• Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, ProLogic II, DTS,
• Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital EX, ProLogic II, DTS,
DTS ES, DTS NEO:6, Matrix 7.1, THX EX 5.1/6.1/7.1
Decoding, Stereo Enhanced Stereo Surround Mode
• Latest Generation Motorola DSP Processor
• NAD’s Proprietary EARS Surround Music Mode
• 24 bit/96kHz Compatible
• 24 bit Resolution DACs for all channels
• 10 Inputs: 6 Video (3 are full in/out), 4 Audio (1 is
Tape Monitor In/Out loop)
• All Video Inputs are S-Video and Composite
• 6 Digital Inputs: 1 BNC, 3 Coaxial, 2 Optical; freely
• 2 Digital Outputs: 1 Coaxial, 1 Optical
• Ext 5.1 Input for connection of DVD-A
• 3 x 12V Trigger Outputs
• IEC Detachable Power Cable
• RS-232 Port for advanced control systems and
• HTR-2 - 8 Device Illuminated Learning Remote with
• ZR-2 Second Zone Remote
The original S 170 was the rst THX EX processor to reach
the market nearly two years ago, and it still remains the
benchmark for sonic performance in this price category.
With the development of THX Ultra 2, DTS ES and Neo:6,
and Dolby EX and ProLogic II it is logical that NAD would
update the S 170 to include these new decoding formats.
We are pleased to introduce the S 170i, offering all the
latest decoding formats while maintaining the same elegant
simplicity, style, and performance of the original.
Signi cantly, in these days of rapid digital format changes,
the S 170i features a fully upgradeable digital processor
on a separate plug-in circuit board. In fact owners of the
S170 can have their unit upgraded to the “i” version for
a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new unit, proving
the value of this design concept. All DSP processing and
operating system “intelligence” is located on a plug-in
module, making major upgrades a fairly simple process.
Minor upgrades are offered free of charge and can be
implemented via download from a PC using the RS-232
port located on the rear panel.
The modular processor dictates the use of a specially
engineered, ultra-low-noise switch mode power supply,
so that the S 170i achieves supply voltages of unexcelled
stability and purity that remain totally independent despite
varying demands on all eight channels, or even the
requirements of future digital upgrades.
The bass management circuit of the S 170i offers
tremendous exibility, while still meeting all the Dolby and
THX mandates for bass redirection and Low Frequency
Effects (LFE) channel management. The crossover
frequency can be adjusted in 10Hz increments from 40Hz
to 200Hz (except in THX mode where 80Hz is speci ed),
and individual channels can have their level tweaked in
0.5dB increments allowing much ner adjustment than that
offered by most receivers and processors. Uniquely, the
S 170i uses both digital and analogue lter sections for a
superior electronic crossover characteristic.
Despite its deceptively simple appearance, the S 170i
is also fully equipped to serve as a very able master
S 170i Surround Sound Preamp Processor
The S 170i is squarely focused on the individual
who prizes sonic performance above all else,
and appreciates the simplicity of the NAD
approach. While you can nd less expensive
processors, and processors with a longer punch
list of “features”, the S 170i offers a level of
performance for money that is unmatched.
Whether used as an analogue preamp in Stereo
Bypass mode, or used to decode the
latest formats from Dolby, DTS, and THX,
the S 170i brings a purity and dynamic realism
to every performance. This goes beyond
specs or features and speaks to the real reason
for spending this much money on a Hi-Fi:
to create an experience that transports the
listener/viewer to that special place created by
the recording artist. Indeed, it is this ability to
“make the machine disappear” that separates
the great products from the merely good
products. The S 170i is a great product.
