NAD C165BEE User manual

C 165BEE Stereo Preamplifier
• 6 Line Level Inputs
• Phono Input with selectable
Moving Coil and Moving
Magnet sensitivity settings
• 3 position Resistance
and Capacitance settings for
Phono Input
• 2 Line Level Outputs, one
variable from 0dB to -12dB
• Subwoofer Output
• Independent Headphone
Amplifier
• Pure Class A Gain Modules
• Sealed Reed Relays for Input
Switching
• Heavy Gauge Steel Chassis
• Bass and Treble Controls
with Defeat Switch (bypass]
• Gold Plated Sockets
• 12V Trigger Output
• IR In and Out
• Detachable Power Cord
• SR 8 NAD 4 Device System
remote Control
• <1 watt Standby Consumption
> FEATURES
> POSITIONING
The C 165BEE is the perfect complement to NAD’s C 275BEE Power Amplifier making a reference level of performance available for far less money
than previously possible. Attention to the most minute detail is evident everywhere, from the heavy gauge steel chassis to the sophisticated
power supplies and custom Class A gain modules taken straight from the NAD Masters Series components.
C 165BEE Stereo Preamplifier
C 165BEE Stereo Preamplifier
> POSITIONING
> DETAILS
Performance
The C 165BEE is an all new design representing a lifetime
of design experience from NAD’s renowned Director of
Advanced Developments, Bjorn Erik Edvardsen. New
semiconductors and improved production techniques
such as surface mount devices (SMDs) have created
opportunities for performance far beyond expectation
when compared to previous products in this price range.
Compared to its predecessor the C 162, an improved
tone control circuit and revised PCB layout has reduced
distortion and noise to unprecedented levels when
combined with the high signal capacity of the NAD Class
A Gain Modules.
Class A gain modules combine the short signal path
advantage of IC based OPAmps with the higher signal
and current capacity of discrete transistors. Here SMD
is used to miniaturize the circuit while the extruded
aluminum heat sink keeps all parts at the optimal
operating temperature for ultra low distortion. This
unique NAD development endows the C 165BEE with
lightening fast transient response and bass extension
and definition that is uncommon at this price level. High
frequencies are extended, silky smooth and grain-free.
In the phono stage we have added 3 position switches to
individually select the resistance and capacitance of the
continued>

phono stage to allow precise matching of most
popular Moving Magnet and Moving Coil phono
cartridges. Other refinements have lowered noise
and improved the overload margin. Precision close
tolerance parts are used to achieve nearly perfect
RIAA response.
We’ve also improved the headphone amplifying
circuit to better drive studio quality high impedance
headphones. Taken together, these improvements
mark a sharp upturn in performance that simply
must be heard, to be fully appreciated!
Features
Unlike many high-end preamps that skimp on inputs
and features, the C 165BEE has all the flexibility
you will ever need. Starting with 6 line level inputs
and the previously mentioned MC/MM phono input,
the C 165BEE also includes a superbly designed
tone control circuit. While tone control circuits in
general tend to hurt performance by adding noise
and distortion, the C 165BEE is a textbook example
of how to correctly implement high fidelity tone
controls. Affecting only the frequency extremes
they leave the critical midrange untouched. Their
moderate action is perfect for touching up the tonal
balance of all the less than perfect recordings in your
collection. A Tone Defeat switch quickly selects flat
response and bypasses all the tone control circuitry.
A full function remote control also includes controls
for other NAD components allowing a ‘one remote’
solution for your NAD system.
Custom Installation Ready
With a 12V trigger output and IR inputs and outputs
on the rear panel, the C165BEE is ready to integrate
with CI control systems. Discrete On/Off codes and
direct access to inputs make programming easy.
Green Features
NAD has responded quickly and responsibly to the
new awareness of environmental damage caused
by human activity. The C 165BEE is manufactured
without the heavy metals that have been identified
as harmful to the environment and manufacturing
processes meet the latest stringent international
standards. Standby power consumption is best in
its class at <1 watt.
Value
We don’t think you’ll find another preamp with
the same pedigree, performance, and flexibility
at anywhere near the low price of the C 165BEE.
Classic understated styling, superb build quality and
true engineering sophistication at an affordable
price; that’s the NAD difference.
> DETAILS
C 165BEE Stereo Preamplifier
> REAR LINE DRAWING

C 165BEE Stereo Preamplifier
NAD Electronics International reserves the right to change specications or features without notice. NAD is a registered trademark of NAD Electronics
International. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form whatsoever without the written
permission of NAD Electronics International. © 10/08 NAD Electronics International.
www.NADelectronics.com
> SPECIFICATIONS
Over All Specifications
Line Level Input
Input impedance (R and C) 100 kΩ+ 320 pF
Input sensitivity 159 mV (ref. 500 mV out)
Maximum input signal >9 V
Signal/Noise ratio, A-weighted >108 dB (ref. 500 mV in 500 mV out,
volume set to unity gain)
>112 dB (ref. 2V out, Volume maximum)
Frequency response ± 0.1 dB (ref. 20 Hz - 20 kHz, Tone defeat ON)
± 0.5 dB (ref. 20 Hz - 20 kHz, Tone defeat OFF)
Frequency response
(subwoofer out) 100 Hz (ref. -3 dB)
Output
Output impedance
Pre out 75 Ω
Tape out Source Z + 1 kHz
Sub out 100 Ω
Headphones 10 Ω
Maximum voltage output
Pre out >10 V into 600 Ω
Tape out >10 V into 10 kΩ load
Sub out >7 V into 1 kΩ load
Headphones >7 V into 600 Ω
>2 V into 32 Ω
THD (CCIF IMD, DIM 100) >0.005 % dB (ref. 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 2 Vout)
Tone Controls
Treble ± 5 dB at 10 kHz (ref. 2V in 500 mV out)
Bass ± 5 dB at 100 Hz (ref. 2V in 500 mV out)
Power Consumption
Normal operation 21 W
Standby mode <0.8 W
Phono Input
Input impedance MC 40,100,600 Ω (R)
1 nF (C)
MM 47 kΩ (R)
220,300,400 pF (C)
Input sensitivity MC 0.15 mV (ref. 1 kHz 500 mV out)
MM 2.6 mV (ref. 1 kHz 500 mV out)
Input overload MC 0.8 mV/7 mV/65 mV (20 Hz/1 kHz/20 kHz)
MM 14 mV/140 mV/1.2 (20 Hz/1 kHz/20 kHz)
Gain MC in - Tape out 62.4 dB1 (ref. 1 kHz, 10 kΩ load)
MM in - Tape out 36.7 dB (ref. 1 kHz, 10 kΩ load)
THD (CCIF IMD, DIM 100) <0.009 % (ref. 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 5 Vrms Tape out)
Signal/Noise ratio,
IHF A-weighted MC >78 dB2 (ref. 0.5 mV)
MM >78 dB3 (ref. 0.5 mV)
RIAA response accuracy ± 0.5 dB (ref. 20 Hz – 50 Hz)
± 0.3 dB (ref. 50 Hz – 20 kHz)
Infrasonic filter 10 Hz (at -3 dB)
5 Hz (at -14 dB)
Physical Specifications
Dimensions (W x H x D) Net 435 x 80 x 286 mm
17 1/8” x 3” x 11 1/4”
Gross 435 x 99 x 315 mm
17 1/8” x 3 15/16” x 12 1/2”
Net weight 13.23 lb (6 kg)
Shipping
weight 17.1 lb (7.8 kg)
* Gross dimensions include volume knob / speaker ternimals / connectors / feet.
Note: Installers should allow a minimum clearance of 2- 4 inches for
wire managment.