NAD Intros New Classic Series Line, Offering Reference Level Performance for Less

New Classic Series Integrated and Power Amplifiers, CD Players, Preamp and Receiver Excel in Real World Features, Value, Quality

NAD Electronics, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio/video components, introduces a highly affordable series of new products with the features and performance of far costlier components, at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show. The components are breakthrough performers in features, value and quality, members of a select category that challenge higher priced brands with real value.

NAD’s new Classic Series components comprise three amplifiers, two CD players, a stereo preamp and a stereo receiver. They include the C 375BEE Stereo Integrated Amplifier, C 725BEE Stereo Receiver, C 326BEE Stereo Integrated Amplifier, C 165BEE Stereo Preamplifier, C 275BEE Stereo Power Amplifier, C 565 Up-Sampling CD Player, and the C 545 CD Player.

Created by NAD Director of Advanced Development Bjorn Erik Edvardsen, the new Classics share a common lineage with Edvardsen’s highly acclaimed Masters Series M3 Integrated Amplifier, interpreting and refining the Masters Series design in ways that maximize Classic Series performance and value. Features like the heavier gauge reinforced steel used in the chassis for the amplifiers and preamp, the aluminum Class A gain modules, the upgraded PCBs and patented Distortion Canceling Circuit illustrate NAD’s ability to evolve its Classic Series components, raising their collective performance through innovative industrial design.

The C 375BEE Stereo Integrated Amplifier, the first in NAD’s Classic Series to be upgradeable, shares many refinements of NAD’s M3 Integrated Amplifier, including an application of the Distortion Canceling Circuit, the BEE Clamp, an improved tone control circuit and PCB layout, and NAD’s proprietary PowerDrive and Soft Clipping technologies. The C 375BEE delivers 150 Watts to each of two channels at 4 or 8 Ohms continuous power, and 200W, 365W and 500W IHF Dynamic power into 8, 4 and 2 Ohms, respectively. Suggested Price: $1,299 (U.S. MSRP).

The C 725BEE Stereo Receiver, using an analog design by Edvardsen, delivers the performance quality of separate high-end components with the convenience of a receiver at a far more affordable price than separate components typically cost. The C 725BEE also employs NAD’s PowerDrive technology, Distortion Canceling Circuit, BEE Clamp, and a new, more highly refined circuit layout. It provides 50 watts of continuous power, and ultra-low distortion, and can provide as much as 200 watts, depending on the loudspeaker being driven, for short dynamic passages. Suggested Price: $799 (U.S. MSRP).

The C 326BEE Stereo Integrated Amplifier rests squarely between NAD’s most affordable and most powerful models. It delivers 50 watts per channel of continuous power, and 100, 150 and 200 Watts IHF Dynamic power into 8, 4 and 2 Ohms, respectively. It boasts NAD’s PowerDrive technology, Distortion Canceling Circuit, BEE Clamp, an improved tone control and PCB layout, Soft Clipping, and the lowest distortion and noise in its price class. Suggested price: $499 (U.S. MSRP).

The C 165BEE Stereo Preamplifier boasts new semiconductors and improved production techniques, such as the use of surface mount devices (SMDs) to miniaturize circuits; an improved tone control circuit and revised PCB layout, lightning-fast transient response, and bass extension and definition uncommon at this price level. The C 165BEE is exceptionally versatile and ready to integrate with custom-installed control systems. Suggested price: $899 (U.S. MSRP).

The C 275BEE Stereo Power Amplifier perfectly complements the C 165BEE. It delivers 150 Watts to each of two channels, and 250, 410 and 600W IHF dynamic power at 8, 4 and 2 Ohms, respectively. The power can be heightened to 400W to two channels by bridging with a second C 275BEE. It also boasts NAD’s PowerDrive, Distortion Canceling Circuit, BEE Clamp, and an improved tone control circuit and PCB layout. Suggested price: $1,199 (U.S. MSRP).

The C 565BEE CD Player, flagship of NAD’s new Classic Series, applies the latest in semiconductor design, refined cosmetics and quality construction for performance close to NAD’s Masters Series M5 CD Player at about half the cost. The C 565BEE boasts sample rate conversion up to 192kHz, Wolfson DACs in a dual differential configuration, Burr-Brown OP Amps, a heavy steel chassis, USB 2.0 and optical inputs, a 12-volt trigger and an RS232 port. Suggested price: $799 (U.S. MSRP).

The C 545BEE CD Player replaces NAD’s C 542 CD Player, and boasts more refined cosmetics, an updated circuit layout, new internal components and improved image depth and scale. It plays CD, CD-R and CDRW discs, even those with MP3 and WMA compression. Suggested price: $499 (U.S. MSRP).

All the products are available now from authorized NAD dealers. They can be seen with other outstanding NAD products in Suite 31-110 at the Venetian Hotel during CES.