ABOUT THE T 163
Though the T 163 is among the most technically sophisticated A/V tuner preamplifiers, we worked hard to make it one of the most musically transparent home-theater components available as well; this is what we mean by NAD’s “Music First” design philosophy. Here are just a few examples:
•High-performance components used throughout the tuner preamplifier’s analog audio circuits maximize quality from all sources, including multichannel analog sources such as DVD-Audio and SACD.
•Preamp output (all channels).
•Second Zone (MULTISOURCE) pre-amp and video feed with assignable 12 V DC trigger control.
•An RS-232 port for advanced zone control and software update through a Windows® compatible PC.
•Gold-surfaced connectors are employed throughout to ensure maximum signal integrity.
E.A.R.S., MATRIX AND DIGITAL SURROUND
A key element of the T 163’s unique musical aptitude is NAD’s proprietary Enhanced Ambience Recovery System (EARS). In sharp contrast to many “ambience-synthesis” music-surround modes, EARS exploits the T 163’s substantial DSP power to route the ambient content that is “encrypted” in virtually all natural- acoustic recordings to the appropriate main, center and surround speakers, without resorting to artificially generated reflections or regeneration. EARS’ natural ambience yields a subtle but exceptionally effective surround mode that naturally enhances the spatial presentation in a fashion suitable for serious music listening. The T 163 also incorporates a second proprietary surround mode, Matrix 7.1. This creates a full 6.1/7.1-channel environment from stereo and surround-encoded recordings, oftentimes with extraordinarily good results. Dolby ProLogic II Music and DTS Neo:6 Music modes can also create enjoyable experience from 2-channel sources.
On the digital side, the T 163 combines extraordinarily high-speed DSP processing employing one of the most advanced high-speed DSP “engines” available, with fully 24-bit, 192 kHz-sampling-capable D/A converters for all channels. A single, high-precision master clock synchronizes all digital circuits to eliminate the timing errors (“jitter”) that otherwise compromise sonics. The result is legitimately state-of-the-art surround decoding from Dolby Digital and DTS sources, and 6.1/7.1-channel reproduction, with genuinely superior sound quality in all modes.
EASE OF USE
Despite the effort NAD has invested in the T 163 tuner preamplifier’s sonic performance, we expended no less in making it powerfully easy to use. Its design is uniquely simple for so sophisticated a component, and the HTR 2 universal remote control is equally understandable, as are the T 163’s own front-panel and on- screen displays. Its simple yet powerful system of “presets” permits you to fine-tune your listening setup for different conditions, sources, or listeners, and to recall these multiple parameters with a single keypress.
INTEGRATION
The T 163 tuner preamplifier offers extensive, flexible system-integration options through its configurable DC trigger outputs and input, and its standard-protocol IR communications links. The DC trigger outputs can be assigned to either Local and/or Zone locations.
SECOND ZONE (MULTISOURCE)
The T 163 tuner preamplifier is equipped with a full second Zone control through the ZR 2 remote and the use of Video and pre-amp level audio outputs. Complete access to volume, On/Off, all inputs including the local input is available.
RS-232
Flexible system configuration is possible with the RS-232 interface and NAD’s proprietary Windows® compatible software. This interface allows complete remote control of the T 163 from any remote location via the PC. Complete remote control functionality is available to the user by interface software. See your NAD audio specialist for further information.
