NAD T-955 Brochure

preliminary datasheet

T 955 Five Channel Power Amplifier

Features

• 5 X 100 watts Full Disclosure Power, 20Hz – 20kHz, at less

than 0.03% THD with all channels driven simultaneously into

8 or 4 Ohms

• Dynamic power of 150 watts at 8 Ohms, 200 watts at 4

Ohms, and 260 watts at 2 Ohms.

• Custom wound Holmgren Toroidal transformer with

proprietary shielding to eliminate EMF leakage

• Custom 5 way Binding Posts

• 12V Trigger for advanced control options

• Detachable AC cor

Details

Separates vs. All-in-one receivers

NAD designs and sells both Receivers and Separates, and each can provide a spine tingling Home Theatre
experience. While Receivers offer a simple one-box solution to the switching, decoding, and amplification
needs of the Home Theatre, there are some inherent limitations to combining high power amplifiers with
sensitive switching and decoding circuits. The high current circuits required for the highest levels of audio
performance create a lot of heat and stray magnetic fields that limit the ability of low level audio and video
circuits from achieving optimum levels of low noise and distortion. This is a fact of life dictated by the laws
of physics.

We also believe that there is a practical limit to the size of a component developed for home use, a limit that
is often surpassed in the largest and most expensive AV Receivers.

Another consideration is cost. While a Receiver may appear to offer more for your money in the short run,
the fact of the matter is that Receivers quickly become obsolete. This is because decoder technology is still
evolving very fast. If you want the latest in video performance and surround sound decoding, plan on replacing
your decoder every 3 – 5 years. The decoder is but one part of the Receiver, yet it is inseparable, requiring
the replacement of the entire unit even though only one part is obsolete. But amplifier technology is very
mature and the performance of the T955 amplifier will not be exceeded in the foreseeable future. After all,
we still have NAD customers raving about the sound of their NAD amplifiers nearly 30 years later! With an
AV Receiver the baby goes out with the bath water when upgrading the digital processor to accommodate
the latest surround sound decoding format, as there is no way to reuse the amplifier section.

Massive power

Many people are under the illusion that the only reason for high power is to play loud. In fact, the primary
advantage to high power is the ability to play loud and clear. When the distortion is very low, the sound isn’t
loud, it’s BIG! Distortion is what makes sound ‘loud’, and this can lead to listener fatigue – that feeling that
it is just too loud. Big sound is effortless and compelling, drawing the listener into the performance and
immersing you in the musical or cinematic moment.

Unlike most surround sound receivers (NAD’s own receivers are a rare exception) that only rate power with
1 or 2 channels running, or use very short term measurements, the T955 can deliver its full rated power

continuously for hours on end. And dynamic power, the power

© NAD T955

Serial No./No. De Series

+12V TRIGGER IN

AUTO TRIGGER

ON

ON

OFF

OFF

SOFT

CLIPPING

INPUT

SPEAKER

INPUT

SPEAKER

INPUT

SPEAKER

INPUT

SPEAKER

INPUT

SPEAKER

CHANNEL 5

FRONT R

CHANNEL 5

FRONT R

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 3

CHANNEL 2

CHANNEL 4

CHANNEL 3

CHANNEL 2

SURR R

CENTER

SURR L

SURR R

CENTER

SURR L

CHANNEL 1

CHANNEL 1

FRONT L

FRONT L

that more closely represents the true nature of musical signals, is
nothing short of sensational.

Sophisticated circuitry

The T955 is comprised if 5 individual ‘Monobloc’ amplifier
channels. Based on NAD’s proven all discrete circuit topology as
used in the award winning C352 and C372 stereo amplifiers, this
design offers very low distortion combined with extremely high
current capability. Active current sources and common base
current followers in the power amp section combine to improve
supply rejection to unprecedented levels, well beyond the audible
frequency range.
This has the effect of reducing dynamic intermodulation distortion
between music signal components in different frequency ranges,
and between these signals and supply ripple and distortion
components. In measurement terms static and dynamic IM
distortion are reduced by between 10dB to 20dB. (to between

-90dB and - 100dB.) compared to conventional designs.

In audible terms this improves definition, purity and resolution,
hence imaging. And yes, imaging is very important in an amplifier
designed for surround sound listening. Sure, any surround

sound component will surround you with sound, but the best
surround sound components have the effect of transforming your
listening room into the sound stage of the musical or cinematic
performance!

NAD’s PowerDrive circuitry is a big part of this performance story.
By measuring each channel’s dynamic impedance individually and
computing the optimum power supply voltage required to drive
the output stage for maximum power and efficiency. PowerDrive
permits high dynamic power and low impedance drive capability,
while maintaining ultra low (<0.03%) levels of distortion.

Each channel has individual over current, DC, infrasonic and
ultrasonic overload sensing and protection for complete reliability
under even the most severe operating conditions.

Custom designed heat sinks keep things cool under the most
severe operating conditions without the requirement of forced air
cooling and its potential noise. A massive Holmgren toroidal power
transformer insures excellent voltage regulation under the most
demanding conditions, and offers high efficiency and a low stray
magnetic field to help keep distortion at vanishingly low levels.

SPECIFICATIONS

Continuous Power, 20Hz-20kHz, all channels

driven simultaneously at 4/8Ω

Rated Distortion (THD 20Hz-20kHz)

Peak Undistorted Current

IHF dynamic headroom at 8Ω

IHF dynamic power at 8Ω

IHF dynamic power at 4Ω

IHF dynamic power at 2Ω

Damping Factor

Input Impedance/Capacitance

Input Sensitivity

NAD Electronics International reserves the right to change specifications or features without notice. NAD is a registered trademark of NAD Electronics

International. All r�

5 x 100W (20dBW)

Voltage Gain

Frequency Response

0.03%

>80 Amps @0.1 Ohm

+1.5dB

150W (21.8dBW)

200W (23dBW)

260W (24.1dBW)

8 Ohms >100 20Hz - 20kHz

20,000 Ohms/380pf

1.0V

Signal/Noise Ratio

Dimensions (W x H x D)*

Net Weight

Shipping Weight

* Dimensions are of unit’s cabinets without feet attached; add up to 18mm for total height.
Dimension depth excludes terminals, sockets, controls and buttons.

permission of NAD Electronics International. © 07/06 NAD Electronics International.

www.NADelectronics.com

29.0dB

20Hz - 20kHz +0, -0.2dB

2Hz - 100kHz -3dB

1 watt 8 Ohms >100db IHFA

100 watts > 130db IHFA

17 1/8 x 6 1/8 x 15 1/8”

(435 x 155 x 365mm)

45 lbs (20kg)

49 lbs (22kg)