Усилители мощности стерео — NAD CI 16-60 DSP

The CI 16-60 DSP is a 16-channel amplifier from NAD's custom installation range, announced on 18 January 2021 and available from mid-February 2021 at USD 2,499 or GBP 1,999. It is designed for distributed audio in homes and commercial buildings, where one rack unit drives speakers in many rooms, and a later CI 16-60 DSP V2 has since replaced it in NAD's catalogue.

Key specs that matter

With all channels driven at 1 kHz and 0.05% THD, each of the 16 channels delivers 60 W into 8 ohms and 65 W into 4 ohms. Bridged pairs give 140 W into 8 ohms. Frequency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±1 dB, signal to noise ratio is 80 dB A-weighted with 500 mV input referenced to 1 W into 8 ohms, and THD is 0.05% from 20 Hz to 3 kHz. There are 16 stereo RCA line inputs at 20 kohms with loop-through or line outputs, and the speaker outputs use block connectors for wire up to 10 gauge. Power draw is 982 W at full output into 8 ohms, 1,261 W into 4 ohms, 0.5 W in standby and 3 W in network standby. The 2U chassis measures 483 x 100 x 435 mm and weighs 10.3 kg.

Engineering and use context

NAD uses its HybridDigital technology with a custom Hypex UcD output stage, a Class D design that keeps heat and consumption low for 16 channels in a 2U case. The DSP section adds parametric EQ, with five bands plus high- and low-pass filtering, and a pink noise generator for level setting. A virtual patch bay routes any input to any output, so a single source can play in several zones at once. Each channel pair can be bridged when a zone needs more power. A later firmware update added limiters, delay and phase control. Control is through a web interface over Ethernet, with IP control for automation systems, a 12 V trigger input, IR in and out, and temperature and power monitoring. Firmware can be updated over the network. The V2 model adds Zone Sleep, which switches unused channels off, and a revised web interface.

Pairing

The CI 16-60 DSP is intended for in-ceiling and in-wall speakers driven from streamers such as BluOS nodes or from a matrix switcher, with one channel per speaker or bridged pairs for larger zones. Its 2U height suits a standard equipment rack, and network monitoring lets an installer check temperature and power remotely.

Alternatives

The NAD CI 8-150 DSP is an eight-channel installation amplifier that uses Hypex nCore modules, rated at 150 W per channel into 8 ohms with all channels driven.