NAD C162 - User Manual

To Next Page

•6 Line Level Inputs including 2 Tape In/Outputs with

dubbing facility

•Switchable MM and MC Phono Input

•2 Line Level Preamp Outputs; one is variable from

0dB to –12dB

•Gold Plated RCA Connectors

•Pure “Class A” Discrete Ampli er Modules

•Independent Headphone Ampli er

•Bass and Treble Control with Tone Defeat Switch

•“Blue Velvet” Alps motorized volume control

•Input switching through hermetically sealed relays

•NAD Link

•12V Trigger Output

•NAD SR-5 Full System Remote Control

equipped with a 12V trigger system. When switching the

pre-ampli er on, the 12V trigger output is also activated

which in turn can

activate a 12V trigger input and switch on the

remote devices.

Unique is the Variable Pre-out 2 facility. Many systems can

bene t from the use of multiple power ampli ers for “Bi-

Amping” (using separate power ampli ers to drive the bass

and treble section of a loudspeaker). Many speakers are all

ready set up for this with separate inputs for the low and

high frequency sections. But not all power ampli ers are

identical in gain (ampli cation factor). With the Variable

Pre-out 2 facility differences in loudness between power

ampli ers up to 12dB can be dialed out precisely.

The low output impedance on the Pre-outputs allow the

C 162 to drive several power ampli ers in parallel and/

or the use of long interconnect cables (without the

degradation of the performance that can so often

become apparent when long cables are used).

Design:

Following NAD’s “Music First” design brief, the C 162

utilizes completely new, innovative circuit topology which

allows for investment in high speci cation and close

tolerance components. Metal  lm resistors, polypropylene

capacitors, hermetically sealed relays and the Alps “Blue

Velvet” motorized volume control are a few examples of

this.

Special attention has been paid to the power supply

section of the C 162. The toroidal transformer has 4

separate secondary windings followed by 6 main low-

noise regulators. From here no less than 6 super low-

noise subsidiary regulators and active  lters are used to

maximize supply rejection for all sections of the C 162 to

more than 100dB.

Often other manufacturers disregard the importance of a

phono stage. NAD recognizes the performance potential

of a good turntable and has made sure that the C 162 will

not be the limiting factor. The MC phono stage is built

pretty much like a small “power amp” so that a wide range

of MC cartridges can be used while keeping noise very

low combined with a high overload margin. Likewise, the

C 162 Stereo Preampli er

With the arrival of the all new NAD Model

C 162 pre-ampli er you can get the best of

both worlds: Ultimate performance combined

with the convenience of remote control. Its

outward simplicity belies the sophistication of

the circuitry inside.

Features:

With 6 line inputs (two of which are Tape In/

Out) and an MM/MC phono input available it’s

unlikely you will run out of inputs to connect

your sources to. The C 162 is fully remote

controlled and comes supplied with the NAD

C Series system remote control. As the

C 162 has NAD Link, the remote control will

also operate many other NAD products such

as CD players, tuner etc. The headphone

socket will drive virtually any non-electrostatic

headphones.

It is fashionable to omit tone controls

nowadays: However, provided that the tone

controls are properly designed, they can really

be a useful tool to make improvements to the

overall sound. The C 162 tone controls only

work at the frequency extremes leaving the

critical mid-band essentially unaltered. The tone

control circuits can be completely bypassed by

using the tone defeat switch.

For remote on/off switching of ancillary

components in a system, such as power

ampli ers or active speakers, the C 162 is

Need help?

Do you have a question about the NAD C162 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

NAD C 162 Stereo Preamplifier Features and Design

Key Features of the C 162 Preamplifier

Lists connectivity, phono stage, tone controls, remote operation, and unique facilities like Variable Pre-out.

NAD C 162 Design Philosophy and Components

Highlights 'Music First' brief, innovative circuit topology, high-spec components, and attention to power supply.

Power Supply Section

Details the toroidal transformer, multiple secondary windings, and advanced low-noise regulators for optimal rejection.

Phono Stage Performance

Emphasizes the importance of a good phono stage, MC stage design, and cartridge compatibility.

Summary

NAD C 162 Stereo Preamplifier Features and Design

Key Features of the C 162 Preamplifier

Lists connectivity, phono stage, tone controls, remote operation, and unique facilities like Variable Pre-out.

NAD C 162 Design Philosophy and Components

Highlights 'Music First' brief, innovative circuit topology, high-spec components, and attention to power supply.

Power Supply Section

Details the toroidal transformer, multiple secondary windings, and advanced low-noise regulators for optimal rejection.

Phono Stage Performance

Emphasizes the importance of a good phono stage, MC stage design, and cartridge compatibility.

The NAD C 162 Stereo Preamplifier is a sophisticated audio component designed to deliver ultimate performance with the convenience of remote control. Its outwardly simple appearance belies the complex and refined circuitry within, making it a versatile hub for any high-fidelity audio system.

Function Description

The C 162 serves as the central control unit for an audio system, managing various input sources and directing the signal to power amplifiers or active speakers. It features six line-level inputs, including two tape in/outputs with dubbing capability, ensuring ample connectivity for a wide range of audio sources. Additionally, it boasts a switchable MM (Moving Magnet) and MC (Moving Coil) phono input, catering to both common and more specialized turntable cartridges.

The preamplifier offers two line-level preamp outputs, one of which is variable from 0dB to -12dB. This unique "Variable Pre-out 2" facility is particularly beneficial for systems employing multiple power amplifiers for bi-amping, allowing precise adjustment of loudness differences (up to 12dB) between power amplifiers with varying gain. The low output impedance of the pre-outputs enables the C 162 to drive several power amplifiers in parallel or accommodate long interconnect cables without performance degradation.

For remote control of ancillary components, the C 162 is equipped with a 12V trigger system. When the preamplifier is switched on, the 12V trigger output activates, which in turn can switch on other remote devices with a 12V trigger input. Input switching is managed through hermetically sealed relays, chosen over electronic switching for superior performance.

The C 162 incorporates independent headphone amplification, allowing virtually any non-electrostatic headphones to be driven directly from the unit. Bass and treble controls are included, designed to affect only the frequency extremes while leaving the critical mid-band unaltered. These tone controls can be completely bypassed using a dedicated tone defeat switch for a purer signal path.

Usage Features

The C 162 is fully remote-controlled and comes with the NAD SR-5 full system remote control. Thanks to NAD Link, this remote can also operate other NAD C Series products, such as CD players and tuners, streamlining system control.

The phono stage is meticulously designed to accommodate a wide range of cartridges. The MC phono stage, built like a small power amplifier, ensures very low noise and a high overload margin, making it suitable for various MC cartridges. The MM phono stage also handles a wide range of cartridges and operates entirely in Class A. An integrated infrasonic filter effectively removes unwanted rumble components from turntables or records without introducing significant group delays.

The line input and output stages utilize modular FET amplifiers operating in Class A. The line output stage can drive 10V into 600 ohms, and the high input impedance of the line input amplifier (500k ohms) ensures compatibility with a vast array of sources and power amplifiers.

The inclusion of tone controls, while sometimes omitted in modern designs, is presented as a useful tool for sound improvement when properly engineered. The C 162's tone controls are designed to be subtle, affecting only the frequency extremes, and can be easily bypassed for purist listening.

Maintenance Features

The C 162 is built with high-specification and close-tolerance components to ensure long-term reliability and consistent performance. Key components include metal film resistors, polypropylene capacitors, and hermetically sealed relays for input switching, all contributing to its robust design. The "Blue Velvet" Alps motorized volume control is another example of the quality components used.

The power supply section receives special attention, featuring a toroidal transformer with four separate secondary windings, followed by six main low-noise regulators. From these, six super low-noise subsidiary regulators and active filters are employed to maximize supply rejection across all sections of the C 162, achieving more than 100dB. This meticulous power supply design contributes to the unit's stable and clean operation.

The use of gold-plated RCA connectors for all input and output sockets ensures excellent signal integrity and resistance to corrosion over time, contributing to the device's longevity and consistent audio performance. The overall design emphasizes durability and high-quality construction, minimizing the need for frequent maintenance.