component. Six digital inputs, including a pro-type BNC connection, plus three RCA jack coaxial and two optical ports are freely assignable, while two digital outputs facilitate recording. Following NAD’s usual attention to detail, all digital inputs and outputs are buffered and transformer coupled to provide a precise impedance match to minimize “jitter” on the digital signal. There’s also a
5.1- channel analogue input to accept the future addition of an outboard surround processor, such as DVD-Audio and/or an SACD component. Four analogue inputs, and no fewer than six video paths (all with S-Video) include a component-video input/output for fully integrated DVD or digital-TV use. A fully independent Zone 2 stereo output accommodates whole-house expansion, while an RS-232 serial port and three 12V trigger outputs (assignable for two functions) provide for sophisticated systems control. Of course, the S 170i also incorporates NAD Link for multi-component “smart- remote” operation.
NAD’s HTR-2 multi-device learning remote control, with its ergonomic layout and illuminated keypad, makes remote operation enjoyable and straightforward. With direct access to Surround, Center, and Sub channel levels, it is easy to make small “tweaks” to the sound fi eld “on the fl y” without having to enter OSD menus
-a nice feature for the serious movie buff. Another nice feature are the AV Presets; fi ve non-volatile memory positions that can store alternate speaker level settings for instant recall. A separate ZR-2 remote is included for fully independent control of all second zone functions.
Performance
The S 170i’s analogue audio circuits employ the latest high- performance FET operational amplifi ers, and all eight channels deliver exceedingly low output impedance-long an NAD hallmark that eliminates the sonic impact of cable (and amplifi er input) impedance. S 170i output muting is performed via reliable, sonically transparent gold-contact relays (rather than sound-coloring electronic switching), and includes gold-surfaced connectors throughout.
The result is a surround controller that stands as the sonic equal of the very best stereo high-end preamps, while also being capable of delivering the power and realism of the best multi-channel recordings. The S 170i’s superb performance has earned it Lucas Film approval under the THX Ultra 2 program, a clear certifi cation of no-holds-barred Home Theatre performance.
The S 170i combines ultra-high-speed DSP processing employing the latest generation Motorola DSP with 24 bit/96kHz capable D/A converters for all channels, yielding state-of-the-art surround decoding and sound quality in all modes. All digital circuits are run from a single high precision master clock to insure that no timing errors can occur between the various digital circuits that comprise this sophisticated control center. In addition to its superb Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, THX Surround EX decoding, the S 170i performs extremely accurate digital-domain ProLogic II decoding. It includes NAD’s proprietary Enhanced Ambience Recovery System
(EARS). Unlike typical ambience synthesis modes, EARS employs the S 170i’s enormous DSP calculating power to extract the ambient content that is “encrypted” in virtually all natural-acoustic stereo recordings to the appropriate main, center and surround speakers-without resorting to artifi cially generated refl ections
or regeneration. EARS’s natural ambience yields a subtle but extraordinarily effective surround mode that naturally enhances the spatial presentation in a fashion suitable for serious music listening.
When combined with associated components of similar caliber, like our S 570 DVD Player, S 400 FM Tuner and S 250 Power Amplifi er, the S 170i is fully capable of extracting every nuance of musical and cinematic detail from your favourite performances.
And it’s simple set-up and operation makes attainment of this home entertainment nirvana easy, enhancing the enjoyment of this fi ne electronic instrument.
