NAD Stereo Network Amplifier for Multi Room Audio
NAD Electronics have released their CI 720 Network Stereo Zone Amplifier and RM720 companion 3U Rack Mount, allowing six independent stereo zones all accessible via the BluOS operating system. To gain an understanding of BluOS, read our recent review on the Bluesound Node 2.
BluOS is the platform developed by Canadian parent company and the basis of the hugely successful Bluesound multi-room high-resolution audio brand.
Offering the ability to stream audio from local and network storage, or popular cloud services like Tidal, Spotify, Deezer, and others, it also integrates specifically with control systems including Control4, Crestron, Push Controls and RTI. Unlike other network audio solutions, BluOS has a published API that allows a more complete and sustainable integration.
The advantage is that for customers already utilising Bluesound products around the home, the addition of NAD's CI 720 will seamlessly integrate with those products and add additional smartphone and tablet controlled zones.
Each CI 720 amplifier is conservatively-rated 60W continuous and up to 165W Dynamic Power. A subwoofer output is also included.
CI 720 also features both analogue and digital inputs, which can support cable boxes, and other non-network sources and makes them available and selectable in every zone. Additional features include USB input, Ethernet In/Out and standard network protocols.
Greg Stidsen, Director of Technology and Product Planning for NAD Electronics told StereoNET:
NAD believes that there’s been a big gap in the available network streaming options for distributed multi-room audio, a core element in every Custom Integration project. Our pioneering work in the area of digital technology has resulted in the new Hybrid Digital amplifier platform that is astounding audiophiles the world over, achieving levels of detail, transparency and power never achieved at these price points before.
The marriage of Bluesound with NAD's new and evolving Custom Installation range, all BluOS compatible, truly simplifes multi-room audio, in high-resolution (HRA and MQA).
NAD Electronics CI 720 Network Stereo Zone Amplifier is available now for $1399 RRP. The RM 720 Rack mount is also available for $599 RRP.
As per this recent announcement, NAD Electronics is distributed in Australia by Convoy International from October 1st, 2016.
Marc Rushton
StereoNET’s Founder and Publisher was born in England and raised on British Hi-Fi before moving to Australia. He developed an early love of music and playing bass guitar before discovering the studio and the other side of the mixing desk. After writing for print magazines, Marc saw the future in digital publishing and founded the first version of StereoNET in 1999.
Posted in: Integration
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