NAD T 973 User manual

• 7 x 140W Simultaneous Minimum Continuous Power
• 7 x 140W Simultaneous Minimum Continuous Power
into 4 / 8 ohms
• 2 x 200W Continuous Power into 4 / 8 ohms
• 230W, 390W and 450W IHF Power into 8, 4 and 2
ohms, respectively
• Mono-block, Modular construction
• Differential, Class A input circuit topology
• PowerDrive™
• High Current Holmgren™ Toroidal Power Transformer
• Input gain control for each individual channel
• Gold Plated RCA Inputs
• NAD Soft Clipping™
• 12V Trigger for automated ON/OFF operation
The T 973 employs monoblock construction for each of its
The T 973 employs monoblock construction for each of its
seven channels. Every element of each channel’s circuitry,
save the power supply is fully independent, eliminating
inter-channel in uences as a concern. The T 973 employs
active ground isolation to further eliminate any possibility
of inter-channel interference even when more than one
preampli er is driving the power amp (as might be the case
in a custom installation).
Each section features an FET Class A input and driver stage
circuits, and a high-current output-stage design, employing
high speed, high current discrete output devices to
promulgate superb dynamic quality. The result is musical
detail, impact, and soundstage stability and depth
unmatched by multi-channel amps of even two and three
times the T 973’s price. NAD’s proprietary Soft Clipping
(defeatable) maintains sonic quality and offers speaker
protection even under severe overdrive conditions.
Individual gain adjustment for each channel promotes
easy, accurate system con guration, as does the T 973’s
integral 12V trigger turn-on response. This multi-channel
ampli er delivers its output via heavy-duty “ ve-way”
connectors.
Ruggedness and in-system reliability are critical to
successful custom-installed systems. This ampli er
utilizes a combination of fuse and electronic nonintrusive
protection: dependable, fail-safe, and sonically benign.
Each channel is fully protected against excess temperature,
DC fault, and loudspeaker short-circuit.
PowerDrive™
The T 973 also bene ts from NAD’s proprietary
PowerDrive circuit topology, now well established and
used throughout the NAD product range notably, in
the highly reviewed models such as the C 320BEE and
C 370. The PowerDrive topology allows the T 973 to
T 973 7-Channel Power Ampli er
NAD has a well-deserved reputation for
producing ampli ers with extraordinary
performance and always at an affordable price.
The T 973 keeps this tradition alive and well by
applying 30 years of experience to the challenge
of producing a high power, high performance,
seven channel power amp able to provide the
muscle required for even the most sophisticated
Home Theatres.
Design
As might be expected in an ampli er capable
of one kilowatt (1,000 watts) of continuous
power output, the power supply needs to be
very carefully designed. As usual, NAD favours
the toroidal transformer type for its superior
regulation and low stray magnetic  eld. Our
exclusive “Holmgren” transformer uses a special
core design and materials to enhance ef ciency
and make the transformer less sensitive to DC
offsets on the AC mains voltage. Over 80,000 uF
of storage capacitance ensure an ample reserve
of power for even the most demanding music
and  lm soundtracks.

deliver maximum performance under virtually any circumstance,
independent of the loudspeakers it is driving. The circuitry
automatically senses the impedance characteristics of the
loudspeaker and will then adjust its power supply settings to best
cope with that speci c load. PowerDrive topology is a practical
approach to enable an ampli er to easily deal with musical dynamics
and dif cult speaker loads. Thus we have the highly desirable
characteristics of high dynamic power and low impedance drive
capability in one affordable package.
NAD also takes a stand against the meaningless “brochure power”
touted by many of our competitors by offering Full Disclosure
power specs. We specify minimum continuous power, across the
entire audible range of frequencies, at rated distortion, for both 8
and 4 ohms with all channels driven simultaneously. Perhaps even
more importantly, we also specify Dynamic Power at 8, 4, and even
2 ohms, which better describes the way the ampli er will perform in
the real world, with musical signals and reactive loudspeaker loads.
But even the most carefully reported specs cannot fully describe the
sonic performance of an ampli er.
Only your own ears can  nally judge our achievement. We urge you
to listen and compare NAD to other products in its price range, and
even higher. We don’t think you’ll  nd anything that comes close
to offering the T 973’s overall musical satisfaction, well-rounded
performance, and stellar value for money.
Continuous Power, 20Hz-20kHz, all channels
driven simultaneously at 4/8Ω
Rated Distortion (THD 20Hz-20kHz)
Clipping Power (0.1% THD)
IHF dynamic headroom at 8Ω
IHF dynamic power at 8Ω
IHF dynamic power at 4Ω
IHF dynamic power at 2Ω
Damping Factor
Input Impedance
Input Sensitivity
7 x 140W (21.5dBW)
0.03%
170W (22.1dBW)
+1.4dB
230W (24dBW)
390W (26dBW)
450W (26.5dBW)
ref. 8Ω, 50Hz >300
50K
1.1V
Voltage Gain
Frequency Response
Signal/Noise Ratio
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Net Weight
Shipping Weight
29.0dB
20Hz - 20kHz +0, -0.2dB
2Hz - 100kHz -3dB
ref. 1W 95 dB
ref. rated power 125dB
17 1/8 x 7 x 17 7/8”
(435 x 180 x 453mm)
68 lbs (31kg)
72 lbs (33kg)
NAD Electronics International reserves the right to change speci cations or features without notice. NAD is a registered trademark of NAD Electronics
International. All r
permission of NAD Electronics International. © 10/03 NAD Electronics International.
www.NADelectronics.com