Dirac Live room correction on the NAD T758v3 AV-receiver

[@wverlinden]

Good review Hans, as always. I have the bigger brother, the NAD T777v3 and I love it. It was tuned by my dealer using the full Dirac Live for NAD. Indeed Dirac Live does a marvellous job. I use the receiver in my living room with Dali Rubicon LCR front speakers, a Dali Fazon LCR centre speaker, Dali Fazon SAT rear speakers and an SVS SB4000 subwoofer. It's a great little system for both music and film/TV.

[@nickcarrozza3133]

Hi Hans, so glad you found Dirac. I’ve used it with an Emotiva XMC-1 back when they sold at your purchase limit. It came with Dirac LE and Dirac Live Full was a $99. USD add on. It truly is a remarkable tool. Many newer AVR’s are coming with the LE version. Not sure you will find a better Room Correction System but I’ll be here watching. Enjoy the Ride!

[@michaelljunge4394]

Thank you Hans for a great and thorough review. I love how well you went through the configuration steps and also how well you motivate why you think it is good. Keep up the good work. (I might order that receiver soon ;).

[@joshm5514]

I've used the Dirac Live trial for Windows and was super impressed. Just purchased a used MiniDSP NanoAVR DL from someone online and I'm super excited to have Dirac permanently in my home theater setup. The difference it makes is incredible, I've been wanting to use Dirac Live for over a year now and know it's going to sound so good and give me more time to refine the correction.Thanks for the great video review, it helps justify my spending :)

[@salvamando1]

Great video Hans, I always learn something new with your videos, thank you. I got the NAD C658 which comes with Dirac Live, which I am still patiently waiting for it to be fully implemented via firmware, unfortunately! This video makes me even more excited about Dirac!

[@digiloog000]

Hans, thanks for the reviews. I fully agree with your remarks about Dirac. I use it already for some time. One tip when creating the filters: use the 'curtains' on the low and/or high part of the frequence range: that prevents Dirac doing corrections outside the useful range. For example the surrounds you probably don't need corrections below the 80Hz, so set the curtain to 80Hz and you're done. No fiddling is needed with the frequency response per channel.

[@blitzbbffl]

Brilliant review! I am looking fwd to using Dirac in my 5.1 listening room.

[@pabloosvaldopenizzotto1098]

This is by far your very best video.

[@ProjectOverseer]

Some nice insight, Hans. I've always enjoye NAD (New Acoustic Dimension) products from the early 80's onwards. Always innovative and well priced. This product is no exception by your comments 👍

[@vlax543]

What is the meaning of that peak for sub measurement. (16:38). What do u get when dirac straighten that peak when we are speaking about bass quality and depth. Thank you

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

That's a resonance as result of a room mode.

[@vlax543]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannelBut if u let dirac kill that peak u will stay without deep bass. I have tried lots of options

[@sjongele]

Hello Hans, When used with the Arcam receivers, Dirac Live does measure speaker distances and levels. That is a big advantage. Like you I had an AVR600. Dirac Live as well as the new formats supported by the newer receiver generation, as well as the sound and other improvements of the AVR850 over the AVR600 make it a very interesting upgrade. Maybe not for reviewing on your channel, but for enjoying in your home!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Dirac in the NAD's also measure distances and levels.

[@financeashish]

Very informative video. I wish I was introduced to Dirac earlier. I recently purchased a Marantz 6013 and also got a pair of SW12 Starkesound subs. The sound was suffering a few dips with the the subs placed at the most optically symmetric and pleasing location. Then I invested some more in a UMIK and managed to find a better location for subs with UMIK and REW. Now, I am intrigued how much better it can get with Dirac and whether I should look to sell my Marantz and get something like a NAD so that all my speakers can benefit from Dirac or invest 500 dollars in MiniDSP and get the solution for my dual subs. I am running a 5.2.4 treated by Audyssey on Marantz 6013. I estimate I might need to top up equivalent of 700 USD to get NAD from Marantz 6013 resale value. Plus I'll lose 2 channels; so may need to invest maybe another usd200 in a basic two channel amp. Is it gonna be worth the almost 1000 dollar extra investment? Should first start with a MiniDSP 2x4 non dirac for 100 dollars and get REW to do the correction (not sure how diff it might be from Audyssey). Thanks for your guidance.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

As I said in te video Dirac is the first affordable system that I like.

[@financeashish]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel Thanks a lot for your response. Since my comment, I purchased a miniDSP 2x4 HD. I am quite content with the results I have with it and like the flexibility of having 4 different curves configured at the click of remote. Maybe I'll upgrade to DIRAC sometime in the future for another 200 USD.

[@pmmihoc]

Hi Hans. I like you video. I have a question. I bought NAD T758 V3 and I have two front speakers (floor speakers) with the lowest frequency response at 38Hz. How should I set my speakers type in the receiver? Large or small, before running Dirac. I have a subwoofer, too. I saw a video on KZbin where somebody says I should set all speakers to LARGE, even if my speakers are small. Large means they should go down to 20hz. Thank's ! Paul

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

"Small speakers" are speakers that stop at 50-60Hz. Ik would definitely set your front speakers to large.

[@ingokuhnen9576]

Hello Hans, it's a very structured and clearly understandable video, perfectly done I would say. Just one question, do I understand it correctly that the loudspeaker configuration, such as size, real distance and noise level need to be adjusted beforehand in the NAD menue before running the Dirac measurements and correction? I am using a MiniDSP DDRC88, where everything's done in by Dirac and the DSP. I am trying to help a friend with NAD, struggling to have the Dirac running properly. Many thanks in advance. Vriendelijke groeten uit Duitsland.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Setting size, read distance and noise level are only needed for non-DIRAC operation. When using DIRAC calibration that is taken care of automatically, but will only function when you play with DIRAC on, of course.

[@adammusic1124]

Great review Hans, can the full version measure multiple subwoofers, I'm looking at the NAD T778 which allows for 2 subwoofers and want to measure them as well as the front, centre and rears... Just wondered if you know if I can measure the 2 subwoofers separately with the Dirac Live upgraded version?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Yes it can

[@adammusic1124]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel That's great, as from what I was reading from the 2 sub outs, they're wired together and hence Dirac Live only see's "one" subwoofer and not 2 in it's setup, as the combined subwoofer wiring is like one big subwoofer (combined of 2 separate subwoofer outs). That's great that Dirac can actually see both separate subwoofers... Thanks for clarifying that the sofware will actaully see 2 separate subwoofers (as opposed to the subw1 and subw2 being combine wiring in the unit and hence, I was worried that the ugpraded ($99 version of Dirac Live may only seeing one subwoofer, when there's actaully 2 subs connected to sub 1 and sub 2)... This has been my big question with the T778 and the limited Dirac Live software upgrade, that it will actually see 2 separate subwoofers in the software, despite the T778 being combined wiring down to only 1 inside the unit (the only step up was a unit that had truly independent sub outs like an Arcam AVR20 or 30 which was way more expensive but has separate subwoofer 1 & 2 outputs and can take advantage of the Dirac Bass for one sub, and multi bass for 2 or more subs)... I know the NAD T778 cannot use the Dirac Multi Sub software, but if the Dirac Live Upgrade does indeed see 2 separate subwoofers when they're connected to be edited and eq'd as separate subs then I'm very happy 🙂 as I will only be using 2 subwoofers.

[@mrmichaelkuijpers]

Great video Hans,i was wondering if you let dirac fully control the subwoofer settings?.ie do you use the vollume and frequentie filter on the subwoofer or not?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I let Dirac control it all. So no filtering on the sub.

[@dollag2k9]

Dirac offer a pc only software for 2 channel and 5.1 playback. I have an arcam avr390 with power amps for the LCR and Dirac has transformed my listening experience for both movies and music

[@chriswelljack4910]

dollag2k9 how u get that i have dirac in my emotiva xmc1 i used it for movies n tv i have 2 other presets i use 1 for music it have a feature where i can used other room correction upload it on a usb drive then import it into the xmc i tried REW but its complicated

[@dollag2k9]

Chriswell Jack I haven’t got it myself, my arcam has Dirac but it’s from their website. Go to Diracs site and they offer a free trial. You can set the output to one of 4 Dirac filters you make on pretty much any software being used on the pc.

[@haliltuner7355]

Great review! I've only just discovered your channel and immediately subscribed after watching this. I will definitely check your other posts. I am putting together a very similar setup to yours (Relatively higher-end stereo amp with HT Bypass connected to NAD T758 v3) for home theatre. I myself am questioning how to use Dirac Live for stereo as well, did you end up doing it? I was also wondering if you tried using NAD as a "streamer an DAC" for the stereo setup (by adding a separate connection between NAD Zone 2 out to any line input in the amp). That’s what I’m planning on doing for now as I don’t want to purchase a separate streamer/DAC if I can avoid it. Also hoping that if I do this I’d be able to use NAD’s built in Dirac Live for stereo as well? I suppose I'll see myself when the items arrive whether it's the case but was curious if you tried it?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

The NAD is very good for the money but no macho for my digital front-end in setup 1. But simply try streaming with the NAD and see if it suffice.

[@priyangh]

Hi Hans, would you plan to review NAD T778 ? I wonder how good it is for Stereo Music in comparison to NAD M33. I had an ARCAM AVR850, I was not much satisfied with ARCAM two channel stereo performance. Regards Priyange

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I don't expect to review surround products in the near future.

[@Malamba4231]

Thank you for this review -- excellent as always. I was going to mention the bandwidth curtains, but Ludi Cosman has already done so in another comment. In my case, I compared the Emotiva XMC-1 with Dirac against the Anthem AVM-60 with Anthem's proprietary but equivalent ARC system. I went with Anthem for reasons unrelated to the room correction software. The problem I have with all these systems is that they sit in the digital stage of the receiver or preprocessor. Thus, if you have for example an external DAC with MQA, you cannot take advantage of the room correction unless you allow the receiver or prepro to redigitize the analog output. That seems self-defeating. I would love to see a product of similar sophistication and ease of use that will generate parametric filters for Roon so that the problem can be avoided. I don't have the signal processing skills to do it myself, unfortunately. This problem aside, room correction is fantastic and as you say, I can't imagine going back to "plain old" straight-through audio.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

For as far as I can see now, ARC - like many other room correction systems - only work in the frequency domain and not in the time domain.

[@eglasb]

Hi Hans, I too must use same speakers for stereo music and movies. In my case I use a Cabasse Io2 5.1 system. How do you manage to hook up your subwoofer to both stereo music and surround situations?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

My REL B2 sub is connected to the speaker terminals of my stereo amp for that sounds the best. The line level LFE (Sub Out) of my surround receiver is connected to the line level input. The speaker level input is filtered at 35 Hz since my L&R speakers go that deep (indeed I use that big sub for only one octave: 16 to 35 Hz). The line liven input on the sub is not filtered, there the filtering is done by the surround receiver. And then it is level matching and tweaking.

[@brunorivademar5356]

Hi Hans! I'm having imaging problems since I believe I have too large speakers for my listening distance (the drivers are too far apart from each other and thus I need to sit farther for them to integrate properly) I'm afraid I can't do anything about this. You mentioned DSP has made your speakers dissapear. Do you think this would help me in my situation? Thanks and love the channel!

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I don't think so. It's always difficult to comment on unknown situations but in this case I think even Dirac can't perform miracles.

[@NirreFirre]

Bruno Rivademar If you haven't found out online since you asked, you can try the old trick of heavy toe in so that the 0° are crossing a few feet in front of you in your listening position. It can work, creating a much larger sweet spot but depending on a lot of other factors can sound weird as well. Worth a try

[@taxi615]

Does NAD still have many issues with their receivers. Many complain with software and hardware issues

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I run an NAD receiver daily and have no trouble at all. Be aware that on the web people only report problems, people that are satisfied with a product will seldom report this.

[@taxi615]

@@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel yeah that I know Ive just heard and seen things that dont inspire confidence. Just went threw some crap with denon/marantz dont wanna get burnt again. Looking at anthem but still open to all

[@pabloosvaldopenizzotto1098]

This NAD receiver looks amazing!! Great video Hans!! How do you feel this AV receiver for music listening? I do own a Denon AVR 1611 Receiver and is much better for movies and concerts in Blu-ray Disc, but not that good for CD music .

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

???? I described my listening experiences in the video, separate for stereo and surround

[@pabloosvaldopenizzotto1098]

Sorry Hans, but I got a little bit anxious while viewing the video!!

[@pokerbarloahavia]

Love your review this closes the deal

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@jootuupi]

Is the Dirac Live upgrade from Live LE just software update or does it need module in the amp? How would you compare Dirac Live to Audyssey?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

It’s just a software key. I haven’t reviewed Audyssey yet so I can’t say.

[@chimistegaulois4339]

Thanks for the reviews. have you planned to compare with trinnov products, hifi or hc ?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I will try to review anything streaming/file based audio, DAC's and room correction under € 2000.

[@priyangh]

Hans could you compare the MQA playback on NAD to Brooklyn on your setup 1? I just want to know pre outs of NAD is as good as Brooklyn. Thanks.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I mentioned that they are in a completely different league and that the SOtM/Mytek combo costs a almost three times the price of the NAD, and that is a complete receiver. Miracles do happen but wonders...

[@Johnd3s]

Afternoon Frank and a Happy Christmas. As a treat to myself in early January 2020 I am looking at the option of upgrading my own home system but still very much undecided on continuing with a Home Cinema Amp (like yours AVR600) as I am really keen to move forward with Internet music streaming for the first time that’s why I have been looking purchasing the NAD C658+NAD C268 paired to my Kef LS50. But after seeing your video regarding Dirac Live and that you swapped out your Arcam amp for a NAD I have re-thought my approach to now consider the new but not released NAD T778 which also includes Dirac Live plus the benefits of home cinema and internet streaming as I have three Kef LS50 speakers for left/centre/right and Kef eggs for surround, do you believe I could still achieve a great two channel stereo sound using a home cinema receiver corrected using Dirac set up. Kind Regards John

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I really can't do buying advise. Apart from that I dot know all the equipment you mention, I don't know your living conditions, your taste and so on.

[@erwingeiger]

Hi Hans. Could you tell me how good the microphone is which is delivered with the NAD?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Excellent for the job. I only use the UMIK-1 since it has a mike stand mount while the NAD needs to be mounted on a photo tripod.

[@erwingeiger]

great! I've just ordered the T758V3. Before I had the T748

[@FelixRisingOriginal]

Thanks for the thorough review.

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

My pleasure

[@chris3g]

Hi Hans, MiniDSP has very recently released their “audiophile” grade SHD unit with network streaming and Dirac capability and 4 outputs for active bass Managment. It is under your review price limit and should be ideal for integrating Dirac into a 2 channel setup, would you please consider to review it ?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

I will review MiniDSP products soon

[@ravindradesilva2718]

Hi Hans, Thank you for your video. Could you please make a video with the new software of Dirac Live on NAD T758 V3?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH60pXhvg76ZgZo

[@PeteThx]

The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel that video is private

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

Sorry. There is something wrong there. I try to make a new one when I can find the time..

[@priyangh]

Hi Hans, Does BlueOS Module does full rendering of MQA ? Thanks

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

That's what I said in the video

[@pabloosvaldopenizzotto1098]

The room correction of this receiver is really advanced !! The theory and technical stuff is very good, but please tell us how do you feel it. Does it really work fine?

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

???? I described my listening experiences in the video, separate for stereo and surround

[@pabloosvaldopenizzotto1098]

Sorry Hans, I got a little anxious while Viewing the video

[@jdmsz9378]

Does this unit have a graphic equalizer

[@TheHansBeekhuyzenChannel]

It does have an equaliser function but if you set the Dirac system right, you shouldn't need one.

[@joshm5514]

You could look at the MiniDSP DDRC-24 for a stereo setup. May or may not work for you depending on your setup. Here is the link: www.minidsp.com/products/dirac-series/ddrc-24

[@cybershaped]

Hans, I've sent you a private email using your website form. Please, tell me if you already received it. Thanks!