NAD C445 User manual

• DAB/FM/AM Universal Tuner
• Dual Band DAB, Band III and L Band reception
• Dual Band DAB, Band III and L Band reception
• Individual antenna inputs for DAB, FM, and AM for best
possible reception of all broadcast formats
• DAB Favorite Station Memory
• 30 FM Station Presets, 10 AM Station Presets
• RDS PS and RT for FM broadcasts
• 2 Line Dot Matrix Display indicates station frequency,
Preset and Favorite Station titles, and other information
broadcast by individual DAB and FM stations
• Optical TosLink Digital SPDIF Output for DAB signals
• Audiophile quality DAC and analog line stage
• Simple intuitive operation
• Remote control
traditional AM and FM broadcasting. The almost complete
absence of noise and linear distortion make DAB broadcasts
absence of noise and linear distortion make DAB broadcasts
sound clear across a broad range of signal strengths. This
is great on spoken word programs, but the medium shows
its shortcomings with musical programs. Here, the data
reduction algorithms (MPEG) and very low data rates
sometimes employed, can cause very unmusical effects.
Music can lose its rich texture, especially in the higher
frequencies.
On good quality broadcasts, DAB can rival the sound quality
of the CD, and for this reason we have used the same high
quality parts and proven design for D/A conversion as we
use in our award winning CD Players, the C521BEE and
C542. We also include a digital output that can be used
to feed high end external D/A converters and other units
equipped with an SPDIF digital input.
Professional quality D/A converters and OPAmps are
sourced from Burr Brown and implemented using optimized
digital and analog circuits. NAD’s expertise in extracting
every last ounce of musicality from a circuit is evident from
the moment you switch on the C445 and tune in your fi rst
sation.
FM broadcasting, like DAB, requires a ‘line of sight’ from
the transmitter to the radio tuner’s antenna. The C445’s
FM tuning section is especially good at extracting the best
quality signal even under diffi cult reception conditions. A
careful balance of sensitivity, selectivity, and capture ratio
and dynamic range assures the best possible audio quality
with every available FM station. RDS functions of PS (station
name) and RT (radio text) are included for those stations
broadcasting with RDS.
AM is the oldest form of radio transmission, and yet has the
longest ‘reach’ of the commonly available broadcast bands.
While signal transmission quality is the most variable of
the three types of radio included in the C445, NAD strikes
a perfect balance between wide frequency response and
good noise suppression. The result can be surprisingly
good when the broadcast quality allows.
CONVENIENCE
In addition to the obvious convenience of having DAB,
FM, and AM in one component, we have included many
thoughtful features to make the operation of the C445 more
enjoyable. Whether you operate the C445 from the front
C 445 DAB Tuner
DIGITAL AUDIO BROADCASTING
In many parts of the world today, digital
broadcasting (DAB) is taking over from analog
broadcasting (AM/FM). The reasons for this
are simple, with digital transmission; many more
stations can ‘fi t’ into the available radio spectrum.
Included with this extra choice of program is
noise-free audio and enhanced text information
about the program, artist, and music, as well as
technical information about the broadcast itself.
While different countries are taking different
approaches to DAB implementation, one thing is
certain, DAB is here to stay!
NAD’s APPROACH TO DAB
We wanted to develop a radio tuner that fully
exploited the new medium of DAB yet maintained
NAD’s core values of performance, value, and
simplicity. The C445 employs a dual band DAB
radio frequency (RF) section that works equally
well with the two most popular DAB transmission
formats; Band III and L Band.
We also decided that while DAB represents
the future of broadcasting, there are still many
excellent programs on traditional AM and FM
bands, thus we have a tuner that accepts both
digital and analog methods of broadcasting in one
easy to use product.
PERFORMANCE
DAB broadcasting, by its very nature, improves
many areas that were constant annoyances with

panel or via the included wireless remote control, all functions are
easily controlled. The two line dot matrix display clearly indicates
essential information required for operation. Additional information
included with DAB and FM RDS transmission is scrolled across the
display.
Station Presets are available to make it easy to fi nd your favorite
stations. There are 30 FM and 10 AM memory positions available.
DAB handles presets a little differently, with all ‘available’ stations
listed in alphabetical order. With DAB there are many more stations,
and stations are recognized by name rather than frequency of
broadcast as is AM and FM. These DAB station offerings can often
change throughout the day allowing for a broader diversity of
program offerings.
VALUE
The C445 hits a new high water mark for value by offering the
highest levels of audio performance combined with fl exibility and
convenience, all at a very affordable price. While there have been
some very good performing tuners at a very high price, and some
basic models available at a low price, the C445 strikes a perfect
balance of cost to performance.
NAD Electronics International reserves the right to change specifi 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. © 01/06 NAD Electronics International.
www.NADelectronics.com
* Dimensions are of unit’s cabinets without feet attached; add up to 18mm for
total height. Dimension depth excludes terminals, sockets, controls and buttons.
SPECIFICATIONS - Preliminary
FM Tuner Section
Usable input sensitivity; FM mono
50dB Quieting sensitivity; FM stereo
Capture ratio (FM)
Image rejection
Harmonic distortion; FM mono
Harmonic distortion; FM stereo
Signal/noise; mono
Signal/noise; stereo
Channel separation at 1kHz
Frequency response
AM Tuner Section
Usable sensitivity
Selectivity
Image rejection
IF rejection
Signal/noise ratio
Harmonic distortion
16.1dBf
36.1dBf
3dB
>60dB
0.25%
0.5%
65dB
60dB
>40dB
15Hz-15kHz, ± 1.5dB
24dBµV
21dB
40dB
45dB
45dB
2%
DAB
Tuner Section
Tuning Range: Band III
Tuning Range: L Band
Sensitivity: Band III
Sensitivity: L Band
Signal/noise
Frequency response
Physical Specifications
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Net Weight
Shipping Weight
174 - 240 MHz
1423.96 - 1490.624 MHz
-96dBM typical
-93dBM typical
100dB
20Hz - 20kHz ± 1dB
17 1/8 x 2 3/4 x 11 1/4”
(435 x 70 x 285mm)
8.8 lbs (4kg)
13.2 lbs (6kg)