UPGRADABILITY
We engineered the S170 preamplifier with selectively modular construction. All of its digital-control and - processing “intelligence” is located on a single plug in module. This sophisticated yet accessible architecture simplifies servicing while maintaining signal-path integrity, making potential hardware upgrades possible. That said, given the S170's extraordinary processing power and speed we do not foresee the need for hardware upgrades at this time. Nevertheless, you may feel confident that the S170 will not become obsolete in the foreseeable future.
Software upgrades are a more likely scenario, and are easily accomplished via the high-speed RS-232 port on the rear panel of the S170. Owners who have registered their S170s on our international web site at www.NADelectronics.com will be advised of updates (see "Getting the Most from the NAD S170," above). Updates may be free of charge, or in some cases may require royalty payments for proprietary decoding systems and the like. Computer-savvy users can perform these upgrades by downloading the files (and an installer application) from our web-site, and uploading to the S170 by connecting the preamp's RS-232 port to the PC's serial port. (See “System Integration”, page 26 for more detailed information). Alternatively, the NAD audio specialist from whom you purchased your S170 will assist you in performing software upgrades.
ABOUT THE S70 SYSTEM REMOTE CONTROL
Packed with your S170 is the NAD S70 LCD remote controller, accompanied by a short, dedicated operating manual covering its general function. We strongly recommend that you scan this manual and familiarize yourself with the S70's simple layout and operations before proceeding with setup of your S170 preamplifier; you will find that this process takes but a few minutes.
The S70 remote controller is a "paged" display; that is, each set of commands or functions shows a new array of icons on its LCD screen. This makes it a powerfully flexible commander; however, because we were careful to keep its menu structure very "shallow"— there are never more than three levels between any command and the uppermost, "top" screen—you will find it simple and intuitive to use.
Chances are, you will primarily use your S70 to command the S170 A/V preamp, but the remote can also operate other Silver Series and C-Series NAD components such as a CD player or recorder, cassette-tape component, and an AM/FM tuner. You will find the details of its function with these components in each of their owner's manuals.
