NAD Surround Sound Preamp Processor S 170i - Manual (Page 2)

component. Six digital inputs, including a pro-type BNC connection,
plus three RCA jack coaxial and two optical ports are freely
assignable, while two digital outputs facilitate recording. Following
NAD’s usual attention to detail, all digital inputs and outputs are
buffered and transformer coupled to provide a precise impedance
match to minimize “jitter” on the digital signal. There’s also a
5.1- channel analogue input to accept the future addition of an
outboard surround processor, such as DVD-Audio and/or an SACD
component. Four analogue inputs, and no fewer than six video
paths (all with S-Video) include a component-video input/output
for fully integrated DVD or digital-TV use. A fully independent Zone
2 stereo output accommodates whole-house expansion, while an
RS-232 serial port and three 12V trigger outputs (assignable for two
functions) provide for sophisticated systems control. Of course,
the S 170i also incorporates NAD Link for multi-component “smart-
remote” operation.
NAD’s HTR-2 multi-device learning remote control, with its
ergonomic layout and illuminated keypad, makes remote operation
enjoyable and straightforward. With direct access to Surround,
Center, and Sub channel levels, it is easy to make small “tweaks”
to the sound fi eld “on the fl y” without having to enter OSD menus
- a nice feature for the serious movie buff. Another nice feature are
the AV Presets; fi ve non-volatile memory positions that can store
alternate speaker level settings for instant recall. A separate ZR-2
remote is included for fully independent control of all second zone
functions.
Performance
The S 170i’s analogue audio circuits employ the latest high-
performance FET operational amplifi ers, and all eight channels
deliver exceedingly low output impedance-long an NAD hallmark
that eliminates the sonic impact of cable (and amplifi er input)
impedance. S 170i output muting is performed via reliable, sonically
transparent gold-contact relays (rather than sound-coloring
electronic switching), and includes gold-surfaced connectors
throughout.
The result is a surround controller that stands as the sonic equal of
the very best stereo high-end preamps, while also being capable
of delivering the power and realism of the best multi-channel
recordings. The S 170i’s superb performance has earned it Lucas
Film approval under the THX Ultra 2 program, a clear certifi cation of
no-holds-barred Home Theatre performance.
The S 170i combines ultra-high-speed DSP processing employing
the latest generation Motorola DSP with 24 bit/96kHz capable
D/A converters for all channels, yielding state-of-the-art surround
decoding and sound quality in all modes. All digital circuits are
run from a single high precision master clock to insure that no
timing errors can occur between the various digital circuits that
comprise this sophisticated control center. In addition to its superb
Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, THX Surround EX decoding, the S 170i
performs extremely accurate digital-domain ProLogic II decoding. It
includes NAD’s proprietary Enhanced Ambience Recovery System
(EARS). Unlike typical ambience synthesis modes, EARS employs
the S 170i’s enormous DSP calculating power to extract the
ambient content that is “encrypted” in virtually all natural-acoustic
stereo recordings to the appropriate main, center and surround
speakers-without resorting to artifi cially generated refl ections
or regeneration. EARS’s natural ambience yields a subtle but
extraordinarily effective surround mode that naturally enhances the
spatial presentation in a fashion suitable for serious music listening.
When combined with associated components of similar caliber, like
our S 570 DVD Player, S 400 FM Tuner and S 250 Power Amplifi er,
the S 170i is fully capable of extracting every nuance of musical and
cinematic detail from your favourite performances.
And it’s simple set-up and operation makes attainment of this home
entertainment nirvana easy, enhancing the enjoyment of this fi ne
electronic instrument.