Усилители мощности стерео — NAD CI 980

The CI 980 is a rack-mount power amplifier from NAD that puts eight channels of amplification into a single chassis for custom installation and distributed audio. It is aimed at multi-zone residential and light commercial systems, where the eight channels are arranged as four stereo zones, and NAD positions it around reliability and straightforward deployment in centralised equipment layouts.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is 50 W per channel into 8 ohms and 60 W per channel into 4 ohms, with all eight channels available at once. In bridge mode two channels combine to deliver 120 W into 8 ohms. NAD quotes total harmonic distortion below 0.03% at 50 W per channel into 8 ohms from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with all channels driven, and intermodulation distortion (SMPTE and CCIR) below 0.04%. The frequency response runs from 20 Hz to 20 kHz within plus or minus 1 dB, NAD specifies a noise figure better than 80 dB with a 1 W reference, and input sensitivity is 1.1 V. Power consumption is rated at 600 W, with idle draw under 26 W and standby under 0.5 W. The chassis measures 483 x 105 x 323 mm and weighs 5.72 kg, or 7.1 kg packed for shipping.

Engineering and use context

The CI 980 uses high efficiency switching amplifier technology and a 2U rack height, with rack ears supplied in the box. Cooling is by thermostatically controlled forced air. The amplifier is protected against short circuits and overheating, and it restores operation automatically once the fault condition clears. Indicator lamps on the unit show protection status and clipping for each zone. Each of the eight channels can be fed from a global input bus, or a switch lets every channel take its own input, so one source can be spread across the house or each zone can play something different. Line-level inputs let it accept signals from common installation sources. Speakers connect through Phoenix blocks, the power cable is detachable, and the supply accepts universal mains voltage.

Pairing

Line-level inputs let the CI 980 sit after a multi-zone streamer, matrix switcher or control system in a central rack. Bridged channels can serve a larger room in the same installation while the remaining channels drive smaller zones.

Alternatives

For installations needing more power per channel, NAD also offers the CI 8-150 DSP, an eight-channel amplifier with Hypex nCore output stages rated at 150 W per channel.