User manual NAD T163

AV Tuner Preamplifier Owner's Manual ENGLISH T 163 SAFETY INFORMATION EXPLANATION EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. PRECAUTIONS Read the Operating Instructions carefully and completely before operating the unit. Be sure to keep the Operating Instructions for future reference. All warnings and cautions in the Operating Instructions and on the unit should be strictly followed, as well as the safety suggestions below. INSTALLA ALLATION INSTALLATION 1 Water and Moisture - The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. 2 Heat - Do not use this unit near sources of heat, including heating vents, stoves, or other appliances that generate heat. It also should not be placed in temperatures less than 5°C (41°F) or greater than 35°C (95°F). 3 Mounting surface - Place the unit on a flat, even surface. 4 Ventilation - The unit should be situated with adequate space around it so that proper ventilation is assured. allow 10 cm (4 in.) clearance from the rear and the top of the unit, and 5 cm (2 in.) from each side. - Do not place on a bed, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings. - Do not install the unit in a bookcase cabinet, or airtight rack where ventilation may be impeded. 5 Objects and liquid entry - Take care that objects or liquids do not get inside the unit through the ventilation openings. 6 Carts and stands - When placed or mounted on a stand or cart, the unit should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the unit and cart to overturn or fall. 7 Wall or ceiling mounting - The unit should not be mounted on a wall or ceiling, unless specified in the Operating Instructions. WARNING! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRONIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE MATCH CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT SLOT, FULLY INSERT. This product is manufactured to comply with the radio interference requirements of EEC DIRECTIVE 89/366/EEC, 92/31/EC and 93/68/EEC Microsoft, HDCD, and the HDCD logo are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. "Dolby", "Pro Logic", and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. "DTS", "DTS-ES" and "Neo:6" are trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. 2 SAFETY INFORMATION ELECTRIC POWER 1 Power Sources - Connect this unit only to power sources specified in the Operating Instructions, and as marked on the unit. 2 Polarization - As a safety feature, some units are equipped with polarized AC power plugs which can only be inserted one way into a power outlet. If it is difficult or impossible to insert the AC power plug into an outlet, turn the plug over and try again. If it still does not easily insert into the outlet, please call a qualified service technician to service or replace the outlet. To avoid defeating the safety feature of the polarized plug, do not force it into a power outlet. 3 AC power cord - When disconnecting the AC power cord, pull it out by the AC power plug. Do not pull the cord itself. · Never handle the AC power plug with wet hands, as this could result in fire or shock. · Power cords should be routed to avoid being severely bent, pinched, or walked upon. Pay particular attention to the cord from the unit to the power socket. · Avoid overloading AC outlets and extension cords beyond their capacity, as this could result in fire or shock. 4 Extension cord - To help prevent electric shock, do not use a polarized AC power plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the polarized plug can be completely inserted to prevent exposure of the blades of the plug. 5 When not in use - Unplug the AC power cord from the AC outlet if the unit will not be used for several months or more. When the cord is plugged in, a small amount of current continues to flow to the unit, even when the power is turned off. CAUTION Modifications or adjustments to this product, which are not expressly approved by the manufacturer, may void the user's right or authority to operate this product. MAINTENANCE Clean the unit only as recommended in the Operating Instructions. DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE Have the unit serviced by a qualified service technician if · The AC power plug has been damaged. · Foreign objects or liquid have gotten inside the unit. · The unit has been exposed to rain or water - The unit does not seem to operate normally. · The unit exhibits a marked change in performance. · The unit has been dropped, or the cabinet has been damaged ATTEMPT SERVICE DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE THE UNIT YOURSELF OWNER'S RECORD For your convenience, record the model number and serial number (you will find them on the rear of your set) in the space provided below. Please refer to them when you contact your dealer in case of difficulty. Model No. : Serial No. : 3 ENGLISH TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 GETTING THE MOST FROM THE NAD T 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 UNPACKING AND SETUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What's in the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Save the packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 6 6 6 CONNECTING AM ANTENNA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 ABOUT THE T 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E.A.R.S., Matrix, and Digital Surround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ease of Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Zone (MULTISOURCE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RS-232 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Upgradability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . About the HTR 2 System Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 QUICKSTART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Play a DVD Movie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 FRONT PANEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 REAR PANEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Attention! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 CONNECTING THE T 163 TO A MULICHANNEL AMPLIFIER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 SETTING UP THE T 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Dealing With Hum and Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 DISPLAYS FRONT-PANEL ABOUT THE ON-SCREEN DISPLAYS (OSD) AND FRONT-PANEL READOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Displaying the OSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigating the OSD and Making Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Input Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Input Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speaker Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speaker Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Listening Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Channel-Balance (Test) Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using an SPL Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting Channel Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Setting Speaker Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advanced Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Main/Zone DSP Decoding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dolby Digital Surround EX Decoding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DTS-ES Matrix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Background to OSD ON or OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Temp OSD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating and Using Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recalling Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 16 16 16 16 17 17 17 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 19 19 19 USING THE T 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Selecting Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Muting the Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Listening to Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 About Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Selecting the Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Tuning Stations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Setting Radio Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Selecting Radio Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Choosing the FM Mute/ Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 About RDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 About User Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Entering User Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 About DTS and Dolby Digital Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 About the T 163's Listening Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Displaying the Signal Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Selecting Listening Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Adjusting Listening Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Surround Sound Channel chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Adjusting Channel Levels "On the Fly" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS To Adjust Channel Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Adjusting the Tone Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Using the HTR 2 Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controlling the T 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Learning Codes From Other Remotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Punch-Through . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Copy a Command From Another Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Macro Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recording Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executing Macros . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Key-Illumination Timeout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Factory Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Delete Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loading Code-Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summary of HTR 2 Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Using the ZR 2 Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trigger Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assigning the Trigger Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 27 27 27 28 28 28 28 28 29 29 29 29 30 30 30 30 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 SPECIFICATIONS SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 GETTING THE MOST FROM THE NAD T 163 Thank you for choosing NAD. The T 163 A/V Tuner Preamplifier is a technologically advanced and highly capable product -- yet we have invested great effort in making it simple and easy to use. The T 163 delivers a range of genuinely useful options for surround sound and stereo listening alike, using powerful digital signal processing and superbly accurate digital-audio circuitry. However, we have also been careful to ensure that the tuner preamplifier is as musically transparent and spatially accurate as possible, incorporating much of what we've learned from a quarter-century's experience designing audio and home-theater components. As with all our products, NAD's "Music First" design philosophy guided the T 163's design, such that it can confidently promise you both state-of-the-art surround home-theater and audiophile-quality music listening for years to come. We encourage you to take a few minutes now to read right through this manual. Investing a little time here at the outset might save you a good deal of time later, and is by far the best way to ensure that you make the most of your investment in the NAD T 163, and get the most from this powerful and flexible hometheater component. One more thing: We urge you to register your T 163 ownership on the NAD Worldwide Web site: < http://NADelectronics.com/w/Registration.html > For warranty information contact your local distributor. 5 ENGLISH UNPACKING AND SETUP WHAT'S WHAT'S IN THE BOX Packed with your T 163 tuner preamplifier you will find: · · · · · · An AM loop antenna A FM ribbon-wire antenna with balun A removable AC cable (if you wish, any IEC-standard AC cable of suitable wattage may be substituted). The HTR 2 remote control with 4 (four) AAA batteries. The ZR 2 zone remote control with 3V CR2025 battery. This owner's manual. Save the packaging Please save the box and all of the packaging in which your T 163 arrived. Should you move or otherwise need to transport your tuner preamplifier, this is by far the safest container in which to do so. We've seen too many otherwise perfect components damaged in transit for lack of a proper shipping carton, so please: Save that box! LOCATION CHOOSING A LOCATION Choose a location that is well ventilated (with at least several inches to both sides and behind), and that will provide a clear line of sight, within 25 feet/8 meters, between the tuner preamplifier's front panel and your primary listening/viewing position--this will ensure reliable infrared remote control communications. The T 163 generates a modest amount of heat, but nothing that should trouble adjacent components. It is perfectly possible to stack the T 163 atop other components, but the reverse usually should be avoided. It is especially important that sufficient ventilation be provided; if you are contemplating locating the T 163 within a cabinet or other furniture, consult your NAD audio/video specialist for advice on providing adequate airflow. CONNECTING AM ANTENNA ASSEMBLING THE AM LOOP ANTENNA 1 Rotate the outer frame of the antenna. 2 Insert the bottom edge of the outer frame into the groove on the stand. Insert into the groove 3 Extend the antenna cord. 6 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. MATRIX DIGITAL 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 naturalacoustic 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 onscreen 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 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. (MULTISOURCE) 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. 7 ENGLISH ABOUT THE T 163 UPGRADABILITY We have made the more likely scenario of software upgrades easy to accomplish via the high speed RS-232 port on the rear panel of the T 163. Owners who register their T 163 on our international web site www.NADelectronics.com will be advised of updates. Some of these may be free of charge, and some may require royalty payments depending on the type of upgrade. The advanced user will be able to perform these upgrades by downloading files from our web site via e-mail, and installing them by connecting the T 163 to a PC. Alternatively the dealer from whom you purchased your T 163 should be able to assist in performing these upgrades. ABOUT THE HTR 2 SYSTEM REMOTE CONTROL Packed with your T 163 is the NAD HTR 2 remote control, a full-system remote especially designed to be easy to use and easy to understand. Be sure to read the section "Using the HTR 2 Remote Control", to familiarize yourself with the remote's layout and operations before proceeding to setup your tuner preamplifier. Chances are, you will want to use your HTR 2 as your primary way to command your entire A-V system. The HTR 2 can be employed to operate additional NAD or other-brand components such as a DVD/CD player, television, satellite/HDTV tuner, VCR, or virtually anything else that operates via standard infrared remote control. 8 QUICKSTART In case you simply cannot wait to experience the performance of your new NAD T 163 tuner preamplifier, we provide the following "Quickstart" instructions to get you underway. The steps below connect your DVD player and multi-channel amplifier to the T 163; be sure to read "Input Setup". PLAY PLAY A DVD MOVIE · Connect the T 163's preamplifier outputs to your multi-channel amplifier. (cables not supplied) · Connect the T 163's composite video or S-Video MONITOR OUT jack to your TV/monitor's corresponding input. (cables not supplied) · Connect your DVD player's composite video or S-Video output to the T 163's corresponding DVD input. (cables not supplied) · Connect the DVD player's optical digital output to the T 163's optical DIGITAL IN 1 input (Optical cable not supplied). · Connect your left and right front speakers to the multi-channel amplifier's FRONT L and R outputs, being sure to connect red to red ("+") and black to black ("-"), with care to avoid stray wires or strands crossing between terminals. (Connect center, surround, and surround-back speakers as well, if you like). If your system includes a powered subwoofer, connect the T 163's AUDIO PRE-OUT SW1, 2 or both jacks to its line inputs. · Press in the main power switch (black pushbutton) on the T 163's rear panel (this puts the T 163 into STANDBY mode and illuminates an amber LED to indicate it is ready to receive remote commands), then use the HTR 2's [ON] key to power up the tuner preamplifier. Be sure the multi-channel amplifier and TV/ monitor is powered up, with the correct input selected. · Start playback of the DVD player. Press the HTR 2 remote's [Amp] Device Selector key, and then its (red) DVD/numeric 1 key to select the DVD input. You should hear multichannel or stereo sound, and see an image on the TV/monitor. (If one or the other fails to appear, you may need to use the tuner preamplifier's on-screen menu system to check assignment of audio, video, and digital inputs; see "Setting Up the T 163".) Enjoy the movie or music, but be sure to set aside time to read this manual thoroughly, and to set up, calibrate, and configure your T 163 carefully and completely. 9 ENGLISH FRONT PANEL 1 STANDBY SWITCH: Pressing this key, or the HTR 2 remote's [ON] button, will switch the tuner preamplifier on, making it operational, changing the amber Standby indicator to green and illuminating the VFL display. STANDBY LED: Illuminates amber when the T 163 is in Standby mode; green when it is powered on; and flashes momentarily to indicate infrared commands received from the HTR 2 remote. This indicator will be steadily dark only when the main POWER switch (REAR PANEL No.6) is switched off (or the tuner preamplifier is unplugged from the AC supply). AM/FM: Press to toggle between the tuner's AM and FM bands. DISPLAY: Press to display the channel mode of the currently selected source (other than the internal AM/FM tuner), in the format "front/rear/LFE." For example, a Dolby Digital or DTS 5.1-channel source will display 3/2.1. Note that the display shows signal channels, not speakers; for example, a 2-channel analog or digital source (whether stereo or surround-encoded) will show 2/0.0, even though the tuner preamplifier's may indeed be set up to use the subwoofer with all sources, and the current Listening Mode may employ center and surround speakers. When the AM/FM tuner is the selected input, sequentially pressing DISPLAY shows the currently tuned station's RDS data, toggling between the current station's Radio Text and Station Name displays (see Listening to Radio, below). 2 3 4 5 6 MEMORY: Use to store tuned stations to the T 163's 40 preset-memory locations. (See "Listening to Radio," below.) FM MUTE/MODE: In the normal Mute position, only the stations with a strong signal can be listened to, and the noise between stations is muted. Pressing the [FM Mute/Mode] button allows distant (and potentially noisy) stations to be received. (See "Listening to Radio," below.) PRESET : Press to step up or down between radio presets; 30 FM and 10 AM station presets are available. Note that this function "wraps": Pressing will step from Preset 30 to Preset 1, or vice versa using the key. "Unused" presets are skipped over. (Note that Presets must previously have been stored; see "Listening to Radio," below.) SEARCH : Press momentarily to step up or down between FM or AM frequencies. Press and hold SEARCH for more than 2 seconds to search up or down; the T 163's tuner will stop at the next sufficiently strong signal it encounters. Note that this function, too, "wraps," and will continue searching up or down from one end of the AM or FM band to the other. Note that: SEARCH tunes the FM band by 0.05 MHz steps (twice the precision of most tuners and tuner preamplifiers). On the AM band, SEARCH moves by 10 kHz or 9 kHz steps. To change the step amount, hold in the FM MUTE/MODE and AM/FM keys simultaneously. 7 8 9 VFL DISPLAY: The Vacuum Fluorescent Display provides visual information on all of the T 163's important modes, settings, and functions for both MAIN and second ZONE locations. 10 VOLUME (SETUP): Turn clockwise to increase the master-volume setting; counterclockwise to lower it. The VFL and on-screen displays show the setting, displayed in decibels between ­74 and +18. The VOLUME (SETUP) knob is also used to increment/decrement individual channel levels and other adjustable parameters. 11 VIDEO: Use to select a video input along with its assigned audio and digital inputs (see "Input Setup," below). Press repeatedly to step through the T 163's Video inputs. AUDIO: Use to select analog audio input independently of video input. Press repeatedly to step through the T 163's audio inputs. See "Input Setup," below. 10 FRONT PANEL 12 TAPE MONITOR: Press to engage the Tape Monitor loop. The signal present at the rear-panel TAPE MONITOR IN jacks will be heard. Press again to release and return to the previously selected input. NOTE: Selecting any other input selection while Tape Monitor is engaged automatically releases it. 13 DIGITAL AUDIO SELECTOR: Use to select digital audio input independently of video input to cycle through the T 163's 6 digital audio inputs (OPT 1-2; Coaxial 3-6). Press repeatedly to step through the T 163's digital audio inputs. The digital inputs are shown collectively as Digital 1-6 in the VFL display's small corner readout. Any digital input can be assigned to any video input (DVD, SAT, VCR, VIDEO 4-5, CD). The chart below shows the default assignments; see "Input Setup," below. Digital Input Jack OPT 1 OPT 2 Coax 3 Coax 4 Coax 5 Coax 6 Default Assignment DVD SAT VCR VIDEO 4 VIDEO 5 CD NOTE: Digital inputs take precedence: The T 163 will automatically play any active signal present at the selected digital input; if none is present, it will "fall back" to the analog audio input assigned to that Video input. Digital inputs can be selected OFF to listen to the analog input of a source with an assigned digital input. NOTE: Changing the digital audio input via the Digital Audio Selector is a temporary setting that will be lost when the input is changed or the tuner preamplifier is cycled though Standby or OFF. (See the section "Input Setup" below to reassign digital inputs to video or audio inputs.) 14 EXT 7.1: Press to listen to the component connected to the T 163's 7.1 CH. INPUT jacks (typically, a DVD-Audio or SACD-Multichannel player). The HTR 2 remote's [Ext. 7.1/5.1] key ("10+") works similarly. 15 SURROUND MODE: Use to select the T 163's Listening Mode. Press repeatedly to step through the T 163's Listening Modes. See "About the T 163's Listening Modes," below. NOTE: Depending on the format of the currently selected input (digital or analog; stereo or multichannel), different modes will be available. See "About the T 163's Listening Modes," below. 16 LEVELS: Press repeatedly to select the channel, and then use the VOLUME(SETUP) knob to adjust the levels of the T 163's 7 channels/pairs in turn: front-left, -center, ­right; surround; surround back; subwoofer. The selected channel appears on the VFL and on-screen displays; use the VOLUME(SETUP) knob to adjust its level relative to the others over a range of ±12 dB. Channel levels may also be adjusted via the on-screen menus; see "Adjusting Channel Levels," below. NOTE: The HTR 2 remote's [Surr.], [Center], and [Sub] / keys provide direct access to those channels' relative levels, saved in memory. 17 TONE CONTROLS: Press to adjust treble using the VOLUME (SETUP) knob over a ±10 dB range; press again to adjust bass, and a third time to exit tone-control adjustment. 18 TONE DEFEAT: Press to disable the tone controls; press again to re-enable them for instance, to compare a tone setting to unmodified sound. NOTE: While TONE DEFEAT is engaged, the TONE CONTROLS key will have no effect. 19 VIDEO 6 INPUT: Use these convenience jacks for occasional sources, such as a camcorder, portable MP3 or tape player, or a videogame console, or any other analog audio, or composite or S-Video video source. Select the Video 6 input using the HTR 2 remote, or the front-panel VIDEO key. 20 PHONES: Accepts stereo headphone using a standard 1/4-inch stereo phone plug (use a suitable adapter for headphones equipped with a smaller plug); set the Listening Mode to "Stereo" Plugging in headphones automatically mutes output from all channels' speaker and pre-out jacks (but not from the record-out jacks of TAPE, VCR, or VIDEO 4). NOTE: For headphone listening the front left/right speakers must be set to "Large" on the OSD's Speaker Settings page, otherwise headphone bass response will be restricted. NOTE: Plugging in headphones will automatically switch the T 163 to "Stereo" mode. 11 ENGLISH REAR PANEL ATTENTION! Please make all connections to your T 163 tuner preamplifier with the unit powered off or unplugged. (It is also advisable to power-down or unplug all associated components while making or breaking any signal or AC power connections.) 1 MONITOR OUT: Connect to video input of the monitor/television, using quality dual-RCA and/or S-Video cables designed for video signals. In general, the S-Video connection is superior and should be used if your TV/monitor provides the corresponding input. CD: Connect the analog stereo audio output from a CD player or other line-level audio source to this input. FM & AM ANTENNA: The supplied wire "dipole" FM antenna will connect to the FM connector using the supplied "balun" adapter. It will usually work best when mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall, with arms fully outstretched forming a horizontal "T" perpendicular to the origin point of the signal. Experiment with placement and orientation of to yield the clearest sound and lowest background noise. In areas of difficult FM reception an external FM antenna can yield dramatic gains in quality; consult your NAD audio specialist or a professional antenna installer. The AM loop antenna supplied with the T 163 (or a suitable replacement) is required for AM reception. Open the clip terminal lever, insert the wire and close, ensuring that the lever locks the wire in place. Testing different positions for the antenna may improve reception; vertical orientation will usually produce the best results. Antenna proximity to large metal objects (appliances; radiators) may impair reception, as will attempts to lengthen the wire to the loop. NOTE: An external AM antenna can improve long-distance reception substantially; consult your NAD audio specialist or a professional antenna installer. Do not connect anything other than a loop antenna to the AM ANTENNA terminal. Do not remove the AM loop antenna. 4 DIGITAL IN OPT 1-2; COAX 3-6: Connect to the coaxial S/PDIF-format digital outputs of sources such as CD or DVD players, HDTV or satellite tuners, or other components; connect DIGITAL IN OPT1-2 to optical S/PDIF-format digital outputs. DIGITAL OUT: Connect the optical and/or coaxial DIGITAL OUT ports to the corresponding S/PDIF digital input of a recording component such as a CD recorder, DAT deck, or computer soundcard. See "Setting Up the T 163", below. 5 COMPONENT VIDEO IN 1-3; OUT: Connect the COMPONENT VIDEO IN 1, 2 and 3 inputs to component-video outputs from compatible source components, typically a DVD player and terrestrial or satellite HDTV tuner. Connect the T 163 COMPONENT VIDEO OUT to the component-video input of a compatible video monitor/TV. Be sure to observe consistency in connecting the Y/Cr/Cb jacks (some source and TV components label these Y/ Pb/Pr) to the corresponding sources/inputs; do not rely purely on the color-coding of the jacks, which may not always be consistent among brands. The routing of the component-video inputs is fixed: COMPONENT VIDEO IN 1 is routed to the COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jacks when the DVD input is selected; COMPONENT VIDEO IN 2 is selected when the SAT input is active; COMPONENT VIDEO IN 3 is selected when the VCR input is active; the audio and digital inputs assigned to DVD, SAT and VCR will be used (see also, "Input Setup," below). NOTE: The T 163's component-video inputs and outputs are fully wide-band, compatible with all HDTV formats. The T 163 does not display its onscreen menus on its component-video output. To use on-screen menus, you will need to make an S-Video or composite connection between the T 163 and the monitor/TV, and select it for menu display. 6 POWER: Press in to switch the tuner preamplifier to ON and OFF. Pressing any front panel button will also switch the tuner preamplifier on. Press the remote's [OFF] button to return to Standby. Pressing POWER again turns the unit OFF, recommended if you do not plan to use your tuner preamplifier for an extended period of time. It is usual (and perfectly acceptable) to leave the T 163 in Standby mode in between normal viewing and listening sessions. 120V/230V VOLTAGE SELECTOR: With the power cord disconnected from the wall outlet, select the appropriate mains voltage for your area. RS-232: Connect this interface via RS-232 serial cable (not supplied) to any Windows® compatible PC to allow remote control of the T 163 through NAD's proprietary PC software. See your NAD audio specialist for more information. 2 3 7 8 12 REAR PANEL 9 AUTO TRIGGER SWITCH: When in the AUTO position, forces the T 163 to turn on only when a trigger signal is present at the trigger input. When in the OFF position, the trigger inputs are disabled. 10 AC POWER INLET: Connect to the supplied IEC-standard removable AC power cord or a compatible cord. 11 MS OUT (MULTISOURCE OUT): Connect this pre-amp and composite video output to other zones using high-quality patch cables to reduce noise pickup over long distance runs. 12 IR: These mini-jacks accept and output remote-control codes in electrical format, using industry-standard protocols, for use with "IR-repeater" and multi-room systems and related technologies. Consult your NAD audio specialist for more information. 13 DVD, SAT, VCR, VIDEO 4, VIDEO 5: These comprise the T 163's principal inputs. Connect S-Video, composite video, and analog stereo audio from source components such as DVD players and HDTV/satellite tuners (see "Input Setup," below). VCR and VIDEO 4 may be used with recording components such as videocassette or DVD-recorders; connect the T 163 S-Video/composite video OUT jacks to these components' record-inputs. (Note that VCR/VIDEO 4 may freely be used for play-only components, in which case their OUT jacks would remain unconnected.) 14 PRE-OUTS/SUBWOOFER OUT: Connect the T 163's pre-amplifiers to external power amplifiers for some or all channels. Connect the SW output 1, 2 or both to powered ("active") subwoofers (or to power amplifier channels driving a passive system). SURR-BACK-R jack will supply the same signal from the surround-back Left channel if the T 163 is so configured (see "Speaker Setup"). Either one or both channels are available mono or stereo as per "Speaker Setup". Connect to one or two channels of an appropriate external power amplifier or other amplified component to furnish amplification for one or two surround back speakers. Your NAD audio specialist will be happy to advise you. 15 TAPE IN/OUT: Connect the T 163's TAPE OUT jacks to the stereo analog audio inputs, of an audio recording component such as a cassette deck or CD recorder, or of an outboard analog audio processor such as a stereo equalizer; connect the tuner preamplifier's TAPE IN jacks to the component's corresponding outputs. The signals present at the TAPE IN jacks can be heard by selecting the front panel TAPE MONITOR button, or the HTR 2's [Tape] (zero) key. NOTE: The signal present at the TAPE OUT jacks is determined by the source last selected via the front panel Video or Audio keys (or the HTR 2's input-select keys). NOTE: Digital input signals are not available at the analog TAPE OUT jacks; they are only available at the DIGITAL OUT jacks. 16 DISC: Connect the analog stereo audio output from a second CD player or other line-level audio source to this input. NOTE: Connecting a phonograph turntable to the T 163 requires an outboard magnetic phono-preamp component such as the NAD PP2; you cannot connect turntable directly to the DISC inputs. 17 7.1 CH. INPUT: Connect to the corresponding analog audio outputs of a multichannel source component such as a DVD-Audio or multichannelSACD player, or external multichannel decoder. Typically, these sources will produce 5.1-channel output, in which case the SURROUND BACK jacks are left unconnected. The signals present at these jacks may be heard by selecting the front-panel EXT. 7.1 key or the HTR 2's [Ext 7.1/5.1] button. See "Selecting Sources," below. NOTE: There is no bass-management or other processing (other than master-volume control) available to this 7.1 CH. INPUT. While the multichannel audio outputs of a DVD-Video player can be connected to these jacks, using the T 163's own Dolby Digital and DTS decoding and digitalanalog converters, via a digital connection, will usually produce superior results. 13 ENGLISH CONNECTING THE T 163 TO A MULTI-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER Below is an example of the T 163 and a multi-channel amplifier configuration. 14 SETTING UP THE T 163 STAR ARTED GETTING STARTED Before you make the first connection to your T 163, you should have the arrangement of your listening room/ home theater components and furniture mapped out, at least initially. Unfortunately, a discussion of the vital questions of loudspeaker placement and listening/viewing positions is beyond our scope here. Suffice it to say that these two questions will influence your system's ultimate performance every bit as powerfully as your selection of electronics and speakers. Your NAD audio specialist dealer will be happy to advise you, and to recommend reference materials. NOTE: You will need the HTR 2 remote handset to configure your T 163. See "Using the HTR 2 Remote", below. DEALING WITH HUM AND NOISE Hum and noise sometimes prove a challenge in complex, multichannel audio systems. Note these considerations to help prevent hum and noise problems: · Power all your system's audio component from AC outlets originating from the same circuit of your house wiring. As far as possible, power all audio components from the same outlet, or adjacent outlets on the same circuit. It may be useful to power video displays (and computers!) from outlets on another circuit, especially if that circuit is supplied from the other "leg" of the house wiring. · Do not bundle analog audio cables with AC power cables, or with coaxial digital-audio cables. It is best if they cross at right angles if they must be in close proximity. · Employ high-quality, well-shielded audio cable throughout, and ensure that all connections are secure. · A pencil-eraser can be used to burnish copper- and gold-plated contacts to ensure good, low-resistance contact; specialized contact-cleaners can also be useful. Avoid unnecessary unplugging and re-plugging, since the gold (or copper) contact plating of typical cable connectors, even very high-quality ones, is very thin and easily worn. Track down hum/noise problems one component at a time, working backwards from the tuner preamplifier. That is: Connect the speakers to the multichannel amplifier only, and check for hum. Then connect one component only (a CD player, for example) alone, with no other components connected and check for hum. Connect additional components, one at a time, to the tuner preamplifier and check for hum. At each stage, if hum/noise appears, examine the audio cabling and AC-power routing of the new component. In some cases, moving the new component's AC cord to a different outlet, or installing a ground-lift (3-to-2-prong adapter) on its power cord, will eliminate the hum. 15 ENGLISH ABOUT THE ON-SCREEN DISPLAYS (OSD) AND FRONT-PANEL READOUT The T 163 tuner preamplifier employs a simple, self-explanatory system of on-screen display "menus" that will appear on the connected video monitor/TV. These are required during the setup process (and are useful in day-to-day operation), so be sure to connect the monitor/TV before proceeding with setup. NOTE: The on-screen displays are carried on both the S-Video and composite MONITOR OUT jacks, but are not incorporated into the component-video output. DISPLAY DISPLAY THE OSD Press any of the HTR 2 remote's central cursor keys ([ ], [ ], [ ], [ ], and [Enter]) to display the T 163's main menu on your video monitor/TV. If the OSD does not appear, check your MONITOR OUT connections. NOTE: The OSD does not appear on the T 163's component-video output, nor does it appear on the VIDEO 3 and 4 record-outputs; these are for recording, not monitoring. NAVIGA VIGATING NAVIGATING THE OSD AND MAKING CHANGES Use the HTR 2 remote's [ / ] keys to move up or down among the Setup menu's list of items; use [Enter] to select a menu item, and use [ / ] to change the parameter-value (setting) of any item. Selecting the returns "up" to the menu while saving any parameter-value changes to the T 163's memory; selecting also returns to the main menu, but abandons any changes made on the previous menu. Selecting from the main Setup menu exits the OSD altogether, retaining parameter-value changes, if any, made previously. INPUT SETUP The T 163 is equipped with nine configurable and nameable inputs: six audio-video inputs labeled DVD, SAT, VCR, and VIDEO 4-6 (including VIDEO 6 on the front panel), and three audio-only inputs labeled CD, DISC and EXT 7.1. These are flexibly configurable and nameable: For each labeled video input-jack position (DVD, SAT, VCR, VIDEO 4-6) as displayed on the