NAD 314 manual Integrated Amplifier, Flexibility, Performance

314

Integrated Amplifier

•2 x 35 Watts continuous power into 8 ohms

•EDP circuit for high dynamic power: 200 watts into 2 ohms

•6 line inputs, including two tape in / outs

•Pre-out / Main-in

•All Discrete circuitry including phono stage

•Short signal path from input to output

•Tone controls defeat switch

•Soft Clipping

NAD has always enjoyed a formidable reputation when it comes to budget amplifiers and like many NAD products the Model 314's predecessor, the Model 304 has won many International awards. Retaining much of the "heart" of the Model 304, many improvements have been made to its successor, without changing the basic hallmarks for all NAD components; excellent performance and value for money.

Flexibility

Flexibility is an NAD amplifier's strongest point. The Model 314 has 6 line inputs (including 2 tape in/outputs with dubbing facility) and a MM phono input. By removing the links between the Pre-out and Main-in sockets the pre-amplifier section can be separated from the power amplifier for easy upgrades (bi-amping, for instance) or adding ancillary equipment without making the Model 314 redundant. The tone control circuits can be completely bypassed by using the tone defeat switch. Virtually all non- elctrostatic headphones can be driven form the headphone socket.

Performance

Music is a dynamic medium whereby very short peaks in the music can demand high output power for a very short time. Conventional amplifiers can only produce a very small amount of dynamic power for a too short period of time. The Model 314 employs NAD's ground-breaking Extended Dynamic Power (EDP) circuit topology, enabling it to achieve high levels of dynamic power for a substantially longer period of time than the standard 20ms IHF test. The EDP technology allows the Model 314 to deliver as much as 200 Watts into 2 ohms dynamically. Despite being rated at "only" 35 Watts continuous, the NAD Model 314's practical output power will out-perform many conventional designs with up to three times the Model 314's continuous power rating.

Instead of using switches directly behind the front panel for the input selector, the Model 314 has the switches located close to the inputs at the back of the amplifier, avoiding long PCB tracks which can introduce distortion and degrade channel separation and cross-talk.

The overall high level of performance is achieved by using discrete circuitry only. Even the phono section

-so often ignored by other manufacturers - boasts precision metal film resistors and close tolerance polypropylene capacitors to provide accurate equalisation, low distortion, a wide dynamic range (>100dB) and extremely low noise. A generous power supply and over-rated output devices further lead to low noise and low distortion. Even loudspeakers with complex loads (such as low impedances) can be driven with ease.

The Model 314 also incorporates NAD's acclaimed switchable "Soft Clipping" circuit which significantly reduces the risk of damage to loudspeakers due to prolonged high power operation.

The combination of flexibility, performance and price make it difficult to overlook this new NAD amplifier when selecting the components for a budget system. The Model 314 is another true HiFi classic in the making.