The NAD C165BEE 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 C162, 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 C165BEE with lightening fast transient response and bass extension and defi nition that is uncommon at this price level. High frequencies are extended, silky smooth and grain-free.
In the phono stage NAD have added three position switches to individually select the resistance and capacitance of the 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.
NAD have 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!
Unlike many high-end preamps that skimp on inputs and features, the C165BEE has all the flexibility you will ever need. Starting with six line level inputs and the previously mentioned MC/MM phono input, the C165BEE also includes a superbly designed tone control circuit. While tone control circuits in general tend to hurt performance by adding noise and distortion, the C165BEE 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
NAD has responded quickly and responsibly to the new awareness of environmental damage caused by human activity. The C165BEE 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.
Features:
- 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
Specifications:
Phono Inputs:
- Input impedance (R and C): MM - 2.6 mV (ref. 1 kHz 500 mV out) :: MC - 0.15 mV (ref. 1 kHz 500 mV out)
- Input sensitivity: MM - 14 mV/140 mV/1.2 (20 Hz/1 kHz/20 kHz) :: MC - 0.8 mV/7 mV/65 mV (20 Hz/1 kHz/20 kHz)
- Signal/Noise ratio (A-weighted w/ cartridge): MM - >78 dB3 (ref. 0.5 mV) :: MC >78 dB2 (ref. 0.5 mV)
- Signal/Noise ratio (5V rms at Tape out): MM/MC >78 dB2 (ref. 0.5 mV) | >78 dB2 (ref. 0.5 mV)
- RIAA response accuracy: MM,MC ± 0.5 dB (ref. 20 Hz – 50 Hz)
Line Level Inputs (CD, Video, Tuner, Tape1, Tape2, Aux):
- Input impedance (R and C): 100 kO+ 320 pF
- Input sensitivity ref. 0.5V: 159 mV (ref. 500 mV out)
- Signal/Noise ratio, A weighted ref 0.5V: >108 dB (ref. 500 mV in 500 mV out, volume set to unity gain)
- Frequency response (-3dB 3Hz - 70kHz): ± 0.1 dB (ref. 20 Hz - 20 kHz, Tone defeat ON)
- Maximum i/p level: >9 V
Line Level Outputs:
- Output impedance: Pre Out 75 O :: Tape Source Z + 1 kHz :: Headphones 10 O
- Maximum output level: Pre Out >10 V into 600 O :: Tape >10 V into 10 kO load :: Headphones >7 V into 600 O
Controls (Volume Setting @ 12:00 position)
- Treble: ± 5 dB at 10 kHz (ref. 2V in 500 mV out)
- Bass: ± 5 dB at 100 Hz (ref. 2V in 500 mV out)
