S170 Surround Sound Preamp Processor
Dolby Digital, DTS & THX EX 7.1 decoding THX Ultra certified Latest generation DSP processor NADs proprietary EARS surround music mode 24 bit/96kHz compatible 24 bit resolution DACs for all channels 10 inputs: 6 video (3 are full in/out), 4 audio (1 is Tape Monitor In/Out loop) All video inputs are S-Video and Composite Full Component Video input and output 6 digital inputs: 1 BNC, 3 coaxial, 2 optical; freely assignable to any input 2 digital outputs: 1 coaxial, 1 optical Ext 5.1 input for connection of DVD-A Multi-source second zone stereo output 3 x 12V triggers for remote on/off switching for monitors, screens, power-amps, etc. IEC detachable power cable NAD Link RS 232 port for elaborate custom installs
The S170 combines Dolby Digital, Digital Pro Logic, DTS and THX EX surround decoding in a THX-Ultra multi-channel preamplifier designed to the same exceedingly high sonic standards as the original Silver S100 Preamplifierand following the same "Music First" design brief. Significantly, in these days of rapid digital format changes, the S170 features a fully upgradeable digital processor on a separate plug-in circuit board. This dictates a specially engineered, ultra-low-noise switch mode power supply, so that the S170 achieves supply voltages of unexcelled stability and purity that remain totally independent despite varying demands on all six channels, or even the requirements of future digital upgrades. The S170s audio circuits employ the latest high-performance FET operational amplifiers, and all six channels deliver exceedingly low output impedance long an NAD hallmarkthat eliminates the sonic impact of cable (and amplifier input) impedance. S170 output muting is performed via reliable, sonically transparent gold-contact relays (rather than sound-colouring electronic switching), and includes gold-surfaced connectors throughout. The result is a surround controller that stands as the sonic equal of the very best stereo highend pre-amps, while also capable of delivering the power and realism of the best multi-channel recordings. The S170s superb performance earned it LucasFilm approval under the THX Ultra program, a clear certification of noholds-barred Home Theatre performance. The S170 combines ultra-high-speed DSP processing employing the latest generation DSP with fully 24-bit, 24/96-capable D/A converters for all channels, yielding state-of-the-art surround decoding and sound quality in all modes. All digital circuits are run from a single high precision master clock to insure that no timing errors can occur between the various digital circuits that comprise this sophisticated control center. In addition to its superb Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1-channel and THX Surround EX decoding, the S170 performs extremely accurate digital-domain Pro Logic decoding. It includes NADs proprietary Enhanced Ambience Recovery System (EARS). Unlike typical ambience synthesis modes, EARS employs the S170s enormous DSP calculating power to route the ambient content that is "encrypted" in virtually all natural-acoustic recordings to the appropriate main, center and surround speakerswithout resorting to artificially generated reflections or regeneration. EARSs natural ambience yields a subtle but extraordinarily effective surround mode that naturally enhances the spatial presentation in a fashion suitable for serious music listening. While emphasising sonics and performance, the S170 is also fully equipped to serve as a very able master component, even for complex multi-channel systems. Six digital inputs, including a pro-type BNC connection, plus three RCAjack coaxial and two optical ports are freely assignable, while two digital outputs facilitate recording. Following NADs usual attention to detail, all digital inputs and outputs are buffered and transformer coupled to provide a precise impedance match to minimise "jitter" on the digital signal. Theres also a 5.1channel analogue input to accept the future addition of an outboard surround processor, such as DVD-Audio and/or an SACD component. Four analogue inputs, and no fewer than six video paths (all with S-Video) include a component-video input/output for fully integrated DVD or digital-TV use. A fully independent Zone 2 stereo output accommodates whole-house expansion, while an RS-232 serial port and three 12-volt trigger outputs (assignable for two functions) provide for sophisticated systems control. Of course, the S170 also incorporates NAD-Link for multi-component "smart-remote" operation, and is equipped with a superbly ergonomic remote controller.

Specification - NAD S170

Decoding formats Sampling rates Modes Analog input impedance Analog frequency response Maximum input level THD+N Signal/noise ratio Dynamic range Analog channel separation Crosstalk Maximum output level Output impedance Main pre-out Tape out Multi room output Tone control Bass Treble Centre Digital input performance THD+N (Bandwidth 10Hz - 20kHz) Digital input impedance Video Input and output impedance

Physical Specifications

Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS, THX Surround EX 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz EARS Stereo (analog bypass) 20Hz - 20kHz 16k / 100pF +/- 0.2dB 3V rms 0.005% >98dB -95dB >95dB >90dB 6V rms 470 (@20Hz) (@20kHz) (@ 3kHz) +/- 12dB +/- 12dB +/- 6dB 0.005%
Size (W x H x D) Net weight Shipping weight
17 3/4 x 3 7/8 x 11 1/x 97 x 285 mm 11 lbs (4.99kg) 13 lbs (5.89kg)
NOTE: NAD Electronics International reserves the right to change specifications or features without notice as design improvements are incorporated. NAD is a registered trademark of NAD Electronics International. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form whatsoever without the written permission of NAD Electronics International. Printed in Canada. NAD Electronics International 03/01.

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NAD is recognised as a leader when it comes to sensible yet unreservedly high performance audio. These Silver Series components are some of the most ambitious and sophisticated designs ever offered by NAD. The emergence of digital signal processing and multichannel stereo challenged our design team to apply NADs traditional values of performance, value and simplicity to a new generation of technology. The Silver Series of components combine our expertise in analogue audio technology with cutting edge digital engineering to produce world class performance. Designed in Scandinavia, Engineered in London and Toronto, and manufactured in the United States and Denmark with help from our Hong Kong Production Engineers, these sophisticated components represent an international effort by a dedicated group of audio enthusiasts. Each component in the Silver Series represents the benchmark against which all other NAD models are measured. Our THX Ultra certified Surround Sound processor and amp are capable of recreating an eerily real sound field when fed with todays best film soundtracks. Music gains a palpable presence in your listening room. Every nuance of the sound is reproduced with precision and passion. NADs
innovative engineering and sensible approach to product design, are combined with precision manufacturing to allow the Silver Series components to set altogether new standards for value. We hope you enjoy listening to your Silver Series components as much as we have enjoyed developing them. While each component stands proud in its category, we think the Silver Series is best enjoyed as a complete system. The full story of each individual Silver Series component is chronicled in the following pages.

performance

NADs tradition of creating products with giant killer performance has been well established over the last quarter century. And this reputation has been earned by applying creative engineering solutions and meticulous fine-tuning to every circuit in every NAD product. Designed by music lovers, for music lovers, NAD components consistently deliver exceptional performance that brings you closer to the music. It is our strong belief, that when a product doesnt deliver an emotionally involving and musically accurate performance, then it has missed the primary point of its very existence!
We define value as getting more for less. In the case of NAD, thats more performance, and less money spent. Careful design and execution, and staying focused on whats really important allows NAD to consistently offer products that overachieve in this regard. The ability to get performance that is very close to the cost-noobject crowd, at an everyday affordable price, is a key element in the NAD philosophy.

simplicity

What makes NAD so unique in the world? It isnt just an insistence on great sound quality, it is also our sensible approach to product design and manufacturing. By keeping our designs simple, and by avoiding the trendy gimmicks favoured by many of our competitors, we can offer products that perform better, cost less, and last longer. This refreshing approach can be summed up in one word: simplicity.

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D I G I T A L P R E A M P S U R R O U N D S O U N D P R O C E S S O R
The S 170 is a carefully thought out control centre that offers superlative performance and tremendous flexibility, combined with a very friendly user interface. Extensive input switching capabilities for video sources, digital sources, and analogue sources can easily control even the most complex and sophisticated Home Theatre systems. The clear front panel display gives instant feedback about operating status and is complemented by a simple but sophisticated video on-screen-display (OSD). A unique memory system stores all parameters for each individual program source, making everyday operation simple and straightforward for every member of the family. Based around a unique modular concept, the S 170 can be updated to new future formats simply and cost effectively. The complete digital processing section of this pre-pro is assembled as a plug in module, so that even if a new processing protocol requires a faster processor than is currently available, the S 170 can be easily upgraded with the new processor. We also include a 5.1 analogue input for multi-channel sources not available as a digital signal, such as DVD-Audio. Processing options include the popular Dolby Surround modes, both ProLogic and Digital 5.1, as well as DTS. We are also one of the first products on the market to include the new THX Surround EX, 7.1

channel processing. Naturally, the S 170 includes full THX Ultra certification. Depending on the source material being played, the highest level of decoding is automatically switched on. For music listening, we have included our highly acclaimed EARS (Enhanced Ambience Recovery System) mode to recreate the natural acoustic space of your 2 channel stereo recordings, or you can listen to unprocessed stereo via either the analogue or digital inputs. There are also custom scenarios that allow you to save up to five preferred surround settings for instant recall. This is useful for adjusting the balance of your home theatre set up for different types of source material quickly and repeatably without resorting to set-up menus. The digital performance of the S 170 is truly state-ofthe-art, with all digital circuits running from a single master clock for perfect synchronisation of the various circuit elements. Analogue-to-Digital, and Digital-toAnalogue conversions, are performed using professional quality AKM Semiconductor 24-bit/96kHz converters. Any of the six digital inputs can be assigned to any video or audio input for maximum flexibility of system set-up. There are also two digital outputs to allow recording while keeping the signal completely in the digital domain and avoiding multiple A/D and D/A conversions.
Video circuitry is also carefully engineered to allow the convenience of video switching and control without degrading the video resolution. Ultra wide bandwidth (HDTV compatible) video signal paths utilise broadcast quality amplification, and the OSD (On Screen Display) is switched completely out of the circuit when not in use to prevent any possible degradation of picture quality. All popular video formats are supported (Component, S-Video, Composite), and with six video inputs and three video outputs almost any set up can be accommodated. Analogue performance is also at the highest level, in keeping with the Silver Series philosophy. Input and output buffer amplifiers are FET types selected for their low noise and virtually distortion free performance. Impedance values are carefully set to avoid the potentially degrading effects of interconnect cable capacitance, and the output is muted using gold plated relays. In short, every circuit detail is examined, tested, listened to, and tested again to be sure maximum performance is realised. The S 170 is also designed to be easily integrated with other components, to form a seamless operating system. The bass management system is exceptionally flexible. An RS-232 computer interface is included to allow interface with sophisticated control

systems, and it can also be utilised to update the operating software of the S 170. A second zone stereo output is included with independent source and volume control to allow the S 170 to send music to another area of the home while simultaneously playing music or movies in the primary area. Naturally, all operating functions can be controlled via the supplied wireless handset. Born of countless thousands of hours in engineering and design effort, we believe the S 170 reaches, but does not exceed, that magic threshold where more actually becomes less. That point of diminishing returns where adding more only becomes more, it doesnt become better in any practical sense. Extraordinary sonic and visual performance, exceptional value, broad flexibility, and a simple yet comprehensive user interface combine to make the S 170 Surround Preamp Processor one of the most exciting products we have ever produced.

R E M O T E

S Y S T E M C O N T R O L
Designed to complement the Silver Series components, the optional S 70 remote control sports a solid aluminium body and a slimline ergonomic design. (Included with the S 170.) The simple, intuitive control system operates on a series of pages shown on the built-in LCD display, which change to reflect the chosen function. For example, once the CD input has been selected, the display will change to offer relevant commands such as Play, Pause, Skip / Scan, etc. The perfect addition to any Silver Series system, the S 70 will also operate other NAD equipment, either directly or via NAD Link.
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M U L T I - C H A N N E L P O W E R A M P L I F I E R
The S 250 has been designed to perfectly complement the S 170 in both performance and appearance. Like the S 170, the S 250 is THX Ultra approved. Because of the very high levels of detail and transparency of sound afforded by the S 170, this meant that the NAD Engineering Group would have to do something very special in the matching power amplifier to preserve and enhance the performance of the Preamp Processor. The design brief called for a powerful yet reasonably compact amplifier that could easily drive the complex load presented by todays best loudspeakers. In keeping with NADs Music First philosophy for home theatre products, the S 250 would also have to measure up to the extraordinarily high musical standards set by our own S 200 and S 300 Silver Series amplifiers. The unique and sophisticated design of the S 250, more than accomplished all of these goals. The S 250 is based on 5 identical monoblock amplifier modules, each with its own heat sink and protection circuitry. These individual amplifiers share a power supply based on a massive edition of NADs signature Holmgren toroidal transformer, noted for its tight voltage regulation, and immunity from DC contamination on the incoming AC mains voltage. Heavy duty voltage rectifiers and low ESR smoothing capacitors combine to give the amplifier modules a nearly ideal low impedance source of

DC voltage that contributes to the very high damping factor and excellent signal-to-noise ratio of the S 250 design. Unlike many competing designs, the S 250 employs one very large power supply rather than 5 small power supplies. The advantage to this approach under real world operating conditions is obvious: any individual channel has access to a reservoir of current sufficient to drive all five channels on a continuous basis. With musical and motion picture program material, it is highly unlikely that all channels would require full power at the same time, thus allowing individual channels to provide far more power than their already ample 125 watts continuous rating with all five channels driven simultaneously. In fact the S 250 can easily supply 200 watts of power per channel with only two channels driven continuously. But a power amplifier at this quality level must have more than just brute strength to be successful. It must also have performance that can unravel the smallest musical detail and present it in a cohesive and convincing way to the listener. The S 250 employs sophisticated circuitry to achieve these sonic attributes. A differential Pure Class A input stage using precisely matched FETs (Field Effect Transistors) imparts a wonderfully warm sound with a grain-free upper midrange and treble response. Glass epoxy circuit boards, precision metal film resistors and
film type capacitors all contribute to the precise sound of the S 250 with the additional benefit of very stable performance over time, thus ensuring a long and trouble free service life. The output stage of the amplifier is based on the same high current output devices used in the S 200, offering tremendous headroom and an ample safe operating area to handle high current peaks with ease. Operating status can be monitored by individual status LED indicators visible through the top cover of the amplifier - green indicating normal operation, and red when the protection circuit is activated. Gold-plated relays are used to connect the speakers after the amplifier has stabilised during turn on, and disconnect the speakers at turn off or if the protection circuit is activated, protecting both the speaker and the amplifier from possible damage in the unlikely event of a malfunction. A switchable Soft Clipping function monitors power output and prevents the amplifier from being overdriven into severe distortion - a nice safety feature if you like to listen loud! The S 250 also incorporates a soft start-up feature that can be activated in one of three selectable ways, via the front panel switch, via a 12-volt control trigger, or by sensing a signal at the input.
Powerful and precise, the S 250 has the ability to make music come alive with every nuance intact, and can also bring forth the full intensity of the best cinematic scores. With its superb build quality and understated good looks, this amplifier will give its proud owner many, many years of enjoyment.

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S T E R E O P R E - A M P L I F I E R
S 100 RIAA Phono Module The optional plug-in Moving Coil / Moving Magnet module converts one of the S 100s line inputs into a high-quality phono input.
The NAD Model S 100 achieves its outstanding transparency and delicacy with power-supply quality, pure Class-A operation of all circuitry, and carefully considered choices of components and physical layout. It provides seven line inputs that include two complete tape loops for flexible dubbing, with an optional, very high-performance MM/MC phono module to allow the serious vinyl buff to convert one of these to a superbly accurate phonograph input. The new NAD preamp uses an efficient, low-noise toroidal power supply transformer, with 10,000 F of very-low-ESR capacitance - more than many power amps! This creates extremely pure, stable, noise-free internal supply voltages, a rigid prerequisite to truly audiophile-class operation. From input to output the circuits of the S 100 are engineered for very low-distortion Class-A operation, with a vanishingly low output impedance (long an NAD hallmark) that reduces the sonic impact of cable impedance to near insignificance. Whats more, the S 100 supplies its main outputs in two formats: conventional, unbalanced RCA, and fully balanced XLR jacks.
Unlike many consumer-audio products, the latter are true pro-audio outputs able to deliver up to 20 volts to 600 ohm loads while significantly reducing susceptibility to external hum and noise. The preamps signal-routing is accomplished via reliable, sonically transparent gold-contact relays instead of the more common, signal-colouring electronic switching, and it uses gold-surfaced signal-connectors exclusively, both inside and on its rear panel. And since the S 100 incorporates NAD-Link it can operate a full system with the supplied remote control. This will control the principle functions of all compatible NAD components, including the Silver Series tuner and CD player, and directly commands all S 100 controls and features. Control is also available via the optional S 70 system remote controller.

S T E R E O P O W E R A M P L I F I E R
NAD amplifiers have long been noted for a unique blend of power, performance, and value, a carefully chosen balance the Silver Series Model S 200 pushes to new heights. The S 200 exploits recent NAD advances to combine very high power with critical-listening finesse and real-life affordability not previously available. The fully dual-mono S 200 delivers 225 watts per channel (8 ohms; both channels driven; 20 Hz-20 kHz at <0.03% THD) and offers as much as 470 watts per channel with 4 ohm loads. Perhaps more importantly, the S 200 is stable, defined, and musical into even unreasonable low impedance loads (though these are encountered often enough in the real world!). The Silver Series S 200 may be bridged, forming a single-channel amplifier with short-term power reserves in excess of 1.3 kilowatts (4 ohms). There is no magic behind this elevated performance, but considerable and painstaking refinement. The S 200s massive, extremely low-noise / low-hum Holmgren type power transformer is a considerable advance even over conventional toroidal devices in both efficiency and in freedom from internal and radiated hum. A very highcurrent output stage delivers power by way of current reservoirs built up of multiple, smaller-value storage
capacitors instead of the far more common large-value pair. This NAD configuration, first introduced on the widely acclaimed Model 208THX, yields fast highdefinition / high-power transient capabilities, and so reproduces terrific dynamic integrity. The end result is musical detail, impact, and soundstage breadth and depth that are unmatched from such an affordable high-power amplifier - to say nothing of numerous designs two and three times the S 200s price. The Silver Series S 200 incorporates NADs proprietary, switchable Soft Clipping, which significantly reduces the risk of loudspeaker damage from prolonged high-power or inadvertent overdrive operation, as well as reliable, sonically transparent relay protection from thermal overload, short circuits, and other unlikely but potentially disastrous conditions. Input facilities, all gold plated, include unbalanced RCA and pro-style fully balanced XLR jacks, which preserve the enhanced dynamic range of the NAD Silver Series S 100 pre-amplifiers balanced outputs for the utmost in signal-transfer integrity.

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D U A L M O N O I N T E G R A T E D A M P L I F I E R

Integrated amplifiers have been an NAD focus from the very beginning: Indeed, NADs first international product, the Model 3020, is remembered (and widely used!) even today as being among the most acclaimed value audio designs of any era. So designing a Silver Series integrated amplifier was viewed by NADs engineering team as a special task. Deceptively simple on the outside, the S 300 deploys advanced engineering to perform at a level rarely if ever before reached by an integrated amplifier at this price. First, the Model S 300 produces substantial power: 100 watts per channel (both channels driven at 8 ohms; 20 Hz20 kHz at <0.07% THD), from circuitry that literally follows dual-mono layout from input to output. Each channel is the mirror image of the other physically and electrically, and even the power supply - that is, supplies - comprise two discrete units with two, entirely separate Holmgren-type ultra-low-hum power transformers. This approach utterly eliminates unwanted signal interactions, and equips the S 300 with internal power of unprecedented stability and freedom from hum and noise. Next, the S 300s amplifier circuits avoid overall (global) negative feedback altogether, a factor today accepted as critical to achieving legitimately high-end sonic definition and refinement. Nevertheless, meticulous, inherently linear
circuit design maintains the S 300s distortion and noise performance at a solidly modern level - 0.07 percent THD+noise - that would be happily accepted for most conventional, feedback-based designs. Additionally, guarding this musically pure signal are sonically transparent gold-contact relays that manage all signal routing, in place of the more usual (and far less costly) electronic switches. And to eliminate digital circuits as a possible noise source, the S 300s operational logic/control system employs yet another, fully independent power supply (with yet another, fully independent transformer). Minimal wiring, carefully chosen, top-grade circuit devices including metal-film resistors and polypropylene capacitors, and a remarkably high-precision, motorised volume-control all make the S 300s design qualify as one of the finest-sounding amplifiers, integrated or otherwise, yet devised. In keeping with the NAD Silver Series design concept the S 300 incorporates a fully-balanced input among its five line-input positions, for full compatibility with the S 500 CD player. The Silver Series S 300 integrated amplifier is equipped with NAD-Link inter-component control, and is supplied with an NAD full-system remote handset. Control is also available via the exclusive S 70 system remote controller.

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S T E R E O F M T U N E R
It is ever more difficult to find a sonically satisfying FM tuner. And the few designs that do qualify are increasingly burdened by buttons, features, and functions - too many of them of dubious utility. NAD recognises that FM radio remains a valuable source of music and other programming, so the Silver Series S 400 FM Tuner was carefully designed to fly in the face of these trends. The S 400 supports an innovative, genuinely highperformance FM section with a deliberately simplified interface. The S 400s technical design is highlighted by dual antenna inputs, each equipped with a fully independent, low-noise, dual-gate MOSFET RF amplifier. This very atypical arrangement avoids any possibility of interference between inputs, while providing an invaluable convenience to those using two antennas or an antenna plus a cable system to maximise listening options. Triple-stage IF filtering incorporates user-selectable (Wide/Narrow) bandwidth, a traditional feature that enables the S 400 to offer the best-of-both-worlds performance: maximum quieting from weak signals, and fully maximised audio quality from strong, closely spaced ones. (Virtually all competitive tuners and receivers compromise performance in these areas.)
Additional advanced elements include physically separate and independently regulated power supplies for analogue-audio, RF, and digital-logic circuits, and a sophisticated, highly effective implementation of the critical 19 kHz pilot-tone filter. There is also no use of the inductors normally found in tuners, and this guarantees minimum phase shifting. The S 400s user-selectable blend mode permits highly effective quieting of very weak or noisy signals while still preserving substantial stereo image. As is quite common among digital tuners today the S 400 provides 30 preset memory locations the user may program to instantly recall favourite stations. Entirely uncommon is the fact that each of the tuners 30 presets store not just a station by name, utilising the programmable 8 character display input, but also the selected antenna input, wide/narrow IF mode setting, and mono or stereo decoding status. The S 400 also provides a remote control, and NAD-Link includes the necessary interface for fully integrated system operation.

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C O M P A C T D I S C P L A Y E R
The Model S 500 is the latest and most ambitious in a long line of affordable-high-end CD designs from NAD - a family that has won an unequalled reputation for true value, performance and simplicity. The Silver Series player tops this family tree with a singledisc design built around an extremely accurate new 24bit digital-to-analogue converter from Crystal Semiconductor. Even better, together with its analogueaudio output section this superb converter is fully modular, meaning that any potential future upgrades can be performed quickly, easily, and at minimal cost by an authorised NAD dealer. More immediately significant is the fact that unlike the vast majority of CD players - affordable and esoteric ones alike - the S 500 supports this outstanding DAC with custom-engineered, purpose-designed auxiliary circuits. These include a highly unusual five-pole analogue filter section and all-discrete output amplifiers yielding exceptionally pure audio-band signals, for wonderfully transparent musical results. Just as uncommon, the Silver Series player supplies pro-standard AES/EBU digital output alongside its conventional S/PDIF coaxial digital output; both are buffered and transformer-coupled,

providing a very stable and perfectly precise 75 ohm interface that minimises jitter and reflections. NADs tight design focus on the Silver Series sonics dictated the S 500s meticulously engineered power supply: Multiple sections, independent voltage regulation for digital, analogue, and servo circuit-blocks, a topgrade toroidal transformer, and very extensive filtering combine for remarkable freedom from hum and noise in both analogue and digital domains. Fully Class-A analogue stages deliver very-lowimpedance outputs, which ensure uncompromised signal quality to downstream components. To the same end, the S 500 complements its conventional RCA outputs with fully-balanced XLRs. The S 500 is an NAD CD player, so it features refreshingly simple, easy to use controls and functions, operable both from its front panel or via the supplied remote handset, and a complete absence of frivolous extras. The S 500 does, however, incorporate NAD-Link for smart-remote operation when used in concert with compatible NAD master components, including the Silver Series pre- and integrated amplifiers. Control is also available via the optional S 70 system remote controller.
s p e c i f i c a t i o n s
S 170 SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR Decoding formats Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic,DTS, THX Surround EX 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz EARS Stereo (analogue bypass)
S 250 MULTI-CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER Power Amp Section Continuous Average Power Output Rated distortion (THD 20Hz-20kHz) Clipping power IHF power dynamic headroom at 8 IHF power dynamic power Damping factor Input impedance Input sensitivity Voltage gain Frequency response Signal/noise ratio

5 x 125W (21.0dBW)

(Min. power per channel, 20Hz - 20kHz both channels driven with no more than rated distortion)

Sampling rates Modes

Analogue performance Analogue input impedance Analogue frequency response Maximum input level THD+N Signal/noise ratio Dynamic range Analogue channel separation Crosstalk Maximum output level Output impedance

Tone control

16k / 100pF +/- 0.2dB 3V rms 0.005% >98dB -95dB >95dB >90dB 6V rms Main pre-out 56 Tape out 470 Multi room output 470 Bass (@20Hz) +/- 12dB Treble (@20kHz) +/- 12dB Centre (@ 3kHz) +/- 6dB 20Hz - 20kHz

<0.05% 0.05% +1.4dB 8 172W (22.4dBW) 4 273W (24.4dBW) ref. 8 , 50Hz >300 rated power into 8 50k 1.1 V 29.0dB 20Hz-20kHz +0, -0.2dB 2Hz to 100kHz -3dB ref. 1W 95dB ref. rated power 125dB
Physical specifications Dimensions (W x H x D) Net weight Shipping weight
435 x 132 x 410mm 19kg 21kg
Digital input performance THD+N (Bandwidth 10Hz - 20kHz) Digital input impedance Video Input and output impedance Remote control Physical specifications Dimensions (W x H x D) Net weight Shipping weight

0.005% 75

75 Yes S 100 STEREO PRE-AMPLIFIER 450 x 97 x 285mm 4.99kg 5.89kg Phono stage Input impedance (R and C) Input sensitivity ref.

(0.5V 1KHz)

Dolby, Pro Logic, Dolby Digital, HX Pro and the Double D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. THX and THX Ultra are trademarks of Lucasfilms, Ltd. DTS is a trademark of Digital Theatre Systems, Inc.

Input overload

(20Hz/1KHz/20KHz)

Signal/noise ratio

(A-weighted with cartridge connected)
MM MC MM MC MM (low) MC (low) MM MC
47k + 100pF 22, 100, 220 + 100pF 1mV / 3mV 0.1mV / 0.3mV 12mV / 120mV / 650mV 0.4mV / 4mV / 65mV 81dB ref. 5mV 75dB ref. 0.5mV
Line level inputs Impedance (R+C) Sensitivity ref. 0.5V Maximum input signal Signal/noise (A-weighted ref. 0.5V) Frequency response (20Hz - 20kHz) THD Line level outputs Output impedance Pre-Amplifier Output impedance Tape Output impedance Phones Maximum output level Pre-Amplifier Maximum output level Tape Remote control Physical specifications Dimensions (W x H x D) Net weight Shipping weight
33K + 120pF 170mV >10V 97dB +0, -0.03dB 0.001%

Unbalanced Balanced

Source Z + 2k 120 >9.5V 19.5V >10V Yes
450 x 67 x 285mm 5.15kg 7.5kg
S 200 STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER Power Amp Section Continuous output power * Rated distortion (THD 20Hz-20kHz) Clipping power IHF dynamic headroom at 8 IHF dynamic power
S 300 DUAL MONO INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER Pre-Amp Section Line level inputs Impedance (R + C) Maximum input signal Frequency response (20Hz - 20kHz) THD Line level outputs Output impedance Tape

Slew rate Damping factor (ref. 8, 50Hz) Input impedance Input sensitivity (into 8) Voltage gain Frequency response (20Hz-20kHz) Signal/noise ratio ref. 1W ref. rated power
225W (23.5 dBW) 0.03% 240W (23.8 dBW) 1dB 280W (24.5 dBW) 470W (26.7 dBW) 700W (28.4 dBW) >100V/ s >200 47k / 700pF 1.4V x 28.3 (29 dB) + 0.3dB -3dB at: 2.5Hz / 80kHz 96dB 120dB
10k 20k 7.5V +0/-0.16dB 0.04%
Source Z +10k Source Z + 1.5k Yes
Remote control Power Amp Section Continuous output power * Rated distortion Clipping Power Frequency response Signal/noise ratio
Bridged Mode Continuous output power into 8* IHF dynamic headroom at 8 IHF dynamic power
780W (28.9 dBW) 1dB 940W (29.7 dBW) 1.3kW (31.1 dBW)
ref. 1 W ref. rated power
100W (20 dBW) <0.75% 108W (20dBW) 0.02dB 79dB 99dB
450 x 180 x 395mm 25.57kg 27.65kg
450 x 150 x 395mm 26kg 28.12kg
* Minimum power per channel, 20Hz-20kHz, both channels driven, with no more than rated distortion Maximum continuous power per channel
* Minimum power per channel, 20Hz-20kHz, both channels driven, with no more than rated distortion Maximum continuous power per channel Maximum short term power per channel
S 400 STEREO TUNER Usable input sensitivity (60dB S/N) 50dB Quieting sensitivity Capture Ratio (FM) Image Rejection Harmonic Distortion Signal/noise ratio Channel separation Frequency Response Tuning accuracy Remote control Physical specifications Dimensions (W x H x D) Net weight Shipping weight FM Mono FM Stereo FM Mono FM Stereo 1.0V -25V 1.6V 19V 2 dB 100 dB 0.15% 0.20% 80dB 78dB 45dB min. 20Hz - 15 kHz 0.002% Yes
S 500 COMPACT DISC PLAYER Disc capacity Digital-to-Analogue conversion Digital Filter Analogue filter Frequency response 5Hz-20kHz De-emphasis error THD (at 0dB, 1kHz) Dynamic range Linearity Signal/noise ratio * Channel separation Wow and Flutter Output impedance Output level Digital error correction 450 x 67 x 285mm 4.56kg 5.67kg Digital code output Unbalanced Balanced 1 x 120mm or 80mm 24-bit DeltaSigma 4 x interpolation 4th order +0, -0.15dB <0.25dB <0.005% 96dB 0.5dB; 0 to -90dB >112dB >100dB >100dB Quartz accuracy 120 2.2V rms. 4.4V rms. CIRC with double error correction in C1 and C2 SPDIF BNC AES/EBU XLR Yes
FM Mono FM Stereo Mono Stereo 1kHz 0.5 dB

1kHz 20 kHz

0dB Unbalanced 0dB Balanced
Remote control Physical specifications Dimensions (W x H x D) Net weight Shipping weight
* (A-weighted, measured with all zeroes test disc)
450 x 67 x 285mm 5.04kg 7.03kg
The NAD S 170 Surround Sound Preamp Processor received the Innovations 2001 Award for Design and Engineering.

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2001 NAD Electronics International
NAD Electronics International reserves the right to change specifications or features without notice as design improvements are incorporated. NAD is a registered trademark of NAD Electronics International. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form whatsoever without the written permission of NAD Electronics International. Printed in the UK 03/01.