Though the S170 A/V preamp is among the most powerful and sophisticated digital-surround decoder/processors available, we worked hard to make it one of the most musically transparent home- theater components as well; this is what we mean by NAD's "Music First" design philosophy. Here are just a few examples:
•The S170 employs the latest, most sonically pure high-performance FET components throughout its analog audio circuits
•Exceedingly low output impedance from all channels (long an NAD hallmark) eliminates sonic impact from cables and amplifier input-impedances
•Output muting is via reliable, sonically transparent gold-contact relays rather than sound-coloring electronics
•Gold-surfaced connectors are employed throughout both internally and externally to ensure unimpeded signal transfer.
E.A.R.S.
A key element of the S170's unique musicality is NAD’s proprietary Enhanced Ambience Recovery System (EARS). In sharp contrast to many "ambience-synthesis" music-surround modes, EARS exploits the S170’s substantial DSP power to route the ambient content that is "encrypted" in virtually all natural-acoustic recordings to the appropriate main, center and surround speakers, without resorting to artificially generated reflections or regeneration. EARS’ natural ambience yields a subtle but exceptionally effective surround mode that naturally enhances the spatial presentation in a fashion suitable for serious music listening.
On the digital side, the S170 combines extraordinarily high-speed DSP processing employing one of the most advanced high-speed DSP "engines" available, with fully 24-bit, 96 kHz-sampling-capable D/A converters (and A/D conversion for analog inputs processed for surround sound) for all channels. A single, high-precision master clock runs all digital circuits to eliminate the timing errors ("jitter") that otherwise occur between digital stages, compromising sonic performance. The result is legitimately state-of-the-art surround decoding from Dolby Digital and DTS sources in both 5.1-channel and 6.1/7.1-channel output modes, and genuinely superior sound quality in all modes.
ABOUT THX
The S170 preamplifier is certified by Lucasfilm Ltd. as meeting the rigorous requirements of its home THX/Ultra program for surround controllers. This means that it is capable of delivering an audio experience equal to that of the finest commercial cinemas when its superb fundamental performance is combined with the surround enhancements mandated by the THX/Ultra program.
EASE OF USE
While we expended enormous effort to ensure that the S170 preamplifier's sonic performance is second to none, we invested no less in making it powerfully easy to use. Its design is unusually simple for so sophisticated a component, and the S70 LCD remote controller's functioning is uniquely self-prompting and intuitive, as are the S170's own front-panel and on-screen displays. A simple yet powerful system of presets will permit you to fine-tune your listening setup for different conditions, and to recall these multiple parameters with a single keypress.
INTEGRATION
The S170 preamplifier offers extensive, flexible system-integration options through its two configurable DC triggers outputs, as well as via NAD's proprietary NAD Link inter-component communications protocol. Additionally, an RS-232 serial port stands ready to integrate the preamp with still more sophisticated controllers such as touch-screen systems and whole-house automation installations by offering two-way communication.
