NAD has unveiled four new AV components, three of which use a new modular construction system.The three new models using the modular design are the T 785 and T 775 AV receivers and the T175 Preamp-Tuner-Processor, while the T 765 will deliver many of the same benefits using a conventional build.

The modular design approach, which appears to resemble technology introduced by Onkyo a few years back, places important circuitry on five fully independent, modular circuit cards, including separate cards for digital audio and HDMI, component video, analogue video, and 2-channel, and multichannel analogue audio.

The obvious advantages of this scheme include serviceability and expandability, and easy and cost-effective introduction of new technologies. For example, if - when - the Dolby True HD and/or DTS Master lossless multichannel formats become fully useful standards of high-definition discs or other recordings, NAD will make upgraded processing available. With modular construction - and HDMI v1.3 sockets - in place, this can be made practicable and affordable.What the T785, T775, and T175 do provide, though, is HDMI “cross-conversion,” delivering all analogue-video inputs (composite, S-, or component video) to HDMI with full quality, permitting a single-cable link to the video display. The T 765 provides straightforward HDMI switching (video-only).

All four models route incoming HDMI signals in their original resolution, up to and including 1080p, and of course accept digital-audio via HDMI, simplifying hook-up.

Also common to all four new components is Audyssey Auto Calibration, a simple yet sophisticated system that balances and adjusts a multi-channel speaker system using the small, calibrated microphone included with each unit. Audyssey automatically detects speakers, chooses the ideal crossovers, verifies speaker phase and adjusts levels/delays. The T 785 and T 775 receivers, and T 175 pre-pro further add Audyssey’s MultEQ XT Room Correction. MultEQ XT exploits proprietary time-domain digital signal processing to reduce the impact of room acoustics upon sonic accuracy, with the ability to yield a “family sized” sweet-spot.

The same three models also offer support to Audyssey MultEQ XT Pro— the T 785 and T 775 being the first receivers to do so. Using MultEQ XT Pro software and the added processing power of a laptop computer, the custom installer/system-designer can derive even more accurate and considerably more extensive room corrections, uploading the resulting results to the T 175, T 785 or T 775, whose Audyssey processor will implement them.

Prices for these genuinely intriguing-sounding new models are: £1800 for the T785; £1400 for the T775; £1100 for the T765; and £1450 for the T175.