Daniel J SaitNAD Electronics has announced an all-new amplifier targeted squarely at high performance distributed audio systems. The CI 8-120 DSP (£2499 MSRP) delivers 8 x 120 watts of ‘full disclosure power’ per channel with unique features and will be available in early 2020.
While the CI 8-120 will deliver a conservative 8 x 120 watts per channel @ 8ohm, it is also bridgeable to 4 x 200 watts per channel at 8ohm. IHF Dynamic Power in bridged mode is 4 x 350 watts per channel at 4ohm. The hybrid digital amplifier platform delivers stable and efficient power with high current capability, all in a slim 1U rack space. To make this level of performance possible, the CI 8-120 DSP uses a customized version of the proven Hypex UcD output stage.
This allows for massive power with extremely low distortion and noise in the audible range. Every detail of this design has been carefully executed to wring out every last drop of performance. Designed to deal with the demands of the CI world, it was made to handle long cable runs and difficult speaker loads.
NAD’s newest generation of distribution amplifiers will offer the brand’s signature sonic performance along with a host of technological features demanded by today’s CI market. For example, the CI 8-120 DSP allows installers to program and control a variety of functions which can be accessed through a web browser.
The custom web UI can manage DSP calibration and IP control as well as offer several helpful diagnostic features. Once the installer has accessed the unit from within the network, the amplifier can be set up, calibrated, as well as reboot, factory reset, restore custom settings, and update firmware.
NAD is keenly aware that reliability is paramount for a professional installer, so all models will be based on tried and true amplification platforms delivering stable and reliable performance. The CI 8-120 amplifier is stable at 4 ohm impedance. A variety of power methods are available as well as an Eco mode setting for minimal power consumption.
“NAD’s newest CI 8-120 amplifier highlights one of the brand’s strongest features which of course is our amplifier platforms,” comments Joe de Jesus, Lenbrook’s Product Manager for CI. “The brand has a reputation for rock solid amplification and a tonal balance that seems to shake hands with virtually any speaker it powers. Our clients can expect the same exacting standard. For example, this new CI 8-120 DSP adheres to the same stringent sonic tests as our best traditional amplifiers. Quite simply, that sonic signature is what separates NAD from the rest”.
Kris Rogers, NAD CI Product Manager at UK Distributers, Anatech Distribution adds:
“Anatech are immensely proud to represent NAD and Bluesound to the UK CI community. The CI8120DSP is an exciting addition to NAD’s range of AVR’s, rack-mounted amplifiers and BluOS streamers. An IP-addressable distribution amplifier, which performs with classic NAD amplification power and quality is great news – as is its ability to integrate through its array of drivers.”