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ABOUT THE S170i
Though the S170i A/V preamp is among the most powerful and sophisticated digital-surround
decoder/processors available, we worked hard to make it one of the most musically transparent home-
theater components as well; this is what we mean by NAD’s “Music First” design philosophy. Here are
just a few examples:
• The S170i employs the latest, most sonically pure high-performance FET components throughout its
analog audio circuits
• Exceedingly low output impedance from all channels (long an NAD hallmark) eliminates sonic impact
from cables and amplifier input-impedances
• Output muting is via reliable, sonically transparent gold-contact relays rather than sound-coloring
electronics
• Gold-surfaced connectors are employed throughout both internally and externally to ensure
unimpeded signal transfer.
E.A.R.S.
A key element of the S170i’s unique musicality is NAD’s proprietary Enhanced Ambience Recovery System
(EARS). In sharp contrast to many “ambience-synthesis” music-surround modes, EARS exploits the S170i’s
substantial DSP power to route the ambient content that is “encrypted” in virtually all natural-acoustic
recordings to the appropriate main, center and surround speakers, without resorting to artificially
generated reflections or regeneration. EARS’ natural ambience yields a subtle but extraordinarily effective
surround mode that naturally enhances the spatial presentation in a fashion suitable for serious music
listening.
On the digital side, the S170i combines ultra-high-speed DSP processing employing one of the most
advanced high-speed DSP “engines” available, with fully 24-bit, 96 kHz-sampling-capable D/A converters
for all channels. A single, high-precision master clock runs all digital circuits to eliminate the timing errors
(“jitter”) that otherwise occur between digital stages, compromising sonics. The result is legitimately state-
of-the-art surround decoding from Dolby Digital and DTS sources in both 5.1-channel and 6.1-
channel/7.1-output modes, and genuinely superior sound quality in all modes.
ABOUT THX
The S170i preamplifier is certified by THX Ltd as meeting the rigorous requirements of its home
THX/Ultra 2 program for surround controllers. This means that it is capable of delivering an audio
experience equal to that of the finest commercial cinemas when its superb fundamental performance is
combined with the surround enhancements mandated by the THX/Ultra 2 program.
EASE OF USE
We invested no less effort in making the S170i powerfully easy to use than that expended in making its
sonic performance second to none. Its design is unusually simple for so sophisticated a component, and
the HTR 2 remote controller is uniquely self-prompting and intuitive to use, as are the S170i’s own front-
panel and on-screen displays. A powerfully simple system of presets will permit you to fine-tune your
listening setup for different conditions, and recall these multiple parameters with two key presses
INTEGRATION
The S170i preamplifier offers extensive, flexible system-integration options through its three configurable
DC triggers outputs, as well as via NAD’s proprietary NAD Link inter-component communications protocol.
Additionally, an RS-232 serial port stands ready to integrate the preamp with still more sophisticated
controllers such as touch-screen systems and whole-house automation installations.