NAD Silver series User Manual
silver series
performance value simplicity
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
NAD’s 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 today’s best film
soundtracks. Music gains a palpable presence in
your listening room. Every nuance of the sound is
reproduced with precision and passion. NAD’s
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.
the NAD silver series
performance
NAD’s 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 consis-
tently deliver exceptional performance that brings
you closer to the music. It is our strong belief, that
when a product doesn’t deliver an emotionally
involving and musically accurate performance, then
it has missed the primary point of its very existence!
value
We define value as getting more for less. In the
case of NAD, that’s more performance, and less
money spent. Careful design and execution,
and staying focused on what’s really important
allows NAD to consistently offer products that over-
achieve in this regard. The ability to get
performance that is very close to the “cost-no-
object” crowd, at an everyday affordable price,
is a key element in the NAD philosophy.
simplicity
What makes NAD so unique in the world? It isn’t
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.
surround sound preamp processor
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
S 170
DIGITAL SURROUND SOUND
PREAMP PROCESSOR
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
doesn’t 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.
S70
SYSTEM REMOTE
CONTROL
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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