable with the new unit. |
donjr,
Of course. With the right interconnects nad can sound very good but their reliability is terrible. I live in New York. Service centers charge $150.00+per hour
for their service plus parts, if necessary.
It is not normal that 3 amplifiers failed in five years with the moderate usage.
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I owned a great NAD integrated I bought new in 1997. It did end up in the shop a couple of times. It sounded great when it worked.
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ivanj,
Yes please! I already contacted few Accuphase dealers and I am expecting
their phone calls on Monday.
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Your choice of Accuphase is a good one. They follow the Deming rules of zero defects. An engineer friend of 40 years experience says he never sees them in for repair, except for some of the gray market ones.
Please contact me if you wish authorized advice about Accuphase. |
judging from how many more posts there are about NAD reliability or lack of makes me ok with it. |
Any dealer that will bad mouth a brand they don't carry or no longer carry is not worth doing business with. It's something a dealer with integrity just won't do.
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interesting you say sample of one. A few years back I was looking at them and a local dealer said they were pretty popular, but decided to drop the line when they kept getting them returned for repairs or failures, definitely not just an N=1. That wasn't the only dealer that's told me that. |
I owned an NAD C370 integrated amplifier for nearly 15 years. At times it was worked very hard and for long hours!
Many parties😝 never had a peep out of it. Just recently sold it to upgrade and got a decent price out of it for its age.
Perhaps quality control has dropped off but I loved my NAD! |
This is an irrational response on more than one level that should be considered with caution. First, the problem is a sample of one. If, for instance, an audio dealer dumped every line of equipment that had one failure there would be nothing to sell or buy. Every product has some failure. Secondly, the $400 quote (very high, especially if they did not do some circuit board level testing) did not come from NAD but an independent agent whose only connection with NAD is that the agency agrees to accept NAD's flat rates to fix in warranty and if probably a high quote. There is nothing exotic about a C356 and the problem is likely minor since it still functions on both channel. For the record, I would send the unit to United Radio in Syracuse, NY, probably the best service agency on the East coast if not the country. They are very reasonable. I have sent them hundred of units to repair. If you live on the East coast this is where NAD would direct you. John Dorsey SOUNDSCAPE Baltimore, MD |
The NAD gear I have owned over the years has been fine. They do seem to have a checkered past regarding reliability however. Suspect it relate to little direct control over quality.
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"I call it disposal electronics. I mentioned C275 and two C356's, but I forgot to mention M3 on which display went dead (but it did work)."
I'm sure it's frustrating, but why keep buying them if they keep breaking? At some point it's on you, no?
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NAD is hit or miss. Not worth it |
I have had three NAD integrated amps, one NAD pre-amp, and two NAD CD players for years. The only problem I've ever had is that one of the CD players does not turn off, so I hooked it up to a circuit breaker. In my experience, NAD components are reliable, affordable, and sound good. |
Had same experience with Nad 955 amp. Looking at repair and upgrade costs, I simply decided to retire them. Realized how sterile and cold NAD sounds when I replaced T175 and t 955 with a single Marantz Sr 6011. My JMLab Cobalts are singing again. Major mistake going NAD. Stear clear. Peace. |
For those who are interested, Lenbrook America owns NAD and PSB distribution in the U.S. The President is Dean Miller and his personal cell number is 310-200-8246.
I had an extended, and unpleasant, series of interactions with Mr. Miller regarding a pair of defective PSB Alpha B-1's. Not only was the fake black ash vinyl peeling off the speaker cabinets, but the dealer overcharged a buddy of mine more than $100 when the speakers were purchased. I forwarded copies of the sales receipt to Mr. Miller, who took a couple of weeks to "decide" on the matter. Ultimately, he judged my concerns to be one of the handful of calls he gets annually from people who are "trying to get something from the company" because "you done me wrong..." It would be hysterical fiction, but unfortunately, this is a true story.
I would find it very interesting to keep a tally on how many folks actually call Mr. Miller regarding the defective NAD or PSB products they have purchased, and see what the results of their calls are. My guess? He changes his phone number, ignores your calls, and sends me a cease and desist. Meanwhile, I will run my signal through my CJ ET5 and Monoblocks to my PSB Stratus Gold i's (yup, you heard that right) and will always trust my ears. You should, too. Cheers. |
chilycat,
I am just curious, how would you call 3 amplifiers from the same manufacturer that failed a couple of months after the warranty expired.
I call it disposal electronics. I mentioned C275 and two C356's, but I forgot to mention M3 on which display went dead (but it did work). Five years ago
I paid $300.00 for the repair (replacement). The nad is relatively cheap compared to the other manufacturer and it has decent sound with the right
interconnects.Some people simply don't bother posting issues with the nad electronics. They just move on but I can bet you that every fifth owner of the nad gear had issues with their products. And yes, I call nad GARBAGE because I lost $3.000.00 in total.
But there is another option. I will call nad the best manufacturer of the HI FI electronics if you are willing to cover my loss.
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Like many othef companies, NAD is made by the lowest bidder. PRODUCTION IS RUSHED TO TBE POINT MISTAKES ARE MADE. When I decided to but a second amp, I bought the 100 wpc 2200 PE. it seemed to have no distortion or coloration, but smeared all the instruments together as one. When it quit, my local Mac warranty repair guru, Terry Wyrick, told me there are two times people get excited about NAD, THE DAY YOU Buy IT,AND TBE DAY YOU GeT RID OF IT.
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After my Wonderful Marantz receiver was stolen from my house 35 years ago, I mistakenly was directed to NAD by our local HIFI dealer.
The right channel went went out after 3 years.
I learned my lesson early. No more NAD for me.
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Everything breaks. Most items are programmed to puke within a week after warranty expires. They gotta have some kinda micro chip, they've been installing since the late 60's. At 71 years old, i've simply lost "the count" of things that have broken down on me. Six figure sports cars are definitely one that's bitten me.... more than once. Boats "outboard motors" are the latest. Swapped out 3 older Mercs for 3 of the new Yamaha
Four Stroke V8 5.3L at $30,000+ each. Two of them have seen 3 trips already for some this and that. In my garage sits a NAD 30-- purchased late 60 to early 70's. {salty air} Never once have that pre/amp not performed once powered up. That amp's powered a dozen pair of speakers through the years. And I expect they'll continue for years to come. Calling something garbage simply because it failed, just don't fly anymore. The simple fact that everything breaks or fails is something you better get used to. [and to be able to suck it up and move on] |
Accuphase is a big difference then NAD
Anyone know about the
NAD streamer. I looked at it. I Have no music servers
Yet. |
Contact your dealer where you bought it from. Let he make an offer of service for you. I think it will work. Electronics die within one year is not normal. |
I purchased a 3020 NAD in 1979. It has moved across the country several times, lost a button, has a cracked faceplate and sits in my garage -- it works flawlessly. It has never failed. It is regretful if newer NAD equipment has problems.
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I've found NAD to be Not Always Dependable. My T758 was bought as a refurbished, and 6 months out of warranty the DSP portion of the AM100 module failed. Thankfully my dealer had a used trade-in AM100 from a customer who updated to a newer version, and I got it a lot cheaper than the $400 price of a new one. To put $400 into a 1-1/2 year old $700 receiver would be a non-starter for me. I don't really trust this unit, but I'm stuck with it for a while. |
Maybe use a credit card,so you get an extended warranty.Most credit cards add 1 year to manufacturer's warranty and some add 2 years.So,you could have had a 3 year warranty.Maybe next time.$400 is crazy for that repair.I would say about $75 max.That's what I would charge and still make good profit. |
djengan-
I always wanted to demo Accuphase gear. Whom is your dealer/retailer?
Happy Listening! |
As per PSB Specifications It's 6 Ohms nominal, 4 Ohms minimum.
You actually posted Specs. for the Synchrony One but towers. They dip down
to 2.6 Ohms.
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