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Any of the DSP functions can be recorded onto tape by selecting "Process to Tape". For instance, by
selecting the Compressor mode, this can be used to decrease the dynamics of the music for tapes to be
used with in-car systems, where ambient noise can be high and otherwise soft passages are masked by
engine and road noise. For analogue tape recording, the Model 118 employees a separate high
resolution 18 bit Digital to Analogue converter from the main D to A converter.
To make optimal use of the dynamic range of the A to D converter each analogue input's input sensitivity
can be set in four different steps, catering for virtually any line-level source. A non-volatile memory
ensures the settings will be retained even if the Model 118 has been disconnected from the mains for
some time.
The Model 118 will automatically switch to any of the standard sampling frequencies (32, 44.1 and
48kHz). Each digital input has its own input transformer with accurate 75Ω termination.
Apart from the digital output for use with a digital recorder, the Model 118 also has a digital output for
use with external D to A converters or loudspeakers with a D to A converter integrated.
Design
Volume, Balance, Polarity and Mono/Stereo are all controlled in the Digital domain. Many volume
controls which work in digital domain (with some CD players, for instance) offer only poor resolution at
very low levels. The DSP processor works with 24 bits words, maintaining the music signal's integrity, at
even the very lowest of volume settings.
With 20 bit resolution for the Bitstream Digital to Analogue converter and a Bitstream Analogue to Digital
converter with 18 bit resolution, sampling at 48kHz, analogue sources will loose nothing of their original
quality either.
A large "Holmgren" Toroidal transformer with 10 separate power regulators is used to supply power to
the various circuits. This faeture combined with the optimised PCB lay-out (using Surface Mount
components) has ensured that all interference between circuits has been eliminated.
Only the highest quality components have been used throughout; metal film resistors, glass fibre PCB
boards, Audiophile grade opamps, etc.
With the Model 118 NAD shows that it thinks ahead. Rather than opting for a outboard A to D converter
which only has limited use and facilities, the engineers have taken one step further and exploited the
benefits of digital technology to the fullest, regardless of whether the source is digital or analogue. The
Model 118 despite its very reasonable price deserves to be teamed up with the very best of ancillaries in
order to realise its full performance potential.
Anyone considering adding a quality pre-amplifier and/or a D to A converter to their system, should
seriously consider the Model 118. Flexible and future-proof, and featuring useful "real world" facilities
and ease of use ensure that, once again NAD has leap-frogged their competitors to produce a top
performance, world beating product at a modest price.