NAD T 778

    89
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    All
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    Highlights

    • 9.2 Channels
    • 11.2 Channel Processing
    • 140 W (8 Ω, 1% THD, 2 channel driven)
    • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
    • HDR10, Dolby Vision
    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough
    • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
    • Phono Input

    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. 2020 Lineup
    4. Amplifier
    5. Speaker Configurations
    6. Immersive Audio Formats
    7. HDMI
    8. Room Calibration
    9. Multi-zone Playback
    10. Inputs and Outputs
    11. Evaluation
    12. Specifications

    1. Overview

    NAD T 778 was introduced in 2020 and represents a current flagship model of a manufacturer. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 140 W (8 Ω, 1% THD, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.2 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, passes 4K/60Hz video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 89 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

    Amplifier
    93
    Audio Features
    87
    Video Features
    94
    Connectivity
    87
    Zones
    84
    Radio
    82
    OVERALL
    89

    For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluation section.

    2. Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of NAD T 778.

    PROs

    •   High Power Output - 140 W
    •   11.2 Channel Processing
    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   DTS:X
    •   MQA Decoding
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   HDR10
    •   Dolby Vision
    •   eARC
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   Works with Amazon Alexa
    •   Google Assistant
    •   BluOS
    •   USB Input
    •   Phono Input
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Spotify
    •   Tidal
    •   Toroidal Transformer

    CONs

    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   No IMAX Enhanced
    •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   No DSD via HDMI
    •   No HDR10+
    •   No 8K Passthrough
    •   0 8K Input
    •   Few RCA Line Inputs
    •   No Composite Video Inputs
    •   No Analog Tuner
    •   No Digital Radio
    •   No Pandora

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   9.2 Channels
    •   6 HDMI Inputs
    •   2 HDMI Outputs
    •   2 Zones

    3. NAD 2020 Lineup

    In 2020 NAD released 2 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    NAD 2020 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsHDR Price
    T 778 Image cannot be found 9.2140 W11.211.2HDR10
    Dolby Vision
    T 758 V3i Image cannot be found
    Compare
    		7.1110 W7.111.1HDR10

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: NAD T 778 vs T 758 V3i.

    4. Amplifier

    9 channel Hybrid Digital Amplifier

    NAD T 778 features 9 channel power amplifier. It is rated at 140 W (8 Ω, 1% THD, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

    • Toroidal Transformer: NAD T 778 has a toroidal transformer which in general costs several times more than a regular C-core transformer and radiates less electromagnetic noise outside its donut shaped core.
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels9.2
    Power Output140 W (8 Ω, 1% THD, 2 channel driven)
    Front Wide Channel Support
    Amplifier DesignHybrid Digital Amplifier Technology
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability

    5. Speaker Configurations

    NAD T 778's 9 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
    • 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 7.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
    • DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
    • 5.2.2, 5.2.4, 7.2.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 7.2.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
    • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
    • 5.2, 7.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 2-ch Bi-Amp: NAD T 778 allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

    6. Immersive Audio Formats

    Dolby Atmos

    NAD T 778 supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer.

    • Surround Upmixer: If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.

    DTS:X

    NAD T 778 supports DTS:X with Neural:X.

    • Neural:X is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
    • DTS Dialog Control: This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.
    DECODING
    Dolby Atmos up to 7.1.4
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    Dolby Atmos Music
    Dolby TrueHD
    Dolby Digital Plus
    Dolby Surround Upmixer
    Dolby Pro Logic
    DTS:X up to 7.1.4
    DTS Neural:X
    DTS Virtual:X
    DTS Neo
    DTS-HD Master Audio
    DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
    DTS 96/24
    IMAX Enhanced
    Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    MQA Decoding

    7. HDMI

    NAD T 778 features 6 HDMI inputs. It has 2 outputs which work parallelly and output the same signal.

    • 4K/60Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
    • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35%.
    • HDCP 2.2 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.2 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
    • 3D Ready: NAD T 778 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

    HDR (High Dynamic Range)

    NAD T 778 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma via HDMI ports. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.


    Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

    Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.



    VIDEO FEATURES
    HDR10
    HDR10+
    Dynamic HDR
    BT.2020 color space
    Dolby Vision
    HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
    Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
    HDCP Version2.2
    QMS (Quick Media Switching)
    ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
    VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
    QFT (Quick Frame transport)
    DSC (Display Stream Compression)
    3-D Ready
    Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
    Video Signal Upscaling

    8. Room Calibration

    NAD T 778 comes with Dirac Live™ room correction system and includes the calibration microphone.

    • Dirac Live: The interaction between your sound system and the physical layout of your room has a huge impact on sound quality. Dirac Live™ Room Correction applies state-of-the-art, patented algorithms to analyze and digitally reduce room impact and enhance speaker performance. Dirac Live delivers a larger sweet spot, accurate staging, clarity, voice intelligibility, and a deeper, tighter bass not otherwise possible. Fully tunable to your preference.

    9. Multi-zone Playback

    NAD T 778 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 2 different rooms.


    Zone 2

    • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
    • Audio Pre Output: If you have a dedicated power amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre outs and control volume from the a/v receiver.
    ZONES
    Number of Zones2
    Powered Zones 2
    Zone 2 OutsPre Out
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output3
    Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 3
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    10. Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v receiver.
    • Analog Pre-Outs: NAD T 778 has 11.2 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest. Also, NAD T 778 has 11 channel processing but has only 9 channel amplifier, so it needs the external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach the maximum speaker configuration.
    • Analog Line Inputs: There are 2 line inputs for analog audio connection.
    • Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available for digital audio connection.
    • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

    Video

    • HDMI:
    • Inputs: 6 (1 front)   Outputs: 2 (simultaneous)
      8K Inputs: 0

    Front A/V Inputs

    • HDMI, USB
    Image cannot be found
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    TERMINALS
    HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs2 (simultaneous)
    8K Inputs
    USB Input2
    Optical Inputs2
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs2
    RCA Line Inputs2
    RCA Line Outputs
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs11.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Composite Video Inputs
    Composite Video Outputs
    S-Video Inputs
    S-Video Outputs
    Component Video Inputs
    Component Video Outputs

    11. Evaluation

    We evaluate NAD T 778 and give score of 89 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    89

    Amplifier

    EXCELLENT
    93

    We give NAD T 778 a score of 93 for Amplifier features.

    •   9.2 Channels
    •   High Power Output - 140 W
    •   Toroidal Transformer

    Audio Features

    EXCELLENT
    87

    We give NAD T 778 a score of 87 for Audio Features features.

    •   9.2 Channels
    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   11.2 Channel Processing
    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   No Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   DTS:X
    •   No IMAX Enhanced
    •   No Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   MQA Decoding
    •   No DSD via HDMI

    Video Features

    EXCELLENT
    94

    We give NAD T 778 a score of 94 for Video Features features.

    •   HDR10
    •   No HDR10+
    •   Dolby Vision
    •   No 8K Passthrough

    Connectivity

    EXCELLENT
    87

    We give NAD T 778 a score of 87 for Connectivity features.

    •   eARC
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   Works with Amazon Alexa
    •   Google Assistant
    •   BluOS
    •   6 HDMI Inputs
    •   2 HDMI Outputs
    •   0 8K Input
    •   USB Input
    •   Few RCA Line Inputs
    •   Phono Input
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   No Composite Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet

    Zones

    GOOD
    84

    We give NAD T 778 a score of 84 for Zones features.

    •   2 Zones

    Radio

    GOOD
    82

    We give NAD T 778 a score of 82 for Radio features.

    •   No Analog Tuner
    •   No Pandora
    •   Spotify
    •   Tidal

    12. Specifications

    GENERAL
    BrandNAD
    ModelT 778
    TypeA/V Receiver
    CountryAll
    Release Year2020
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels9.2
    Power Output140 W (8 Ω, 1% THD, 2 channel driven)
    Front Wide Channel Support
    Amplifier DesignHybrid Digital Amplifier Technology
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability
    AUDIO FEATURES
    Maximum Channel Processing11.2
    Air Studios Monitor Certification
    Dolby Atmos up to 7.1.4
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    Dolby Atmos Music
    Dolby TrueHD
    Dolby Digital Plus
    Dolby Surround Upmixer
    Dolby Pro Logic
    DTS:X up to 7.1.4
    DTS Neural:X
    DTS Virtual:X
    DTS Neo
    DTS-HD Master Audio
    DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
    DTS 96/24
    IMAX Enhanced
    Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    MQA Decoding
    PCM 2-ch/Multi-ch Input
    Network Audio FormatsMP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, FLAC, ALAC, WMA-L, MQA, WAV, AIFF
    Music Playback via USBMP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, FLAC, ALAC, WMA-L, MQA, WAV, AIFF
    High Resolution Music Playback via USB and/or Network up to 192 kHz
    High Resolution Audio Formats via USBFLAC, WAV, AIFF
    Gapless Playback
    DSD via HDMI
    DSD via USB
    USB DAC
    DTS Dialogue Control
    Dialog Enhancement
    Dialog Level Adjustment
    Dialog normalization
    Dialogue Lift
    Audyssey Dynamic EQ
    Audyssey Dynamic Volume
    Audyssey LFC
    Audyssey Sub EQ HT
    Audyssey DSX
    Direct Mode
    Independent Subwoofer Outputs
    CALIBRATION
    Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic. Dirac Live™
    VIDEO FEATURES
    HDR10
    HDR10+
    Dynamic HDR
    BT.2020 color space
    Dolby Vision
    HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
    Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
    HDCP Version2.2
    QMS (Quick Media Switching)
    ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
    VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
    QFT (Quick Frame transport)
    DSC (Display Stream Compression)
    3-D Ready
    Video Signal Passthroughup to 4K 50/60Hz 4:4:4
    Video Signal Upscaling
    isf Certified Calibration Control
    CONNECTIVITY
    Wi-Fi via dongle
    Bluetooth via USB micro adapter
    Works with Amazon Alexa
    Google Assistant
    Chromecast Built-In
    Apple Siri
    Works with SonoS
    BluOS
    DTS Play-Fi
    AirPlay AirPlay 2
    Apple Product Connection iPod, iPhone and iPad
    Remote App free BluOS controller app for iOS and Android devices
    TERMINALS
    HDMI Inputs6 (1 front)
    HDMI Outputs2 (simultaneous)
    8K Inputs
    USB Input2
    Optical Inputs2
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs2
    RCA Line Inputs2
    RCA Line Outputs
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs11.2
    XLR Pre-outs
    Composite Video Inputs
    Composite Video Outputs
    S-Video Inputs
    S-Video Outputs
    Component Video Inputs
    Component Video Outputs
    Ethernet
    Ethernet Switch
    PC In
    Front A/V InputsHDMI, USB
    Speaker A/B
    Headphone Out6.3 mm (1/4")
    Detachable Power Cord
    ZONES
    Number of Zones2
    Powered Zones 2
    Zone 2 OutsPre Out
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output3
    Remote (IR) Input/Output1 / 3
    MISCELLANEOUS
    Control4 SDDP
    DisplayLCD touch panel
    Remote ControllerHTR 8
    RADIO
    Analog Tuner
    Digital Radio
    Internet Radio TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Calm Radio, Radio Paradise, Slacker Radio
    Pandora
    Spotify
    Tidal
    Deezer
    Napster
    SiriusXM
    CONSTRUCTION
    ConstructionModular Design
    Speaker Terminals9
    Large Speaker Terminals9
    Gold plated RCA terminals
    POWER
    Power SupplyAC 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz
    Toroidal Transformer
    Power Consumption700 W
    Standby Power0.5 W
    PHYSICAL
    Dimensions (W x H x D)435 mm x 140 mm x 430 mm
    17-3/16" x 5-9/16" x 16-15/16"
    Weight12.1 kg (26.7 lbs)
    Weight of Package15.5 kg (34.2 lbs)
    SPECIFICATIONS
    Power Output (8 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven, FTC)140 W (1% THD)
    Power Output (4 Ω, 1 kHz, 2 channel Driven)170 W (1% THD)
    Multi Channel Simultaneous Drive9 x 85 W (19.3dBW) (20 Hz - 20 kHz, all channels driven, 4 Ω and 8 Ω)
    Dynamic Power per Channel (4 Ω, Front)280 W
    Dynamic Power per Channel (8 Ω, Front)165 W
    THD0.08% (20 Hz-20 kHz, rated power)
    0.03% (20 Hz-20 kHz, 1/3 power)
    Damping Factor300 (20 Hz - 1 kHz, 8 Ω)
    Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Line)Amplifier Section: 1.12 V (ref. 8 Ω, VOL at 0 dB for 85 W)
    Preamplifier Section: 245 mVrms (ref. 2V)
    Input Sensitivity and Impedance (Phono MM)6.2 mVrms (2V output)
    Maximum Input Sensitivity (Phono)90 mVrms (1 kHz)
    Maximum Preout Level and Impedance4.5 Vrms
    S/N Ratio (Line, IHF-A)Amplifier Section: 100 dB (ref. rated power at 8 Ω, A-WTD)
    Preamplifier Section: 100dB (ref. 2V, A-WTD)
    S/N Ratio (Line, EIA, at 1 W (1 kHz))Amplifier Section: 85 dB (ref. 1W at 8 Ω, A-WTD)
    S/N Ratio (Phono MM, IHF-A)80 dB (2Vrms, A-WTD)
    Frequency Response (Analog In)Amplifier Section: ±0.3 dB/-0.8 dB (ref. 1kHz, 20 Hz - 20 kHz)
    Preamplifier Section: ±0.5dB (ref. 20 Hz - 20 kHz)
    Warranty2 Years

    * - 480i/576i and 480p/576p only
    ** - 480i/576i only
    *** - no 1080p/24 upconversion
    **** - 1080p signal is not converted

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