NAD M3 manual Analog SOUND, Digital Control, Luxurious Styling and Intelligent Control

The Masters Series – M3 Dual Mono Integrated Amplifier

ANALOG SOUND, DIGITAL CONTROL

The M3 is NAD’s concept of the ideal musical companion, capable of transporting the listener to that place where the music simply exists in its own perfect space. For this task we have pushed classical analog circuit design to unprecedented levels of performance. The total lack of audible noise and distortion is the result of some very sophisticated analog engineering, and rather surprisingly, the use of digital control.

Freed of the constraints of traditional analog switches, NAD’s Director of Advanced Development, Bjorn Erik Edvardsen devised an architecture using precision 1% resistors controlled by digital switches for all the level adjustments required for volume control, balance control and tone control. (Yes we still believe in tone controls – more on that later.) Input selection is via precision sealed reed relays. A major advantage of this architecture, in addition to its extremely precise performance, is the ability to place controls in the most advantageous physical position within the circuit. The signal never has to travel to the front panel for switching, as with traditional amplifier designs. Getting to the infinitesimal levels of noise and distortion of the M3 requires very careful circuit layout, as only tiny changes in the signal path can have large effects on performance. Keeping signal paths as short as possible is also greatly aided by the use of SMD (miniature surface mount) components and multi-layer PCBs (circuit boards).

LUXURIOUS STYLING AND INTELLIGENT CONTROL

The design brief reads: “The industrial design must create a physical presence that is powerful, dynamic, and solid, yet refined and elegant”. We wanted a design that will still look fresh and new a decade from now, a design with classic proportions and understated details. We also wanted an amplifier that was not only easy to operate, but also very flexible and complete in its control options.

Unlike many high performance amplifiers, the M3 includes a full suite of convenience features. Speaker switching for two pairs of speakers and very flexible tone controls are provided, as is a Zone 2 output with its own independent set of commands and dedicated ZR 3 remote control. Front panel controls use a multi-function knob and buttons to quickly navigate all amplifier functions. All operating conditions are clearly displayed on a 2 line dot matrix VFD display. Direct access is available to many functions via the SRM 3 remote handset. The SRM 3 handset also features basic controls for the matching NAD DVD/SACD player.

Performance features include a multi-stage precision volume attenuator with 0.5dB steps and a range of 87.5dB, a remote balance control with 0.5dB steps, and a Mode control that allows stereo, left only, right only,

-180 watts X 2, 10Hz – 20kHz, with <0.03% THD, both channels driven into 8 or 4 Ohms

-Dynamic power of 280 watts at 8 Ohms, 480 watts at 4 Ohms, and 785 watts at 2 Ohms

-PowerDrive™

-Dual stage high current/high voltage power supply

-Dual Mono topology

-Twin NAD Custom-Made “Holmgren” Toroidal transformer

-Ultra precise multi-stage electronic volume control using discreet resistors

-7 inputs, including 1 balanced XLR

-Tape/Zone 2 output (independent source selection, no volume control)

-Speakers A + B with custom 5 way binding posts

-Biamp mode with selectable 40, 60, 80, 100 Hz crossover frequency on Pre Out 1

-Powered subwoofer

-Main Amp input

-Remote Bass and Treble controls with Spectral Tilt option

-Remote Balance control with 0.5 dB steps

-Selectable Mono, Left, Right, and Stereo options

-RS-232 interface for advanced custom installations

-12V Trigger for advanced control options, 1 Out

-3.5mm IR Control jacks, 1 In and 2 Out

-Detachable AC cord

-M3 System Remote Control

-ZR 3 second zone remote