Nad's M3 User Manual
ENGLISH
FRANÇAISDEUTSCH
NEDERLANDS
ESPAÑOL
ITALIANO
PORTUGUÊS
SVENSKA
Owner’s Manual
Manuel d’Installation
Bedienungsanleitung
Gebruikershandleiding
Manual del Usuario
Manuale delle Istruzioni
Manual do Proprietário
Bruksanvisning
M3
Dual Mono Integrated Amplifier
®
ENGLISH FRANÇAIS
DEUTSCH
NEDERLANDS
ESPAÑOL
ITALIANO
PORTUGUÊS
SVENSKA
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Save these instructions for later use.
• Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the audio equipment.
1 Read instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is
operated.
2 Retain instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3 Heed Warnings - All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4 Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5 Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or
aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
6 Attachments - Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may
cause hazards.
7 Water and Moisture - Do not use this product near water-for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl,
kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.
8 Accessories - Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The
product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only
with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the product.
Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and should use a mounting
accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
9 A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven
surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.
10 Ventilation - Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable
operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or
covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar
surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless
proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.
11 Power Sources - This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on
the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product
dealer or local power company.
• Main Power Disconnect; When the power switch is in the Off position, the integrated amplifier is
not completely disconnected from the main power. The primary method of isolating the integrated
amplifier from the mains supply is to disconnect the mains plug. Ensure that the mains plug remains
accessible at all times. When installing the product, ensure that the plug is easily accessible.
• Non-use Period; Unplug the AC power cord from the AC outlet if the unit will not be used for a long
period of time such as several months or more.
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FRANÇAISDEUTSCHNEDERLANDSESPAÑOL
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
12 Grounding or Polarization - This product may be equipped with a polarized alternating-current line
plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way.
This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If
the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the polarized plug.
13 Power-Cord Protection - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.
14 Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product,
be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges
and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides
information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the leadin wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge unit,
connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.
NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER
• This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention to Section 820-40 of the NEC
which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall
be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.
15 Lightning - For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left
unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the
antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.
16 Power Lines - An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power
lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When
installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power
lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.
17 Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as
this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
18 Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never
spill liquid of any kind on the product.
19 Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:
a) When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
b) If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.
c) If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
d) If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that
are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage
and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
e) If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
f) when the product exhibits a distinct change in performance-this indicates a need for service.
20 Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement
parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions
may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
21 Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform
safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.
22 Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the
manufacturer.
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WARNING
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. THE
LIGHTNING FLASH WITH ARROWHEAD SYMBOL, WITHIN AN EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE, IS INTENDED TO
ALERT THE USER TO THE PRESENCE OF UNINSULATED “DANGEROUS VOLTAGE” WITHIN THE PRODUCT’S
ENCLOSURE THAT MAY BE OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE TO CONSTITUTE A RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK TO
PERSONS.
THE EXCLAMATION POINT WITHIN AN EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE USER TO THE
PRESENCE OF IMPORTANT OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE (SERVICING) INSTRUCTIONS IN THE
LITERATURE ACCOMPANYING THE APPLIANCE
CAUTION
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by NAD Electronics for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate this equipment.
CAUTION REGARDING PLACEMENT
To maintain proper ventilation, be sure to leave a space around the unit (from the largest outer dimensions including
projections) equal to, or greater than, shown below.
Left and Right Panels : 10 cm
Rear Panel : 10 cm
Top Panel : 50 cm
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR UK CUSTOMERS
DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment. If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your
home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate safety approved extension lead or
consult your dealer. If, nonetheless, the mains plug is cut off, REMOVE THE FUSE and dispose of the PLUG immediately,
to avoid possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection to the mains supply. If this product is not provided with a
mains plug, or one has to be fitted, then follow the instructions given below:
IMPORTANT
DO NOT make any connection to the larger terminal which is marked with the letter ‘E’ or by the safety
earth symbol or coloured GREEN or GREEN AND YELLOW.
The wires in the mains lead on this product are coloured in accordance with the following code:
BLUE - NEUTRAL
BROWN - LIVE
As these colours may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as
follows:
The BLUE wire must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter ‘N’ or coloured BLACK.
The BROWN wire must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter ‘L’ or coloured RED
When replacing the fuse, only a correctly rated and approved type should be used, and be sure
to re-fit the fuse cover.
IF IN DOUBT CONSULT A COMPETENT ELECTRICIAN
This product is manufactured to comply with the radio interference requirements of EEC DIRECTIVE 89/68/EEC and
73/23/EEC
NOTES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
At the end of its useful life, this product must not be disposed of with regular household waste but must be returned
to a collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. The symbol on the product, user's manual
and packaging, point this out.
The materials can be reused in accordance with their markings. Through re-use, recycling of raw materials, or other
forms of recycling of old products, you are making an important contribution to the protection of our environment.
Your local administrative office can advise you of the responsible waste disposal point.
RECORD YOUR MODEL NUMBER (NOW, WHILE YOU CAN SEE IT)
The model and serial number of your new Integrated Amplifier located on the back of the cabinet. For
your future convenience, we suggest that you record these numbers here:
SAFETY INFORMATION
Introduction
ENGLISH FRANÇAIS
DEUTSCH
NEDERLANDS
ESPAÑOL
ITALIANO
PORTUGUÊS
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Model No. :________________________ Serial No. :______________________
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ENGLISH
FRANÇAISDEUTSCHNEDERLANDSESPAÑOL
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PORTUGUÊS
SVENSKA
ANALOG SOUND, DIGITAL CONTROL
The M3 is NAD's concept of the ideal musical companion, capable of transporting the
listener to that place where the music simply exists in its own perfect space. For this
task we have pushed classical analog circuit design to unprecedented levels of
performance. The total lack of audible noise and distortion is the result of some very
sophisticated analog engineering, and rather surprisingly, the use of digital control.
Freed of the constraints of traditional analog switches, NAD's Director of Advanced
Development, Bjorn Erik Edvardsen devised an architecture using precision 1%
resistors controlled by digital switches for all the level adjustments required for volume
control, balance control and tone control. (Yes we still believe in tone controls - more
on that later.) Input selection is via precision sealed reed relays. A major advantage of
this architecture, in addition to its extremely precise performance, is the ability to place
controls in the most advantageous physical position within the circuit. The signal never
has to travel to the front panel for switching, as with traditional amplifier designs.
Getting to the infinitesimal levels of noise and distortion of the M3 requires very
careful circuit layout, as only tiny changes in the signal path can have large effects on
performance. Keeping signal paths as short as possible is also greatly aided by the use
of SMD (miniature surface mount) components and multi-layer PCBs (circuit boards).
LUXURIOUS STYLING AND INTELLIGENT CONTROL
The design brief reads: "The industrial design must create a physical presence that is
powerful, dynamic, and solid, yet refined and elegant". We wanted a design that will
still look fresh and new a decade from now, a design with classic proportions and
understated details. We also wanted an amplifier that was not only easy to operate,
but also very flexible and complete in its control options.
Unlike many high performance amplifiers, the M3 includes a full suite of convenience
features. Speaker switching for two pairs of speakers and very flexible tone controls
are provided, as is a Zone 2 output with its own independent set of commands and
dedicated ZR3 remote control. Front panel controls use a multi-function knob and
buttons to quickly navigate all amplifier functions. All operating conditions are clearly
displayed on a 2 line dot matrix VFD display. Direct access is available to many
functions via the M3 remote handset. The M3 handset also features basic controls for
the matching NAD DVD/SACD player.
Performance features include a multi-stage precision volume attenuator with 0.5dB
steps and a range of 87.5dB, a remote balance control with 0.5dB steps, and a Mode
control that allows stereo, left only, right only, and mono settings. Tone controls offer
bass and treble adjustment, as well as a 'spectral tilt' option that is highly effective at
correcting the tonal balance of many recordings by simultaneously increasing the bass
and decreasing the treble (and vice versa) to create a warmer (or cooler) balance. We
have also included a second set of preamp outputs and a switchable high pass filter
for the internal amplifier, to allow easy implementation of an active subwoofer or
biamplification.
The rugged chassis is built using thick 2mm mild steel plates with a front panel
employing extruded aluminium and die-cast zinc in its construction. Special attention
was paid to the control of mechanical resonance, as this can affect sonic performance.
Special isolation feet use aluminium and silicon rubber in a vibration damping
configuration. All signal connectors are heavy duty gold plated types specifically
engineered for the NAD Masters Series components. Finished inside and out, the M3
utilizes powder coating and advanced automotive paint finishes, creating an enduring
and elegant mechanical package.
PREAMP DESIGN
The preamp uses all discrete low noise high impedance J-FET buffer amps and very
high quality reed relay switches at the preamp input. Special high current low output
impedance Class A gain modules provide tremendous dynamic headroom and high
output current, combined with a exceptional S/N ratio in excess of -100dB (IHF).
About the M3 Dual Mono Integrated Amplifier:
Introduction
6
ENGLISH FRANÇAIS
DEUTSCH
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The volume attenuator is very unique in that it uses discrete 1% precision resistors that
keep impedance (and noise) very low. It is arrayed in 3 stages to reduce the residual
noise in each amplifying stage and prevent the 'cascade effect' of noise that is present
in most preamp designs. This circuit also provides the balance control, and as a result
channel separation is superb and inter-channel cross talk is virtually eliminated. These
resistor arrays are switched using 15 volt digital switches under software control,
keeping all attenuation at the ideal point in the circuit architecture.
Low impedance stepped tone controls provide +/- 5 db of boost/cut in the bass and
treble regions, or can be configured to provide variable slope, or 'spectrum tilt' at +/3dB per octave.
Biamp function allows the use of a second amplifier or active subwoofer PREOUT 1,
and offers a high pass filter function on PREOUT 2, with selectable 40Hz, 60Hz, 80Hz,
100Hz or Full Range options. These are analog 2nd order filters configured around the
low impedance differential Class A output stage of the preamp. This output stage also
employs proprietary distortion cancellation circuitry.
A balanced line input is also provided using identical JFET buffers feeding a discrete
differential amp and yielding common mode rejection in excess of 80dB.
Separately regulated DC supplies are derived from the dual mono power supply.
Copper buss bars and discrete regulators keep circuit noise to an absolute minimum
throughout. The display and digital functions operate from an independent power
supply to prevent any interference with the analog signal path.
POWER AMP HIGHLIGHTS
The M3 features a Dual Mono design with separate unregulated and discrete regulated
supplies for different stages of the 2 channels. The custom wound Toroidal
transformers use proprietary magnetic shielding technology. High current rectifiers
feed low ESR 105C filter capacitors.
NAD's PowerDrive technology measures load impedance continuously on each
channel and adjusts the power supply voltage for maximum undistorted dynamic
power into the connected speaker at all times and under all operating conditions. The
signal processor also continuously measures temperature and average long term
power and, based on this information, chooses the optimum voltage.
PowerDrive allows the M3 to sound far more powerful than its already impressive 180
watt per channel rating would suggest. Totally effortless sound, even at elevated
levels, is the hallmark of the PowerDrive amplifier.
The M3 utilizes a wideband current-mode Class A voltage amp featuring large open
loop compensated bandwidth, and running from low noise stabilised power supplies.
NAD's patented current amp output stage starts with < 0.02 % static and dynamic
distortion open loop (before feedback); even into 3 ohms at 20-20k at all levels. By
utilizing small amounts of feedback the circuit returns distortion levels at all audible
frequencies that are at limit of measurement - less than 0.002%!
The super rugged output stage features 4 pairs of 150W discrete bipolar output
transistors per channel, for 50A peak undistorted output current. Massive heat sinking
assures a lifetime of trouble free operation.
About the M3 Dual Mono Integrated Amplifier:
Introduction
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