At the recently concluded 2026 CEDIA Expo, Dirac announced that the NAD CI SA2-120 BluOS Streaming Amplifier Module and NAD CI S2 BluOS Streaming Module are now certified to support Dirac Live Room Correction. The addition expands access to advanced room optimization across NAD’s custom installation product lineup.
The NAD CI Modular Series is a flexible, high-performance audio solution engineered to simplify custom installation projects. Its compact modular architecture enables easier system expansion and more efficient installations while maintaining NAD’s well-regarded sound quality.
The timing is significant. CEDIA’s preliminary 2026 U.S. Professional Smart Home Market Analysis estimates the residential integration market at nearly $34 billion, underscoring just how substantial the custom installation business has become. That figure represents an extrapolated estimate of the overall professional channel rather than $34 billion in directly reported or audited sales.
An earlier CEDIA study estimated the U.S. market at approximately $29 billion, although changes in methodology and a much larger 2026 survey sample mean the two figures should not be treated as a precise measure of year-over-year growth. What is clear is that residential integration has become a very large market, creating considerably more opportunity for brands that can provide dealers with complete audio ecosystems rather than individual components.
That puts NAD and parent company Lenbrook in an interesting position. Lenbrook’s North American portfolio gives integrators access not only to NAD amplification and BluOS streaming products, but also to DALI’s extensive range of architectural loudspeakers. The DALI PHANTOM lineup includes in-wall, in-ceiling, on-wall, outdoor, and subwoofer solutions designed specifically for custom installation applications.
The combination allows integrators to build systems around NAD electronics, BluOS multi-room streaming, Dirac Live room correction, and DALI architectural loudspeakers without having to assemble every part of the system from unrelated brands and distribution channels.
Dirac Live Room Correction further optimizes performance for the unique acoustic characteristics of each listening space, helping integrators deliver clearer, more balanced sound throughout the home.
The technology addresses acoustic problems created by the interaction between a sound system and its surrounding environment. Dirac Live corrects both the magnitude and phase of a system’s response, helping reduce uneven frequency response, timing issues, and imprecise imaging. The result can be tighter and more accurate bass, improved clarity, and a more cohesive soundstage.
“Every room shapes sound in ways that even premium audio hardware cannot address on its own,” said Rikard Hellerfelt, VP and Head of Consumer Electronics at Dirac. “By expanding Dirac Live Room Correction to NAD’s CI SA2-120 and CI S2, we’re giving professional integrators a powerful tool to unlock the full performance of distributed audio systems while creating consistently exceptional listening experiences across the home.”
NAD CI SA2-120 Streaming Amplifier Module
Part of the NAD CI Modular Series, the NAD CI SA2-120 combines high-quality amplification and BluOS music streaming in a compact, space-saving design for single- and dual-zone applications. It is engineered for reliable, long-term operation.
Feature Highlights:
- New: Dirac Live Ready for room correction
- BluOS Enabled: Includes multi-room streaming with access to 20+ services and internet radio, with dual independent BluOS Zones
- Bluetooth: aptX HD two-way Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and TIDAL Connect
- Physical Inputs: HDMI eARC, combo analog/digital input, USB
- Physical Outputs: Subwoofer output, snap-on Phoenix speaker connection blocks
- Network Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet
- DirectDigital Amplification: 2 x 120 W or 4 x 60 W
- Dynamic Power Management: The CI SA2-120 automatically optimizes power distribution
- Control Options: IR input with learning via BluOS (IR extender kit required), programmable 12 V trigger input, drivers for Control4, Crestron, URC, RTI, NICE, Lutron, and KNX, plus remote monitoring via Domotz
- Power: Universal AC power supply
- Cooling: Thermostatic fan cooling with front-to-rear airflow for reliable stacking
- Placement Options: Compact 1/3-width x 1U-height chassis with ChassisLink
For complete details on the NAD CI SA2-120, refer to its Official Product Page
NAD CI S2 Streaming Module
The NAD CI S2 delivers two independent zones of BluOS streaming, giving integrators a flexible, scalable solution for multi-room audio systems.
Feature Highlights:
- New: Dirac Live Ready for room correction
- BluOS Enabled: Supports dual independent BluOS Zones. Provides access to 20+ streaming services, internet radio, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and TIDAL Connect
- Physical Inputs: TOSLINK, digital coaxial (with Dolby decoding), analog RCA
- Physical Outputs: 2 x stereo RCA, subwoofer output
- Hi-Res Audio: Supports up to 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution playback with no downsampling
- DAC: Audiophile-grade ESS Sabre ES9039Q2M DAC for detailed, low-distortion audio
- Control Options: IR input with learning via BluOS (IR extender kit required), programmable 12 V trigger input, and drivers for Control4, Crestron, URC, RTI, NICE, Lutron, and KNX
- Placement Options: Compact 1/3-width x 1U-height chassis with ChassisLink
- Network and Power Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet, with PoE or 12 V DC power input (<10 W power consumption)
For complete details on the NAD CI S2, refer to its Official Product Page.
”For custom integrators, every project presents a unique acoustic environment,” said Peter Gibb, Custom Install Product Manager, NAD Electronics. “Bringing Dirac Live Room Correction to the CI SA2-120 and CI S2 pairs the flexibility of our modular CI platform with powerful room optimization, helping integrators achieve exceptional, consistent sound across a wide range of spaces and system configurations.”
CI PA4-60 Power Amplifier Module
The CI series also includes the CI PA4-60, a versatile four-channel power amplifier that expands system design options for larger distributed audio systems.
Feature Highlights:
- Note: Dirac Live is not applicable
- DirectDigital Amplification: 4 x 60 W or 2 x 120 W (continuous into 8 ohms)
- Dynamic Power Management: The CI PA4-60 automatically detects speaker loads and routes power accordingly
- Load-Invariant Design: This feature accommodates long cable runs and difficult speaker loads
- Inputs: Two RCA line inputs with gain control and stereo/mono selection. Global/local input switching provides flexible signal routing. Stereo/mono selection is available for Inputs 1 and 2.
- Outputs: RCA loop output from Input 1 for daisy-chaining, plus two 4-pin snap-on Phoenix speaker connection blocks
- Control Options: 12 V trigger input, 12 V trigger input/output, front-panel switch, and signal sensing
- Power: Universal AC power supply
- Cooling: Thermostatic fan cooling with front-to-rear airflow for reliable stacking
- Placement Options: Compact 1/3-width x 1U-height chassis with ChassisLink
For complete details on the CI PA4-60, refer to its Official Product Page.
Competition
The CI (Custom Installation) category is becoming more competitive, and adding Dirac Live Compatibility to NAD’s entries helps to make their CI SA2-120 BluOS Streaming Amplifier Module and CI S2 BluOS Streaming Module stand out. However, if you take Dirac Live out of the equation, there is competition in the CI space for both streamers and streaming amplifiers, including: NAIM’s impressive CI-Uniti 102 ($1,499) streaming amplifier down to WiiM’s modestly-priced CI A80 Streaming Amplifier and CI MOD S Streamer ($449 each)
The Bottom Line
Dirac Live has proven to be one of the better room-correction platforms available for improving the sonic performance of a loudspeaker system. It can be deployed in everything from a DIY two-channel setup to a professionally installed system, making it especially useful when speaker placement and room acoustics are less than ideal.
Bringing Dirac Live into NAD’s CI lineup gives installers another level of control, but there are some caveats. First, it is not free; installers or end users must purchase a license to use Dirac Live Room Correction (pricing information is provided in the next section). It should also be noted that Dirac Live Bass Control and Dirac Live Active Room Treatment are not supported by the CI SA2-120 or CI S2 at this time.
That is somewhat interesting because Dirac Live Bass Control is available for several of NAD’s non-CI streaming components, including the M10, M10 V2, M10 V3, M33, M33 V2, C 658, and M66. However, Dirac’s current compatibility listings do not indicate support for Dirac Live Active Room Treatment on any NAD product.
What makes the new CI implementation noteworthy is not simply the presence of Dirac Live. The technology is already widely used in AV receivers, surround processors, integrated amplifiers, and other products aimed at both consumers and professional installers. What remains relatively uncommon is native Dirac Live Room Correction inside compact, rack-friendly streaming modules designed specifically for scalable distributed audio systems.
That gives the NAD CI SA2-120 and CI S2 a potentially meaningful advantage. Competing CI products from Naim and WiiM also provide DSP or room-correction capabilities, but they take different approaches. NAD is offering installers BluOS multi-room streaming, professional control-system integration, and Dirac’s automated measurement and correction platform within the same modular ecosystem.
Dirac has made significant headway in the room-correction market, with support from roughly 30 audio brands and numerous products within those lineups. It competes alongside platforms including Audyssey, Anthem Room Correction, Yamaha YPAO, Pioneer MCACC, Trinnov Optimizer, and proprietary systems from other manufacturers. They all attack the same fundamental problem in different ways: the room has an enormous influence on what ultimately reaches your ears.
Price & Availability
NAD CI Series Components can be purchased through Authorized Dealers at the following prices:
- NAD CI SA2-120 Streaming Amplifier – $1,899
- NAD CI S2 Streamer – $1,199
- CI PA4-60 Power Amplifier – $1,099
Dirac Live Room Correction Licenses for the NAD CI SA2-120 and NAD CI S2 are priced between $159 and $249.
The NAD Dirac Room Calibration Kit, which includes the equipment needed to perform precise Dirac Live room measurements, is available for $49 through NAD
Related Reading:
- Dirac Live Bass Control Comes to NAD Streaming Amplifiers: Smarter Bass Without Buying New Hardware?
- Dirac Live Ready Now Available on Select Bluesound NODE Music Streamers
- Dirac Live Processor Brings Active Room Treatment to PC and Mac
- Dirac Spaces Brings Immersive Car Audio and Spatial Sound to Vehicles
