Stereo Preamplifier, Features, Design

C 162 Stereo Preamplifier

0dB to –12dB

•Gold Plated RCA Connectors

•Pure “Class A” Discrete Amplifi er Modules

•Independent Headphone Amplifi er

•Bass and Treble Control with Tone Defeat Switch

•“Blue Velvet” Alps motorized volume control

•Input switching through hermetically sealed relays

•NAD Link

•12V Trigger Output

•NAD SR-5 Full System Remote Control

With the arrival of the all new NAD Model C 162 pre-amplifi er you can get the best of both worlds: Ultimate performance combined with the convenience of remote control. Its outward simplicity belies the sophistication of the circuitry inside.

Features:

With 6 line inputs (two of which are Tape In/ Out) and an MM/MC phono input available it’s unlikely you will run out of inputs to connect your sources to. The C 162 is fully remote controlled and comes supplied with the NAD C Series system remote control. As the

C 162 has NAD Link, the remote control will also operate many other NAD products such as CD players, tuner etc. The headphone socket will drive virtually any non-electrostatic headphones.

It is fashionable to omit tone controls nowadays: However, provided that the tone controls are properly designed, they can really be a useful tool to make improvements to the overall sound. The C 162 tone controls only work at the frequency extremes leaving the critical mid-band essentially unaltered. The tone control circuits can be completely bypassed by using the tone defeat switch.

For remote on/off switching of ancillary components in a system, such as power amplifi ers or active speakers, the C 162 is

activate a 12V trigger input and switch on the remote devices.

Unique is the Variable Pre-out 2 facility. Many systems can benefi t from the use of multiple power amplifi ers for “Bi- Amping” (using separate power amplifi ers to drive the bass and treble section of a loudspeaker). Many speakers are all ready set up for this with separate inputs for the low and high frequency sections. But not all power amplifi ers are identical in gain (amplifi cation factor). With the Variable Pre-out 2 facility differences in loudness between power amplifi ers up to 12dB can be dialed out precisely.

The low output impedance on the Pre-outputs allow the C 162 to drive several power amplifi ers in parallel and/ or the use of long interconnect cables (without the degradation of the performance that can so often become apparent when long cables are used).

Design:

Following NAD’s “Music First” design brief, the C 162 utilizes completely new, innovative circuit topology which allows for investment in high specifi cation and close tolerance components. Metal fi lm resistors, polypropylene capacitors, hermetically sealed relays and the Alps “Blue Velvet” motorized volume control are a few examples of this.

Special attention has been paid to the power supply section of the C 162. The toroidal transformer has 4 separate secondary windings followed by 6 main low- noise regulators. From here no less than 6 super low- noise subsidiary regulators and active fi lters are used to maximize supply rejection for all sections of the C 162 to more than 100dB.

Often other manufacturers disregard the importance of a phono stage. NAD recognizes the performance potential of a good turntable and has made sure that the C 162 will not be the limiting factor. The MC phono stage is built pretty much like a small “power amp” so that a wide range of MC cartridges can be used while keeping noise very low combined with a high overload margin. Likewise, the

C162 specifications

The NAD C162 is a preamplifier that has gained a strong reputation among audio enthusiasts for its exceptional sound quality and reliable performance. This device is part of NAD's acclaimed line of high-fidelity audio equipment, which is well-regarded for delivering robust audio experiences. The C162 is designed with a focus on purity of sound and versatility, making it an excellent choice for both music lovers and audiophiles.

One of the standout features of the NAD C162 is its advanced circuitry. It employs a fully discrete analog signal path, which significantly minimizes distortion and noise, ensuring that the audio signal remains intact and true to its source. This design principle allows the C162 to convey a wide dynamic range, bringing out the subtleties in music without sacrificing clarity or vibrancy.

The C162 offers multiple input options, allowing users to connect various audio sources. With five line-level inputs and a dedicated phono input for turntables, it provides the necessary flexibility for modern home audio systems. Furthermore, the inclusion of a high-quality phono stage makes it particularly appealing to vinyl enthusiasts, ensuring that records sound as they were intended.

In terms of user interface, the NAD C162 is designed for simplicity and ease of use. The front panel features a well-organized layout with intuitive controls, allowing for easy adjustments of volume and source selection. Additionally, it includes remote control functionality, offering convenience for users who prefer not to get up from their seats.

Another significant aspect of the C162 is its robust build quality. NAD has a history of creating durable products, and the C162 is no exception. The preamplifier is housed in a solid chassis that not only contributes to its longevity but also helps minimize vibration and external interference that can affect sound quality.

In conclusion, the NAD C162 is a versatile and high-quality preamplifier that excels in various audio environments. With its excellent sound performance, multiple input options, intuitive user interface, and dependable construction, it stands out as a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their audio system. Whether used in a music-focused setup or integrated into a larger home theater environment, the C162 assures a remarkable listening experience. For those seeking a blend of quality and value, the NAD C162 remains a strong contender in the realm of audio preamplifiers.