PRODUCT REVIEW

NAD PP-1 Phono Preamplifier

Reviewed by Gary Galo

NAD PP-1 Phono Preamplifier. NAD Electronics International, 633 Granite Court, Pickering, Ontario, Canada L1W 3K1, 905-831-0799 (worldwide), 800-263-4641 (North America), nad@NA Delectronics.com, www. nadelectronics.com. Phono preamplifiers are becoming less and less common in consumer audio equipment. Many preamps, integrated amps, and receivers are now made without a phono section, since most buyers wont use them, and manufacturers wish to keep costs down. In home-theater equipment, phono preamps are practically nonexistent. NAD has continued this trend in some of their recent audio products, including the excellent NAD 118 Digital Preamplifier, which I reviewed in AE 6/97. The NAD PP-1 Phono Preamplifier (Photo 1) has been designed as a cost-effective addon for products without phono circuitry, such as the 118. I doubt that any audiophile who is heavily pro-LP would buy the 118 preamp, since all audio entering the 118 is converted to digital (heresy!). All control functions are accomplished in the digital domain. At $129 retail, the PP-1 makes no pretense at being a world-beater high-end phono preamp. NAD has clearly tailored this preamp to digital-oriented audiophiles who still own a collection of LPs that they wish to be able to play, but who arent too fussy about analog sound. The preamp gain is optimized for high-output magnetMANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS
Input impedance: 47k//220pF Input sensitivity: 2.5mV for 200mV output Signal-to-noise ratio (A-weighted, with cartridge connected): 78dB Signal-to-noise ratio (unweighted, with cartridge connected): 72dB Input overload (20Hz/1kHz/20kHz): 55/63/580mV Rated distortion (THD, 20Hz20kHz): 0.04% RIAA accuracy: 0.5dB Dimensions: 70mm
ic cartridgesthe PP-1 will not accommodate low-output moving coils. If you are still convinced that LPs are inherently better than CDs, the PP-1 wont be a good choice. Like a lot of electronics these days, PHOTO 1: The NAD PP-1 phono preamp. The output interconnect the PP-1 is made in cable is hard-wired to the unit. China. The PP-1 is utterly simple in function. tions consist of molded, gold-plated RCA There are no controlsnot even a power plugs on a short, hard-wired cable. switch. The PP-1 is intended either to be left on all the time or plugged into a Circuit Details switched outlet on existing equipment. A schematic for the PP-1 is included An outboard wall-wart transformer with ever y unit (Fig. 1). I re-drew it with a built-in rectifier supplies raw DC using the CircuitMaker1 Student Version, to the PP-1 with a standard DC power since the supplied copy was not clean connector. The chassis-mount input RCA enough for publication. The design is exconnectors are what I call P.T. Barnum tremely simple. typethe shield is gold-plated, but the An NE5532 dual op amp is the active center contact (invisible to the con- device, half used for each channel (my sumer) is tin-plated. The output connec- sample was supplied with a K A5532,
C3 100n +8.3V C15 100n U1A 100nF NE5532 C27 + R5 56k
C5 + J1A LEFT IN C1 220p C21 100n 10uF/25V
C17 + 10uF/10v R13 82R R15 22k

R17 1k P1 LEFT OUT

R3 C7 330k 220pF

C28 100nF

C19 1n5

__ ///

CHASSIS

C9 220uF/10V +

-8.3V R7 130k

R9 11k

C11 24n

C13 6n8

R11 180R

U2 LM317

IN OUT COM

R19 62R

R20 100R +8.3v D1 17V C25 100n + C23 100uF/25V + R22 6K8

J3 POWER IN +20.4 VDC

R24 2K2 D3 GREEN LED

R21 100R

D2 17V

C26 100n

C24 100uf/25V

R23 6K8

FIGURE 1: Schematic of the PP-1. The power supply is essentially unregulated, since the LM317 is configured as a current limiter.

Audio Electronics 3/00 1

supply regulation using Total harmonic distortion measurea pair of fixed, three-ter- ments were also well under the manufacminal 7808 and 7908 turers spec of 0.04%, 20Hz20kHz. I regulators? If it raised measured 0.011% at 1kHz, 0.012% at the cost a couple of dol- 20Hz, and 0.012% at 20kHz in the left lars, it would still have channel; the right channel was identical been well worth the ex- except at 20kHz, which measured pense. 0.013%. Noise was 80dB relative to an Im not sure why zener output of 2V; NA D specifies the undiodes D1 and D2 were weighted signal-to-noise ratio as 72dB, but i ncluded. Nor mally, they do not give the reference output for these diodes would this measurement. In operation, the unit clamp the rails at 17V, was subjectively silent. should the regulator I think it would be rather silly to give a fail. But, since the regu- detailed sonic description of the PP-1, PHOTO 2: Inside view of the PP-1. A 5532 dual op amp is the lator isnt really a regu- relative to some absolute sonic benchonly active device in the RIAA phono preamp. The + and lator, and each r ail mark. For $129 you cant expect highsupply rails are derived from a single LM317 regulator. cant possibly go higher end performance, and you dont get it. which is probably a Far-East equivalent). than half the r aw DC voltage (or The PP-1 offers sound quality comparaR7, R9, C11, and C13 form the RIA A 10.75V), the zeners are totally unnec- ble to the phono sections of typical Far feedback network, with R17 and C19 essar y (the 5532 op amp has an ab- East receivers and integrated amps. The taming the ultrasonic peak that would solute maximum rating of 22V). Elimi- PP-1 doesnt do anything nasty to the otherwise occur. C9/R11 set the low fre- nating them would have freed up a few music, and the casual LP collector will quency 3dB point at 4Hz. The 1kHz cents, which NA D could have put to- find it quite listenable. ward real supply regulators. Six years ago Victor Campos, then Digain is set at 38dB. rector of Product Development and EnOne percent metal-film resistors are gineering at NAD, lent me a prototype used throughout, including the RIAA net- Performance work, but the capacitors are film types, I ran a PSpice simulation of the PP-1s of a phono preamp NAD hoped to sell with no tolerance indication. The elec- RIA A circuit (Fig. 2).2 The circuit is ca- for between $200 and $250, but the trolytic input and output coupling capaci- pable of RIA A accuracy of better than product never materialized. This pretors are bypassed with film types. The car- 0.25dB across the audible spectrum. amp used a pair of A nalog Devices tridge loading caps are ceramic disc Figure 3 shows the measured response AD743 op amps for the RIA A preamp (Photo 2). of the review sample. The right channel and a power supply based on Linear The wall-wart power transformer is is quite close to the simulation, but the Technology LT317 and LT337 three-terrated at 15V DC/300mV. Under the load left shows an error of +0.5dB at 20Hz. minal adjustable regulators. A movingprovided by the PP-1, the unit outputs This is probably due to R7, the 130k re- coil input was also included, with the additional preampli fication accom21.5V DC. To keep the cost as low as pos- sistor, being slightly out of tolerance. sible, NAD has derived positive and negaMy simulations show that an R7 value plished with a built-in head amp based tive supplies from a single LM317 (KA317 of 135k will produce this error. Nonethe- on Analog Devices AD797. This preamp was several orders of in my sample) three-terminal adjustable less, the left channel is still well within regulator. A phantom supply ground, con- the manufacturers 0.5dB spec. This is magnitude better than the PP-1, and I nected to the chassis, is formed at the quite respectable RIA A performance for firmly believe that most music lovers would have been willing to pay the extra junction of R22 and R23, which is also such an inexpensive preamp. the junction of the power-supply capacitors. The input raw DC ground becomes the negative regulated supply rail. Note that the output of the LM317 is taken from the adjust pin. In this configuration the LM317 really functions as a current limiter rather than a regulator (see the National Sem iconductor LM117/317 data sheet for si m ilar topologies). I checked the supply rails with a scope and found that both had 6 to 7mV of peak-to-peak ripple. I also plugged the wall-wart into my Variac and found that there is no supply regulation using this schemethe DC rail voltages vary with line voltage. At a line voltage of 117V, the rails measure 9V DC. This is one of the sleaziest power supplies Ive seen in a very long FIGURE 2: PSpice simulation of the PP-1s RIAA response. The simulation shows that time. Even considering the cost of the the circuit is capable of accuracy within 0.25dB, 20Hz20kHz. PP-1, could not NAD have provided real

2 Audio Electronics 3/00

NAD PP-1 MEASURED RIAA RESPONSE

-0.5 LEFT -0.75 RIGHT

-500 1k 5k 10k 20k

FREQUENCY IN Hz

FIGURE 3: Measured RIAA response of the PP-1. The review sample easily meets the manufacturers RIAA spec of 0.5dB, 20Hz20kHz. price. NADs decision not to manufacture this preamp was most unfortunate. its own, with typical NAD warmth and dimensionality to the sound and excellent rejection of induced noise and RF interferencea common problem with inexpensive add-on phono preamps. There are several factual inaccuracies in Mr. Galos review. First of all, the schematic is not included with every PP-1, as this is NAD copyright information that we consider confidential intellectual property. Secondly, the OPAMP KA5532 and regulator KA317 are not Far-East equivalents of something better; rather, they are specifically chosen for their excellent performance. Both semiconductors are manufactured by Samsung. As noted in the review, the resistors are all 1% metal film types, and the capacitors are 5% film types, again specifically chosen for sound quality and accurate RIAA performance. It should also be noted that NAD uses the IHFspecified cartridge load, not a 1k resistor, when designing and measuring phono circuits. This complex load gives results that are much closer to what listeners can expect in the real world outside the lab. We take strong exception to what is referred to as sleazy design of the power supply. This design is entirely appropriate to the overall concept of the product, and gives very good results. Mr. Galo has not analyzed the power supply schematic correctly. We are using current regulation for the power supply of the PP-1, not voltage regulation. We do not take the output from the adjust pin of the low-noise regulator; rather, this is the feedback input that regulates the current output. This circuit was chosen to accommodate different types and voltages of outboard power supplies (wall warts?) required by the many different countries in which the PP-1 is sold. This
circuit also has better ripple rejection and lower noise than a voltage regulator would have in this application. The zener diodes may seem redundant, but since many different outboard supplies are possible, they are a very important failsafe feature. By employing an outboard unregulated power supply and using internal current regulation, we were able to keep the chassis size small and, yes, the cost low. It is true that the PP-1 cannot be compared to the NAD prototype that Mr. Galo sampled several years ago. That phono section (in a much evolved form) is in production today as the S100/RIAA and retails for $299. It is available only as a plug-in module for the NAD S100 line stage preamp ($1,199), which supplies high regulated DC from its own rather complex power supply. The S100/RIAA accommodates both MC and MM cartridges and also includes provision for adjusting cartridge loading. It is too bad that Mr. Galo did not actually compare the PP-1 with the built-in phono sections of todays typical Far East receivers. Far from being an afterthought or a bullet point on a spec sheet, the PP-1 is a very musically satisfying product that requires no apology for its technical specification. s Greg Stidsen, Director of Sales and Marketing NAD Electronics of America

Summary

The NAD PP-1 is an unpretentious product that allows those firmly committed to digital audio to continue playing their LPs. As such, it is an ideal companion to the NAD 118 Digital Preamplifier, and will mate well with virtually any linestage preamp with a spare input. My main criticism of the PP-1, considering the price, is the poor power supply even at this price NAD should have used an acceptable regulator. Those who still own large collections of excellent-sounding LPs (myself included) will prefer something considerably better. But, if you are a casual LP listener, the PP-1 will fit the bill. For what it costs, and where its likely to be used, the PP-1 is a safe recommendation. Maufacuturers response: Thank you for the opportunity to comment on Gary Galos review of the NAD PP-1. While Mr. Galos measurements confirm the excellent performance of this modestly priced device, I am puzzled by the negative tone of the review. Our concept for the PP-1 was to offer very good phono performance (low noise, low distortion, and accurate RIAA tracking) to partner with our own low-cost integrated amps and receivers that are no longer supplied with a phono input, or as an upgrade to the many mass market receivers, whose built-in phono stages cannot match the musical performance of the PP-1. When compared to other similar products, we believe the PP-1 more than holds

DEVIATION IN dB

References
1. CircuitMaker is a superb schematic drawing program, with integrated SPICE, for the Windows 95/98 platform. A fully functional student version is available for free from the manufacturers web site, http://www.microcode.com/. The student version is limited to 50 parts per drawing, but is otherwise impressively loaded with features. A full-featured version and the companion PC board program cost $299 each ($549 if you buy them together). If you are looking for a Windows-based schematic program, a visit to this web site is a must. I have ordered the full package. 2. For the PSpice simulations, I used a modified version of a program written by Walt Jung for Linear Technology back in 1989. This program was supplied by LT on a floppy disk to demonstrate the performance of a number of their op amps. Walts RIAA program simulates the accuracy of a phono preamp he designed that is still featured on the front page of the LT1115 data sheet. I modified the code to operate under the text-based PSpice program supplied with MicroSyms DesignLab V.8 Evaluation Release, and replaced the LT1028-based circuit with NADs. Design Lab V. 8 is available for free from the OrCAD web site, http://www.orcad.com/ products/pspice/eval_f.htm.

Stereo Preamplifier
GB Owners Manual F D E I P S Manuel dInstallation Bedienungsanleitung Manual del Usuario Manuale delle Istruzioni Manual do Proprietrio Bruksanvisning
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION ATTENTION:

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. The lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products 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 product. Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand or tripod, bracket or table. The unit may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult and serious damage to the unit. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the unit. Any mounting of the device on a wall or ceiling should follow the manufacturers instructions and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer. An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn. Read and follow all the safety and operating instructions before connecting or using this unit. Retain this notice and the owners manual for future reference. All warnings on the unit and in its operating instructions should be adhered to. Do not use this unit near water; for example, near a bath tub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool. The unit should be installed so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, it should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the flow of air through its ventilation openings. The unit should be situated from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other devices (including amplifiers) that produce heat. The unit should be connected to a power supply outlet only of the voltage and frequency marked on its rear panel. The power supply cord should be routed so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched, especially near the plug, convenience receptacles, or where the cord exits from the unit. Unplug the unit from the wall outlet before cleaning. Never use benzine, thinner or other solvents for cleaning. Use only a soft damp cloth. The power supply cord of the unit should be unplugged from the wall outlet when it is to be unused for a long period of time. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall, and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through any openings. This unit should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: A. The power cord or the plug has been damaged; or B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the unit; or C. The unit has been exposed to rain or liquids of any kind; or D. The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or E. The device has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.
POUR VITER LES CHOC ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQUAU FOND. TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT FULLY INSERT.
If an indoor antenna is used (either built into the set or installed separately), never allow any part of the antenna to touch the metal parts of other electrical appliances such as a lamp, TV set etc.

ATTENTION

CAUTION

CAUTION POWER LINES

Any outdoor antenna must be located away from all power lines.
OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING
If an outside antenna is connected to your tuner or tunerpreamplifier, be sure the antenna system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, provides information with respect to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes and requirements for the grounding electrode. a. Use No. 10 AWG (5.3mm2) copper, No. 8 AWG (8.4mm2) aluminium, No. 17 AWG (1.0mm2) copper-clad steel or bronze wire, or larger, as a ground wire. b. Secure antenna lead-in and ground wires to house with stand-off insulators spaced from 4-6 feet (1.22 - 1.83 m) apart. c. Mount antenna discharge unit as close as possible to where leadin enters house. d. Use jumper wire not smaller than No.6 AWG (13.3mm2) copper, or the equivalent, when a separate antenna-grounding electrode is used. see NEC Section 810-21 (j). EXAMPLE OF ANTENNA GROUNDING AS PER NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN ARTICLE 810 - RADIO AND TELEVISION EQUIPMENT.

NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER: This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installers attention to Article 820-40 of the National Electrical Code that provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the ground cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
DO NOT ATTEMPT SERVICING OF THIS UNIT YOURSELF. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
Upon completion of any servicing or repairs, request the service shops assurance that only Factory Authorized Replacement Parts with the same characteristics as the original parts have been used, and that the routine safety checks have been performed to guarantee that the equipment is in safe operating condition. REPLACEMENT WITH UNAUTHORIZED PARTS MAY RESULT IN FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR OTHER HAZARDS.

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

REMOTE CONTROL

NAD S100 Stereo Preamplifier

QUICK START

1. Connect the RCA or XLR outputs to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers. 2. Plug in the AC Mains cable. 3. Press the POWER button to turn the S100 on. 4. Press the required input selector.

2. PHONO/AUX2 INPUT

The NAD S100 preamplifier may be fitted with a dedicated Phono Module to allow for direct connection of phono Moving Magnet (MM) or Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. Depending on your version of the NAD S100 preamplifier, it may already be fitted with the dedicated S100 Phono Module. The S100 Phono Module can be retro-fitted by your dealer who can also set the parameters (such as MM or MC, MC cartridge impedance) of the Phono Module to suit your specific turntable and cartridge combination. Without the S100 Phono Module: Without the module installed, the PHONO/AUX2 input provides an additional line-level input such as an additional CD player, MD player, etc. Use a twin RCA-to-RCA lead to connect the auxiliary units left and right Audio Outputs to these inputs. NOTE: Without the Phono Module only a very faint sound will be heard if a turntable fitted with an MM or MC cartridge is connected. Consult your dealer to have the optional Phono Module fitted. With the S100 Phono Module: Ensure that your dealer has chosen the correct settings inside the Phono Module (MM or MC, cartridge impedance) to suit your specific turntable and cartridge combination. Connect the twin RCA lead from your turntable, observing that the left and right channels are connected correctly.

NOTES ON INSTALLATION

Your S100 should be placed on a firm, level surface. Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near sources of heat and damp. Allow adequate ventilation. Do not place the unit on a soft surface like a carpet. Do not place it in an enclosed position such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the airflow through the ventilation slots. Switch the unit and all ancillary equipment off before making any connections. The RCA connectors on your S100 are colour coded for convenience. Red and white are Right and Left audio respectively, and yellow for NAD-Link. The S100 comes with RCA leads for basic connections. Where additional leads are required, use high quality leads and connectors for optimum performance and reliability. Ensure that leads and connectors are not damaged in any way and all connectors are firmly pushed home. If the unit is not going to be used for some time, disconnect the plug from the AC socket. Should water get into your S100, shut off the power to the unit and remove the plug from the AC socket. Have the unit inspected by a qualified service technician before attempting to use it again. Do not remove the cover, there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Use a dry soft cloth to clean the unit. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with soapy water. Do not use solutions containing benzol or other volatile agents.

3. PHONO GROUND CONNECTOR
Apart from the twin RCA lead, most turntables also include a single wire earth lead. Connect this to the S100 chassis PHONO GROUND connector.
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS 1. IEC AC MAINS (POWER) INPUT
The S100 comes supplied with a separate AC Mains cable. Before connecting the cable to a live wall socket ensure that it is firmly connected to the NAD S100s AC Mains input socket first. Always disconnect the AC Mains cable plug from the live wall socket first, before disconnecting the cable from the S100 Mains input socket. Voltage conversion: A notice printed on the rear indicates the AC power-line voltage that the preamplifier requires. However, every model S100 amplifier has a universal power supply that can be modified easily for operation in other countries. If you wish to transport your S100 to a nation that employs a different power-line voltage, an authorised NAD dealer or service agency can convert it for such use.

4. CD INPUT

Input for a CD or other line-level signal source. Use a twin RCA-to-RCA lead to connect the CD player left and right Audio Outputs to these inputs. The S100 only accepts analogue signals from your CD player.

5. VIDEO INPUT

Input for the audio signal from a stereo VCR (or stereo TV/Satellite/Cable receiver) or other line-level audio source. Using twin RCA-to-RCA leads, connect to the left and right Audio Outputs of the unit to these inputs. NOTE: These are audio inputs only.

6. AUX 1 INPUT

Input for additional line level input signals such as another CD player. Use a twin RCA-to-RCA lead to connect the auxiliary units left and right Audio Outputs to these inputs.

7. TUNER INPUT

Input for a Tuner or other line-level signal source. Use a twin RCA-toRCA lead to connect the Tuner left and right Audio Outputs to these inputs.

8. TAPE 2 IN, OUT

Connections for analogue recording and playback to a secondary audio tape recorder of any type. Using twin RCA-to-RCA leads, connect to the left and right Audio Outputs of the tape machine to the TAPE 2 IN connectors for playback. Connect the left and right Audio Inputs of the tape machine to the TAPE 2 OUT connectors for recording.

CAUTION: When in Standby mode, power is still supplied to your S100. You should switch it Off using the front panel POWER button when it is not being used for long periods of time.

2. REMOTE SENSOR

Sensor for receiving the infrared signals from your remote control handset. The LED above the sensor flashes to confirm infrared reception.

9. TAPE 1 IN, OUT

Connections for analogue recording and playback to an audio tape recorder of any type. Using twin RCA-to-RCA leads, connect to the left and right Audio Outputs of the tape machine to the TAPE 1 IN connectors for playback and tape monitoring. Connect the left and right Audio Inputs of the tape machine to the TAPE 1 OUT connectors for recording.

3. INPUT SELECTORS

These buttons select the active input to the S100 and the signal sent to the TAPE outputs, the PRE 1 & PRE 2 OUT and XLR output sockets. LEDs over each button will indicate which input is currently selected. PHONO/AUX 2 Selects the source connected to the PHONO/AUX 2 input. With the optional S100 Phono Module installed, a turntable Phono with either an MM or MC cartridge can be connected. Without the optional Phono Module installed you can use this input for any line-level source. CD Selects the CD (or other line-level source) connected to the CD sockets as the active input. VIDEO Selects the VCR (or stereo TV/Satellite/Cable receiver) connected to the VCR sockets as the active input. AUX 1 Selects a line-level source connected to the AUX sockets as the active input. TUNER Selects the tuner (or other line-level source) connected to the Tuner sockets as the active input. TAPE 2 Selects Tape 2 as the active input. TAPE 1 MONITOR Selects the output from a tape recorder when playing back tapes or monitoring recordings being made through the TAPE 1 sockets. Press the TAPE 1 MONITOR button once to select it and again to return to the normal input selection. TAPE 1 MONITOR is a tape monitor function which does not override the current input selection. For example, if CD is the active input when TAPE 1 MONITOR is selected, then the CD signal will continue to be selected and sent to both the TAPE 1, and TAPE 2 OUTPUT sockets, but it is the sound from the recorder connected to TAPE 1 that will be heard on the loudspeakers. To show which input is active in when in tape monitor mode, its indicator light will stay lit.
10. PRE 1, PRE 2 OUT (UNBALANCED)
Connections for an external power amplifier, processor or active speakers. Use twin RCA-to-RCA leads to connect to the left and right Audio Inputs of the power amplifier, processor or active speakers to the PRE 1 or PRE 2 OUT connectors. The PRE 1 and PRE 2 OUT sockets carry the same signal and may be used simultaneously for e.g. bi-amping. The PREOUT output signal is controlled by the S100s volume and balance control settings. These sockets provide connections to amplifiers, active speakers and processors requiring an unbalanced RCA connections.

11. BALANCED OUTPUT

Connections to an external power amplifier or processor that uses balanced XLR connectors. These are fully balanced XLR outputs, suitable to drive most balanced hi-fi and professional amplifiers. The wiring standard used for these connectors is: Pin 1 Chassis Earth (Ground) Pin 2 Hot (Live ) Pin 3 Signal Ground (Return)

12. NAD-LINK IN, OUT

The NAD-Link connector is used to pass commands from the remote control to and from other units fitted with NAD-Link connectors. This allows centralised control of a complete system or gives system control from more than one room. To function with other units, connect the S100s NAD-Link OUT to the NAD-Link IN on the other unit. NAD-Link connectors can be daisy-chained, IN to OUT, so that a whole system can be controlled from the remote control facilities of one unit. A single NAD-Link connection from a hi-fi system in a second room will allow remote control of Multi Room systems.

TO MAKE A RECORDING

When any source is selected, its signal is also fed directly to any tape machine connected to the TAPE 1 or TAPE 2 OUTPUTS for recording.

TAPE TO TAPE COPYING

You can copy between two tape machines connected to your S100. Put the source tape in the recorder connected to TAPE 2 and the blank tape into the recorder connected to TAPE 1. By selecting TAPE 2 Input you can now record from TAPE 2 to TAPE 1 and monitor the signal coming from the source tape. Also you can use TAPE 1 as the source and copy to TAPE 2 but TAPE 1 MONITOR Input has to be selected for the duration of the recording. CAUTION: WHEN TAPE 2 IS SELECTED, ONLY ONE TAPE MACHINE SHOULD BE SET IN RECORD MODE. IF BOTH ARE SET IN RECORD MODE, WITH TAPE 2 SELECTED, A FEEDBACK LOOP RESULTS WHICH MAY CAUSE A LOUD WHISTLE OR HOWL , POTENTIALLY DAMAGING YOUR AMPLIFIER OR LOUDSPEAKERS.
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS 1. POWER
Pressing the POWER button turns the unit On and after a few seconds, the Power indicator LED will extinguish. Pressing the POWER button again will turn the preamplifier Off. When the S100 is switched On, pressing the Standby button on the remote handset will put the S100 into Standby mode and the Power indicator will light up blue. The blue Standby indicator shows that power is being supplied to the S100, but the system is currently in the Standby mode.

4. VOLUME

The VOLUME control adjusts the overall loudness of the signals being fed to the loudspeakers. It is motor driven and can be adjusted from the remote control handset. The VOLUME control does not affect recordings made using the Tape outputs.
Other than the commands relating to the NAD S100 preamplifier itself, there are other buttons which will operate most NAD CD players, Tuners and Cassette decks equipped with NAD Link.

TUNER CONTROL

(for use with NAD Tuner) BANK Selects a bank of preset stations. PRESET or Selects respectively lower or higher number station preset.
The Remote Control handset handles all the key functions of the S100 and has additional controls to remotely operate NAD Tuners, Cassette and CD players. Alkaline batteries are recommended for maximum operating life. Two AAA (LR03) batteries should be fitted in the battery compartment at the rear of the Remote Control. When replacing batteries, check that they have been put in the right way round as indicated on the base of the battery compartment. Please refer to previous sections of the manual for a full description of individual functions. NOTE: The remote control handset supplied is the NAD universal remote and can be used on any remote controllable NAD system. Not every function on it may be available on your particular unit. STANDBY Switches the S100 between On and Standby modes. (Caution: Switch the S100 off using the front panel POWER button when it is not being used for long periods of time.) MUTE Press the MUTE button to temporarily switch off the sound to the speakers. Press MUTE button again to restore sound. VIDEO 1 Selects VIDEO as the active input. VIDEO 2 and 3 are not active with S100. DISC Selects PHONO/AUX 2 as the active input. CD Selects CD as the active input. TUNER FM Selects the TUNER as the active input of the S100 and the FM waveband on a separate NAD Tuner if available. TUNER AM Also selects the TUNER as the active input of the S100 and the AM waveband on a separate NAD Tuner if available. AUX Selects AUX 1 as the active input. TAPE 1 Selects TAPE 1 MONITOR as the active input. TAPE 2 Selects TAPE 2 as the active input. MASTER VOLUME or respectively increases or decreases the Volume setting. The motorised Volume Control on the front panel will indicate the level set.

CD PLAYER CONTROL

(for use with NAD CD Player) engages Pause. engages Stop. engages Play or toggles between Play and Pause. or engages Track skip; Press once to respectively return to start of current or previous track or go to the next track. NEXT DISC Go to next disc (for NAD CD changers).

CASSETTE DECK CONTROL

(For use with single (DECK B) or double transport (A and B) NAD Cassette Decks) or engages Reverse Play or Forward Play. Record / Pause. Press to put cassette deck into record-pause. Press Play to start recording. stops Play or Recording. engages Rewind. engages Fast Forward. NOTE: Direct sunlight or very bright ambient lighting may affect the operating range and angle for the remote control handset.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem NO SOUND Cause Power Mains cable unplugged or power not switched on TAPE 1 MONITOR selected Mute on Connector to power amp not fitted correctly Internal fuse blown Power amp or active speaker not switched on Connector to power amp not fitted correctly Input lead disconnected or damaged No signal Hum on Phono input Weak or Distorted signal WEAK BASS / POOR STEREO IMAGE REMOTE CONTROL NOT WORKING Speakers connected to the power amplifier wired out of phase Batteries flat, or incorrectly inserted IR transmitter or receiver windows obstructed Solution Check if AC Mains cable is plugged in and power switched on De-select monitor mode Switch off Mute Check connections Consult dealer Switch power On Check connections Check leads and connections No phono amplification module installed Check MM, MC switch set correctly Check phono earth lead is connected Check the turntable is connected to the correct MM or MC phono input Check connections to all speakers in the system Check or replace batteries Remove obstruction
NO SOUND IN ONE CHANNEL PROBLEM ON PHONO INPUT ONLY
Preamplificateur NAD S100

DEMARRAGE RAPIDE

1. Relier les sorties RCA ou XLR un amplificateur de puissance ou des haut-parleurs actifs. 2. Brancher le cordon dalimentation CA. 3. Appuyer sur le bouton-poussoir Marche/Arrt [POWER] pour mettre le S100 sous tension. 4. Appuyer sur le slecteur dentre requis. Transformation de tension: A larrire de lappareil se trouve une notice imprime qui indique le type de tension secteur CA ncessaire au pramplificateur. Toutefois, chaque amplificateur du modle S100 dispose dun bloc dalimentation universel qui se laisse facilement modifier pour que lappareil puisse fonctionner dans dautres pays. Si vous dsirez transporter votre S100 dans un pays o la tension secteur est diffrente, un concessionnaire NAD ou une agence de service aprsventes homologue peut effectuer la conversion pour vous.

INGET LJUD I ENA KANALEN

PROBLEM MED PHONOINGNGEN
Svag eller frvrngd signal SVAG BAS/DIFFUS STEREOBILD FJRRKONTROLLEN FUNGERAR EJ Hgtalarna anslutna ur fas Batterierna slut, eller felaktigt isatta IR sndaren eller mottagaren skymda IR mottagaren utsatt fr direkt solljus eller stark

WWW.NAD.CO.UK

1998 NAD ELECTRONICS LTD LONDON ENGLAND All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the written permission of NAD Electronics Limited
S100 Manual 08/98 Printed in Denmark