Интегральные усилители — NAD CI 720 V2

The NAD CI 720 V2 is a compact network stereo zone amplifier for custom installation, joining a BluOS streaming player with two channels of HybridDigital amplification in a narrow module. It is designed for distributed audio, where each room or zone gets its own unit in a central equipment rack instead of a full size amplifier.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is 2 x 60 W into 8 ohm from customised Hypex UcD output stages, with NAD quoting up to 165 W of dynamic power. Distortion is at or below 0.005% and NAD lists a 110 dBA noise figure. The streaming section handles sample rates from 32 to 192 kHz at 16 to 24 bit and plays MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG Vorbis, WMA-L, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA and HRA files. Connections comprise one stereo RCA analogue input, an optical input, a USB Type A port, Gigabit Ethernet on RJ45, a 3.5 mm IR input and Phoenix connection blocks for the speaker cables. The module measures 70 x 120 x 350 mm and weighs 1.6 kg.

Engineering and use context

Six CI 720 V2 modules fit the optional RM 720 rack kit, giving six stereo zones in 3U of rack space, which NAD says saves half the space of conventional stereo streamers. Each unit is cooled by a thermostatically controlled fan that draws air in at the front and exhausts it through vents at the rear. BluOS gives access to local libraries, internet radio and services such as Spotify, TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer, iHeartRadio and TuneIn, and the platform supports up to 64 zones that can be grouped or run independently. Control drivers exist for systems such as Crestron and Control4, and every zone keeps independent control, so a full RM 720 frame with six modules drives twelve amplified channels from one location. The universal supply accepts 100 to 240 V at 50 or 60 Hz, and network standby draws 6 W. A wired Ethernet link is the intended connection for stable multi-room operation.

Pairing

The rating suits in-ceiling or in-wall speakers and compact bookshelf models in a single room per module. The analogue or optical input can bring a TV or other local source into one zone, while the rest of the house continues to stream through BluOS. For zones that need only a source, NAD's CI 580 V2 packs four stereo BluOS players into 1U and can join the same system, and BluOS also offers a system interrupt function so doorbells and fire alarms remain audible.

Alternatives

NAD's C 700 V2 is a BluOS streaming integrated amplifier rated at 80 W per channel with an ESS SABRE ES9028 DAC, an MM phono stage and HDMI eARC.