NAD Surround Sound Preamp Processor S 170i Product Manual
• Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, ProLogic II, DTS,
DTS ES, DTS NEO:6, Matrix 7.1, THX EX 5.1/6.1/7.1
Decoding, Stereo Enhanced Stereo Surround Mode
• THX Ultra 2 certifi ed
• Latest Generation Motorola DSP Processor
• NAD’s 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
• Component Video Input
• 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 2
nd
Zone Stereo Output
• 3 x 12V Trigger Outputs
• IEC Detachable Power Cable
• NAD Link
• RS-232 Port for advanced control systems and
software upgrade
• HTR-2 - 8 Device Illuminated Learning Remote with
Macro function
• ZR-2 Second Zone Remote
Features
The original S 170 was the fi rst THX EX processor to reach
the market nearly two years ago, and it still remains the
benchmark for sonic performance in this price category.
With the development of THX Ultra 2, DTS ES and Neo:6,
and Dolby EX and ProLogic II it is logical that NAD would
update the S 170 to include these new decoding formats.
We are pleased to introduce the S 170i, offering all the
latest decoding formats while maintaining the same elegant
simplicity, style, and performance of the original.
Signifi cantly, in these days of rapid digital format changes,
the S 170i features a fully upgradeable digital processor
on a separate plug-in circuit board. In fact owners of the
S170 can have their unit upgraded to the “i” version for
a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new unit, proving
the value of this design concept. All DSP processing and
operating system “intelligence” is located on a plug-in
module, making major upgrades a fairly simple process.
Minor upgrades are offered free of charge and can be
implemented via download from a PC using the RS-232
port located on the rear panel.
The modular processor dictates the use of a specially
engineered, ultra-low-noise switch mode power supply,
so that the S 170i achieves supply voltages of unexcelled
stability and purity that remain totally independent despite
varying demands on all eight channels, or even the
requirements of future digital upgrades.
The bass management circuit of the S 170i offers
tremendous fl exibility, while still meeting all the Dolby and
THX mandates for bass redirection and Low Frequency
Effects (LFE) channel management. The crossover
frequency can be adjusted in 10Hz increments from 40Hz
to 200Hz (except in THX mode where 80Hz is specifi ed),
and individual channels can have their level tweaked in
0.5dB increments allowing much fi ner adjustment than that
offered by most receivers and processors. Uniquely, the
S 170i uses both digital and analogue fi lter sections for a
superior electronic crossover characteristic.
Despite its deceptively simple appearance, the S 170i
is also fully equipped to serve as a very able master
S 170i Surround Sound Preamp Processor
The S 170i is squarely focused on the individual
who prizes sonic performance above all else,
and appreciates the simplicity of the NAD
approach. While you can fi nd less expensive
processors, and processors with a longer punch
list of “features”, the S 170i offers a level of
performance for money that is unmatched.
Whether used as an analogue preamp in Stereo
Bypass mode, or used to decode the
latest formats from Dolby, DTS, and THX,
the S 170i brings a purity and dynamic realism
to every performance. This goes beyond
specs or features and speaks to the real reason
for spending this much money on a Hi-Fi:
to create an experience that transports the
listener/viewer to that special place created by
the recording artist. Indeed, it is this ability to
“make the machine disappear” that separates
the great products from the merely good
products. The S 170i is a great product.