NAD 218THX User Manual (English)

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218THX

Stereo Power Amplifier

• 2 x 200 Watts continuous power into 8ohms (230 V version)

2 x 225 Watts continuous power into 8ohms (120 V version)

• Dynamic Power 250, 430, 660 W into 8, 4 and 2 ohms (230V)

Dynamic Power 280, 470, 700 W into 8, 4 and 2 ohms (120V)

• Low loss, massive Holmgren™ toroidal mains transformer

• Dual mono, Left and Right mirror image amplifier PCBs

• Fully balanced XLR inputs

• Soft Clipping

• Protection circuitry senses short circuits, DC and overheating

• Bridgeable; 700 W into 8 ; 1.2 kW dynamic power into 4

The all-new NAD Model 218 THX joins the award winning range of NAD Power Amplifiers combining the

traditional NAD virtues of excellent performance and value-for-money, further enhancing NAD's enviable

reputation for State-of-the-Art products at sensible prices.

The key design goals of the new range are PERFORMANCE and RELIABILITY, attained by efficient

innovative design, simple circuitry and meticulous engineering.

Circuitry

The NAD 218 THX is designed with the capability to drive all types of musical signals effortlessly into the

even most unreasonable of loudspeakers loads. To cope with difficult loads (even as low as 1ohms), the

NAD Model 218 THX is equipped with a high current output stage combined with a very generous power

supply. The massive "Holmgren" toroidal transformer, has even less hum and magnetic leakage than

conventional toroids, and retains the usual benefits of high efficiency and power-to-weight ratio.

Pioneered by NAD for the highly acclaimed Model 208 THX, the Model 218 THX uses a bank of reservoir

capacitors rather than a single pair. Besides being a more economical solution this is also technically

superior as many smaller capacitors have a faster recovery time and less total inductance than a single

pair of larger capacitors. The input stage is fed from a separate low-noise, regulated power supply which

isolates it from the high power sections eliminating interference.

Additional features

The Model 218 THX comes with fully balanced XLR inputs which allow it to be partnered with

professional equipment or with long stretches of cable between the pre- and power amplifier without the

risk of interference. The standard 19 inch rack mounting front panel further facilitate the use of the

Model 218 THX in a professional environment. The output relay protection circuit provides silent switch

on and off, together with non-evasive protection against unlikely error conditions such as short circuits

and overheating.

For maximum flexibility, the NAD Model 218 THX can also be operated in bridged mono mode, typically

tripling its output power rating. This makes the NAD 218 THX an ideal choice for a sub-woofer amplifier

or high powered amplifier in THX or other Home Theater applications.

The Model 218 THX also incorporates NAD's acclaimed switchable "Soft Clipping" circuit which

significantly reduces the risk of damage to loudspeakers due to prolonged high power operation.

NAD was the first company to introduce a THX certified power amplifier. It is therefore no surprise that

the NAD Model 218 THX passes Lucas Films' stringent THX requirements with flying colours.

The listening experience

Whilst there are other very powerful amplifiers available, the NAD Model 218 THX goes beyond just brute

force: It's sonic performance is among the very best available, be it at low or high power levels.

Need help?

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NAD 218THX Specifications

Unbridged (Stereo) Mode

continuous output power at 120V	225W
continuous output power at 230V	200W
rated distortion (THD 20Hz-20kHz)	0.03%
clipping power at 120V	240W
clipping power at 230V	210W
IHF dynamic headroom at 8 ohms	1 dB
IHF dynamic power at 8 ohms 120V	280W
IHF dynamic power at 8 ohms 230V	250W
IHF dynamic power at 4 ohms 120V	470W
IHF dynamic power at 4 ohms 230V	430W
IHF dynamic power at 2 ohms 120V	700W
IHF dynamic power at 2 ohms 230V	660W
slew rate	>100V/µs
damping factor (ref. 8 ohms, 50Hz)	>200
input impedance	47k /700pF
input sensitivity (for rated power into 8 ohms)	1.4V
voltage gain	x 28.3 (29 dB)
frequency response	20Hz-20kHz + 0.3 dB
-3dB frequency range	2.5Hz / 80kHz
signal/noise ratio ref. 1 W	96 dB
signal/noise ratio ref. rated power	120 dB
THD + SMPTE I.M. + IHF I.M.	<0.03%

Bridged (Monophonic) Mode

continuous average power output into 8 ohms at 120V	780W
continuous average power output into 8 ohms at 230V	700W
IHF dynamic headroom at 8 ohms	1 dB
IHF dynamic power at 8 ohms 120V	940W
IHF dynamic power at 8 ohms 230V	880W
IHF dynamic power at 4 ohms 120V	1.3kW
IHF dynamic power at 4 ohms 230V	1.2kW