NAD CI 16-60 DSP Amplifier – NAD Performance for Custom Install

The Canadian hi-fi manufacturer NAD Electronics sees its latest amplifier in the custom installation segment, the NAD CI 16-60 DSP Amplifier, as a flexible solution for so-called high-performance distribution audio systems. 16 channels with 60 watts of power each are available here.

NAD Electronics International has always been regarded as one of the renowned hi-fi manufacturers that dedicate themselves to different segments of consumer electronics with the broadest possible product range. Many people interested in hi-fi will know that NAD Electronics is not only active in the classic stereo sector, but also in the home cinema sector, where it is clearly one of the few remaining high-end suppliers. It is probably not as well known, however, that the Canadians are also very active in the custom installation segment, where they can also offer extremely exciting solutions that benefit directly from their expertise in the high-end hi-fi and AV segment.

With the new amplifier for the particularly demanding project business of proven installation experts, the Canadian company NAD Electronics expressly emphasises that this is a solution that brings NAD’s proven performance to the custom installation segment. The new NAD CI 16-60 DSP Amplifier is specifically designed for distributed audio and combines Smart CI Solutions with legendary NAD performance.

At first glance, the new NAD CI 16-60 DSP Amplifier appears to be a rather modest solution, as is usual in this class. It has the classic housing for installation in 19-inch racks, although it is noticeable that it is a unit with two height units. This already suggests that we are dealing with a somewhat more powerful system.

And indeed, even if the pure power is not expressed in breathtaking peak values, after all, “only” 60 watts per channel are available here, the highlight of the new NAD CI 16-60 DSP amplifier is that 60 watts are available here for a total of 16 channels. To emphasise once again, the new NAD CI 16-60 DSP Amplifier is a 16 x 60 watt amplifier, although according to the manufacturer this figure is deliberately “conservative”. The new NAD CI 16-60 DSP Amplifier delivers these 60 watts per channel to speaker systems with an impedance of 8 ohms.

In addition, two consecutive channels can be bridged, resulting in two 140-watt outputs at 8 ohms.

According to the developers, they use a hybrid digital amplifier platform that allows for stable and efficient performance with high current capability in a compact form factor. At the heart of this is an adapted version of the proven Hypex UcD power amplifier from Hypex Electronics B.V., which allows high power reserves with low distortion and minimal noise.

The NAD CI 16-60 DSP amplifier was of course designed to meet the special requirements of custom installations with so many separate channels, especially for long cable runs and difficult speaker loads.

As the name suggests, the NAD CI 16-60 DSP Amplifier has integrated DSP-based signal processing for optimal adaptation to a wide range of applications, whereby the complete configuration, calibration and control can of course be carried out directly via IP Control. The complete digital multi-channel signal processing is available to the expert via a web-based user interface for detailed control of the equalisation.

Via a virtual patch field, each input can be routed to one or more outputs without actually having to lay real cables. In addition, the user interface offers insights into the temperature and power supply status, basic troubleshooting functions such as switching off, resetting to factory settings and any updates. Rounding out the NAD CI 16-60 DSP Amplifier’s feature set are said to be loop-through jacks on all inputs, making it easy to connect sources to multiple amplifiers in larger installations.

Die Rückseite hält für diese Flexibilität nicht nur einen globalen Ein- und Ausgang bereit, selbstverständlich stehen für jeden der Kanäle individuelle Ein- und Ausgänge ebenso zur Verfügung wie 12 V Trigger Anschlüsse und IR In- und Out.

“NADs CI 16-60 DSP-Verstärker gesellt sich zu den Verteilerverstärkern CI 8-120 DSP und CI 8-150 DSP und unterstreicht eine der stärksten Eigenschaften der Marke, nämlich unsere Verstärkerplattformen. Die Marke ist bekannt für grundsolide Verstärkung und eine klangliche Ausgewogenheit, die praktisch jedem Lautsprecher, den sie antreibt, die Hand reicht. Unsere Kunden können den gleichen anspruchsvollen Standard erwarten. Der neue CI 16-60 DSP zum Beispiel wurde den gleichen strengen Klangtests unterzogen wie unsere besten traditionellen Verstärker. Ganz einfach, diese klangliche Signatur und felsenfeste Zuverlässigkeit ist es, was NAD vom Rest unterscheidet.”

Joe de Jesus, Produktmanager für CI Lenbrook International

Der neue NAD CI 16-60 DSP-Verstärker wird im Laufe des Frühjahrs im Fachhandel zu finden sein, so die Angaben des Vertriebs. Der empfohlene Verkaufspreis wird mit € 3.000,- angegeben.

Getting to the point

With the new amplifier for the particularly demanding project business of designated installation experts, the Canadian company NAD Electronics expressly emphasises that this is a solution that brings the proven performance of NAD into the custom installation segment. The new NAD CI 16-60 DSP Amplifier is specifically designed for distributed audio and combines Smart CI Solutions with legendary NAD performance.