NAD C510 User Manual

C 510 Direct Digital Preamp/DAC

The C 510 Direct Digital™ Preamp/DAC promises to rede ne hi- separates. For decades, audiophiles have organized their systems with
a source component, such as a CD player, along with a preampli er and a power ampli er driving a pair of speakers. This has recently
changed and today, the CD player might be replaced by a computer or dedicated music streamer connected to the Internet or local
Network Attached Storage. The best of these are capable of streaming high-res 24-bit studio master recordings, which are now readily
available. Thanks to the incredible convenience and stunning sound quality of computer audio, many music lovers have completely
replaced all physical media with digital music  les. It is for this purpose that the C 510 Direct Digital Preamp/DAC was created.

> No Noise, No Distortion

Unlike a traditional analogue preampli er, the C 510 Direct Digital
Preamp/DAC does not produce any noise or distortion that can
obscure detail and limit the performance of many systems. By
performing preamp functions like volume and source selection
in the digital domain, the C 510 shortens the signal path and
opens up new system possibilities. Whether driving your favourite
power ampli er or feeding active loudspeakers, the C 510 has the
requisite drive and  nesse to get the best possible performance.

> NAD Direct Digital™ Innovation

Built using the incredible processing power and precision of
our own Direct Digital™ architecture, the C 510 ushers in a
new era of affordability for state-of-the-art performance. The
C 510’s dynamic range, the accurate portrayal of music’s subtle
nuances from soft to loud, betters other DACs and preampli ers
by about 20dB! That is a thousand times more accurate. And
you can hear it in both the precision micro-dynamics and the
dead silence of this remarkable device. Because the volume
level is controlled by mathematics in the digital domain, there is
no mechanical or electrical imprecision—all volume levels have
exactly the same circuit conditions. Of course, this requires very
high resolution, which is provided by the 35-bit architecture of
the C 510; even 24-bit  les are not truncated until well below the
threshold of audibility.

> Well Connected

The C 510 includes connectivity for a wide variety of digital
sources including a USB Type B port for direct connection to your
PC or Mac. This port operates in asynchronous mode, meaning
that the C 510 provides the precision clock for the USB data rather

than the often imprecise clock in the computer, plus it supports
sampling rates of up to 192kHz and 24-bit depth. Two HDMI inputs
with a video pass through provide a secure encrypted path for
High Res Audio, and allow the C 510 to perform a limited role as
a video switcher. The 2-channel PCM audio track that is present
on all video programming is stripped from the HDMI input with the
video passing untouched to a connected video display—there is
no surround decoding. We have also included 3 SPDIF inputs—
all 24/192 capable—in Optical, Coaxial and AES/EBU formats.

> Thoughtful, Simple Design

The analogue output operates in true balanced mode driven by
a Class A biased operational ampli er. Both Balanced XLR and
single-ended outputs are provided to get the best performance
with any ampli er. As with all NAD products, we have taken special
care designing the power supply and critical circuit layout to
optimize the performance of the premium parts used extensively
throughout the C 510. A 12V trigger and RS-232 port allow for
system automation interface. The control interface couldn’t be
simpler with Power, Input Selection and Volume Control on both
the front panel and the supplied IR remote. Selected input and
incoming sample rate are displayed on the front panel display.

> All Digital, All Day Long

As a pure digital device, analogue inputs have not been
included. This purity of design and singleness of purpose
is in the very best tradition of high-end audio. Like all
NAD products, the C 510 Direct Digital™ Preamp/DAC offers
exceptional value and a remarkable level of performance. The
C 510 is the perfect centrepiece to a cutting edge high-resolution
digital audio system.

©NAD C 510

+12V TRIGGER OUT

Total Width 435mm

N2409

99mm

Total Height

Specications

C 510

Rated Distortion (THD+N with AES 17 lter)

IMD Distortion 0.0001%
Signal/Noise Ratio <-123dB (ref. 0dBFS 2V out)
Channel Separation >-115dB (ref. 0dBFS Volume -1dB)
Sample Rate 32kHz to 192kHz (USB and digital S/PDIF)
Frequency Response ±0.5dB (ref. 20Hz - 96kHz @ 192kHz sample rate)

Output Level 2V (ref. input 0dBFS)

INPUT

AES/EBU XLR

SPDIF Coaxial x 1

Optical x 1

HDMI x 2 (2-channel PCM)
USB Class 2 Audio: asynchronous 24/192 support
IR In
Trigger In 12V ±20%

OUTPUT

HDMI Video Out (3D video pass through)
Analogue

Unbalanced

Balanced

Trigger Out 12V ±20%

GENERAL

AC Supply 100-240V AC ~ 50/60Hz

Standby Power <0.5W

Idle Power 16W

Unit Dimension

(WxHxD) - Gross*

Net Weight 4.7kg (10.4lb)
Shipping Weight 5.6kg (12.3lb)

<0.0005% (0dBFS)
<0.002% (-60dBFS)

47 ohms

110 ohms

435 x 99 x 309mm
17 1/8 x 3 15/16 x 12 3/16 inches**

Total Depth 309mm

* Gross dimensions include feet, extended buttons and rear panel terminals.
** Non-metric measurements are approximate. NAD Electronics will not assume any liability for errors being made by retailers, custom installers,

cabinet makers, or other end users based on information contained in this document.

Note: Installers should allow a minimum clearance of 55mm for wire/cable management.

NAD Electronics International reserves the right to change specications or features without notice. 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. © 04/14 14-004 NAD Electronics International.

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