S170
AV Surround Sound Pre-amplifier
GB Owner’s Manual
SAFETY INFORMATION
EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying
the appliance.
PRECAUTIONS
Read the Operating Instructions carefully and completely before operating the unit. Be sure to keep the
Operating Instructions for future reference. All warnings and cautions in the Operating Instructions and on
the unit should be strictly followed, as well as the safety suggestions below.
INSTALLATION
1 Water and Moisture - Do not use this unit near water, such as near a bathtub, washbowl, swimming
pool, or the like.
2 Heat - Do not use this unit near sources of heat, including heating vents, stoves, or other appliances
that generate heat. It also should not be placed in temperatures less than 5°C (41°F) or greater then
35°C (95°F).
3 Mounting surface - Place the unit on a flat, even surface.
4 Ventilation - The unit should be situated with adequate space around it so that proper ventilation is
assured. allow 10 cm (4 in.) clearance from the rear and the top of the unit, and 5 cm (2 in.) from each
side. - Do not place on a bed, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings. - Do not
install the unit in a bookcase cabinet, or airtight rack where ventilation may be impeded.
5 Objects and liquid entry - Take care that objects or liquids do not get inside the unit through the
ventilation openings.
6 Carts and stands - When placed or mounted on a stand or cart, the unit should be moved with care.
Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the unit and cart to overturn or fall.
7 Condensation - Moisture may form on the CD pickup lens when:
• The unit is moved from a cold spot to a warm spot.
• The heating system has just been turned on.
• The unit is used in a very humid room.
• The unit is cooled by an air conditioner.
When this unit has condensation inside, it may not function normally. Should this occur, leave the unit
for a few hours, then try to operate again.
8 Wall or ceiling mounting - The unit should not be mounted on a wall or ceiling, unless specified in
the Operating Instructions.
GB
WARNING! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRONIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
This product is manufactured to comply with the radio interference requirements of EEC DIRECTIVE
89/68/EEC and 73/23/EEC
2
SAFETY INFORMATION
ELECTRIC POWER
1 Power Sources - Connect this unit only to power sources specified in the Operating Instructions, and
as marked on the unit.
2 Polarization - As a safety feature, some units are equipped with polarized AC power plugs which can
only be inserted one way into a power outlet. If it is difficult or impossible to insert the AC power plug
into an outlet, turn the plug over and try again. If it still does not easily insert into the outlet, please call
a qualified service technician to service or replace the outlet. To avoid defeating the safety feature of
the polarized plug, do not force it into a power outlet.
3 AC power cord - When disconnecting the AC power cord, pull it out by the AC power plug. Do not
pull the cord itself.
• Never handle the AC power plug with wet hands, as this could result in fire or shock.
• Power cords should be routed to avoid being severely bent, pinched, or walked upon. Pay particular
attention to the cord from the unit to the power socket.
• Avoid overloading AC outlets and extension cords beyond their capacity, as this could result in fire
or shock.
4 Extension cord - To help prevent electric shock, do not use a polarized AC power plug with an
extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet unless the polarized plug can be completely inserted to
prevent exposure of the blades of the plug.
5 When not in use - Unplug the AC power cord from the AC outlet if the unit will not be used for
several months or more. When the cord is plugged in, a small amount of current continues to flow to
the unit, even when the power is turned off.
CAUTION
Modifications or adjustments to this product, which are not expressly approved by the manufacturer, may
void the user’s right or authority to operate this product.
MAINTENANCE
Clean the unit only as recommended in the Operating Instructions.
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE
Have the unit serviced by a qualified service technician if
• The AC power plug has been damaged.
• Foreign objects or liquid have gotten inside the unit.
• The unit has been exposed to rain or water - The unit does not seem to operate normally.
• The unit exhibits a marked change in performance.
• The unit has been dropped, or the cabinet has been damaged
GB
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE THE UNIT YOURSELF
OWNER’S RECORD
For your convenience, record the model number and serial number (you will find them on the rear of your
set) in the space provided below. Please refer to them when you contact your dealer in case of difficulty.
Model No. :
Serial No. :
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3
Getting the Most from the NAD S170 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Unpacking and Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
What's in the Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Choosing a Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
About the S170 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8
E.A.R.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
About THX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Ease of Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Integration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Upgradability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
About the S70 System Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Quickstart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Play a DVD Movie (or Music CD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Attention! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Setting up the S170 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Using the S70 Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Dealing With Hum and Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
About the On-Screen Displays (OSD) and Front-Panel Readout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Displaying the Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Configuring the S170 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-19
Display setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Audio setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Speaker Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Level setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Delay setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Source Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Trigger setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using theS170 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20-28
Selecting Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Setting Listening Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Adjusting Channel Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Adjusting the Tone Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Using Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Front Panel Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Listening in a Remote Zone (MultiSource) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
NAD Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
System Integration (RS-232) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
GB
4
GETTING THE MOST FROM THE NAD S170
Thank you for choosing NAD.
The S170 A/V Surround Sound Preamplifier is one of the most technologically advanced surround-audio
processor/preamplifiers yet devised, incorporating advanced, ultra-high-speed 32-bit digital signal
processing, an architecture that is fully upgradeable (in both hardware and software), and extraordinarily
precise 24-bit precision/96 kHz-sampling digital-to-analog conversion for all channels.
More importantly, it is among the most musically transparent and spatially accurate designs available, the
culmination of everything we've learned, over a quarter-century, about music and home-theater sound
reproduction. With our company's "Music First" design philosophy as its guiding design principle, we're
confident that the S170 will make good on our promise to you of delivering both a state-of-the-art
surround home-theater experience, and genuinely audiophile-quality music listening, for many years to
come.
We urge you to take a few minutes now to read right through this manual. Investing a little time here at
the outset might save you a good deal of time later, and is by far the best way to ensure that you make
the most of your investment in the NAD S170, and get the most from this powerful and flexible hometheater component.
One more thing: We urge you to register your S170 ownership on the NAD Worldwide Web site:
HTTP://NADELECTRONICS.COM/W/REGISTRATION.HTML
This is by far the best way to ensure that we at NAD world headquarters can inform you of possible future
software and firmware updates, changes that might significantly enhance the performance and utility of
your S170. Please also send in your warranty card, so that your local NAD organization will have a record of
your purchase, and save your original purchase receipt. This will assure you of warranty service in your area.
GB
5
UNPACKING AND SETUP
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
Packed with your S170 preamplifier you will find:
•
•
•
•
A removable AC cable (if you wish, any IEC-standard AC cable of suitable wattage may be substituted).
1 DC trigger cable.
The S70 remote controller with operating manual and 9v (PP-3) battery.
A pair of white cotton gloves—for handling your S170 during setup without fear of scratches or
fingerprints marring its finish.
• This owner's manual.
SAVE THE PACKAGING
Please save the box and all of the packaging in which your S170 arrived. Should you move or otherwise
need to transport your preamplifier, this is by far the safest container in which to do so. We've seen too
many otherwise perfect components damaged in transit for lack of a proper shipping carton, so please:
Save that box!
CHOOSING A LOCATION
We hope you will agree that the S170's finish quality and appearance earn it pride of place in any home
theater or music system. Choose a location that is well ventilated (with at least several inches to both sides
and behind), and that will provide a clear line of sight, within 25 feet/8 meters, between the preamp's front
panel and your primary listening/viewing position—this will ensure reliable infrared remote control
communications. Due to the S170's high-speed DSP hardware and high-current audio circuits it generates
a modest amount of heat, but nothing that should trouble any adjacent components. It is perfectly safe
to stack additional components atop the S170, or vice versa, but it is generally preferable (and considerably
handsomer) if the S170 stands alone. The one exception is a power-amplifier or receiver, or any other unit
that generates substantial heat: The S170 should not be stacked above or below any such component.
GB
6
ABOUT THE S170
Though the S170 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 hometheater components as well; this is what we mean by NAD's "Music First" design philosophy. Here are just
a few examples:
• The S170 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 S170'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 S170’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 exceptionally effective surround
mode that naturally enhances the spatial presentation in a fashion suitable for serious music listening.
On the digital side, the S170 combines extraordinarily 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 (and A/D conversion for analog inputs processed for surround sound) 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 sonic performance. The result is legitimately state-of-the-art
surround decoding from Dolby Digital and DTS sources in both 5.1-channel and 6.1/7.1-channel output
modes, and genuinely superior sound quality in all modes.
ABOUT THX
The S170 preamplifier is certified by Lucasfilm Ltd. as meeting the rigorous requirements of its home
THX/Ultra 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 program.
EASE OF USE
While we expended enormous effort to ensure that the S170 preamplifier's sonic performance is second
to none, we invested no less in making it powerfully easy to use. Its design is unusually simple for so
sophisticated a component, and the S70 LCD remote controller's functioning is uniquely self-prompting
and intuitive, as are the S170's own front-panel and on-screen displays. A simple yet powerful system of
presets will permit you to fine-tune your listening setup for different conditions, and to recall these multiple
parameters with a single keypress.
GB
INTEGRATION
The S170 preamplifier offers extensive, flexible system-integration options through its two 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 by offering two-way
communication.
7
ABOUT THE S170
UPGRADABILITY
We engineered the S170 preamplifier with selectively modular construction. All of its digital-control and processing “intelligence” is located on a single plug in module. This sophisticated yet accessible
architecture simplifies servicing while maintaining signal-path integrity, making potential hardware
upgrades possible. That said, given the S170's extraordinary processing power and speed we do not
foresee the need for hardware upgrades at this time. Nevertheless, you may feel confident that the S170
will not become obsolete in the foreseeable future.
Software upgrades are a more likely scenario, and are easily accomplished via the high-speed RS-232 port
on the rear panel of the S170. Owners who have registered their S170s on our international web site at
www.NADelectronics.com will be advised of updates (see "Getting the Most from the NAD S170," above).
Updates may be free of charge, or in some cases may require royalty payments for proprietary decoding
systems and the like. Computer-savvy users can perform these upgrades by downloading the files (and an
installer application) from our web-site, and uploading to the S170 by connecting the preamp's RS-232
port to the PC's serial port. (See “System Integration”, page 26 for more detailed information).
Alternatively, the NAD audio specialist from whom you purchased your S170 will assist you in performing
software upgrades.
ABOUT THE S70 SYSTEM REMOTE CONTROL
Packed with your S170 is the NAD S70 LCD remote controller, accompanied by a short, dedicated
operating manual covering its general function. We strongly recommend that you scan this manual and
familiarize yourself with the S70's simple layout and operations before proceeding with setup of your S170
preamplifier; you will find that this process takes but a few minutes.
The S70 remote controller is a "paged" display; that is, each set of commands or functions shows a new
array of icons on its LCD screen. This makes it a powerfully flexible commander; however, because we were
careful to keep its menu structure very "shallow"— there are never more than three levels between any
command and the uppermost, "top" screen—you will find it simple and intuitive to use.
Chances are, you will primarily use your S70 to command the S170 A/V preamp, but the remote can also
operate other Silver Series and C-Series NAD components such as a CD player or recorder, cassette-tape
component, and an AM/FM tuner. You will find the details of its function with these components in each
of their owner's manuals.
GB
8
QUICKSTART
In case you simply cannot wait to experience the performance of your new S170 preamplifier, we provide
the following "Quickstart" instructions to get you underway. They assume that the DVD/CD player is
connected to the VIDEO1 input and that the appropriate audio and video connections have been made.
PLAY A DVD MOVIE (OR MUSIC CD)
From the S70 remote's PREAMP menu, select [@ Source]; then press the [Source up] key until VIDEO 1
appears on the front-panel readout (and on-screen display, if this is enabled; see "Display setup," below).
Use the S70 remote's [VOLUME up/down] keys to adjust the volume.
Start playback of the DVD/CD player. From the S70 remote's PREAMP menu, select [MODE/MULTI.S]; then
press the [Mode •] key; the [Cursor up/down] keys will now cycle through all of the S170 listening modes
that are available for the current input signal type (see "About the S170's Listening Modes," below).
Depending on the signals format and connections you have made, some listening modes may not yet be
available (see "Configuring the S170”, below). You may need to use the DVD player's on-screen menu
system to select a surround-capable signal format.
Enjoy the movie or music, but be sure to set aside time to read this manual thoroughly and to set up,
calibrate, and configure your S170 carefully.
GB
9
FRONT PANEL
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1 POWER: Switch off to disconnect the S170 from all AC power and
exit the Standby mode. Switching POWER on both reconnects the AC
and actively power-up the preamp.
2 STANDBY: Illuminates when the S170 is in the Standby mode (dark
when preamp is on, or powered-off).
3 AUDIO: Press to select audio inputs sequentially using the VOLUME
(SETUP) knob (see "Front Panel Operations," below).
4 VIDEO: Press to select audio inputs sequentially using the VOLUME
(SETUP) knob (see "Front Panel Operations," below).
5 TAPE MONITOR: Press to engage the Tape Monitor loop. The signal
present at the rear-panel TAPE MONITOR IN jacks will be heard (see
"Front Panel Operations," below).
6 MULTISOURCE: Press to select the signal output by the rear-panel
MULTISOURCE OUT jacks using the VOLUME (SETUP) knob (see
"Listening in a Remote Zone," below).
7 SPEAKERS: Press to access the menu on the frontpanel readout, and to select parameters using the using the VOLUME
(SETUP) knob and subsequent presses of the SPEAKERS key (see
"Configuring Your S170," and "Front Panel Operations," below).
10
8 DELAY: Press to access the menu on the front-panel
readout, and to select parameters using the using the VOLUME
(SETUP) knob and subsequent presses of the DELAY key (see
"Configuring Your S170," and "Front Panel Operations," below).
9 LEVELS : Press to access the menu on the front-panel
readout, and to select parameters using the using the VOLUME
(SETUP) knob and subsequent presses of the LEVELS key (see
"Configuring Your S170," and "Front Panel Operations," below).
10 BRIGHTNESS: Press to dim the S170's front-panel readout; press
again to restore full brightness.
11 TONE: Press to adjust treble using the VOLUME (SETUP) knob; press
again to adjust bass, and a third time to exit tone-control adjustment.
12 MODE: Press to select listening modes sequentially using the
VOLUME (SETUP) knob (see "Setting Listening Modes," and "Front
Panel Operations," below).
REAR PANEL
ATTENTION!
Please make all connections to your S170 preamplifier with the unit
powered off or unplugged. (It is equally wise to power-down or
unplug all associated components while making or breaking any
signal or AC power connections.)
1 COMPOSITE VIDEO IN 1-6: Connect Video Inputs 1-6 to compositevideo from source components (see "Source Setup," below).
2 COMPOSITE VIDEO OUT 4-6 OUT; MON OUT: Connect to
composite-video record-inputs of recording components; connect
MON OUT to the composite-video input of the video monitor/TV.
3 S VID1 IN - S VID6 IN: Connect Video Inputs 1-6 to S-Video from
source components (see "Source Setup," below).
4 S VID4 OUT - SVID6 OUT; MON OUT: Connect to S-Video recordinputs of recording components; connect MON OUT to the S-Video
input of the video monitor/TV.
5 COMPONENT VIDEO IN (upper), OUT (lower): Connect inputs to
component-video signal or wide-band component video from a
source component such as a DVD player or HDTV tuner; connect
outputs to the component-video inputs of the video monitor/TV. Be
sure to observe consistency in connecting the Y, CB, and CR jacks to
the corresponding sources/inputs (see "Source Setup," below).
6 NAD LINK IN/OUT: Connect to the corresponding NAD Link jacks
(input to output and vice versa) of compatible NAD components (see
"NAD Link," below).
7 DIGITAL 1-3; DIGITAL IN; DIGITAL OUT: Connect DIGITAL 1-3 to
coaxial S/PDIF-format digital sources such as CD or DVD players;
connect DIGITAL IN to a high-quality S/PDIF-format source via BNC
cabling; connect DIGITAL OUT to the coaxial S/PDIF digital input of a
recording component such as a CD recorder, DAT deck, or computer
soundcard (see "Source Setup," below).
8 OPTICAL DIGITAL IN 1-2; DIGITAL IN; OPTICAL DIGITAL OUT:
Connect OPTICAL DIGITAL 1-2 to optical S/PDIF-format digital sources
such as CD or DVD players; connect OPTICAL DIGITAL OUT to the
optical S/PDIF digital input of a recording component such as a CD
recorder, DAT deck, or computer soundcard.
9 RS-232: Connect to the RS-232 serial port of a home-automation
system or personal computer (see "System Integration," below).
10 VIDEO 1-6 Analog Audio Inputs: Connect to stereo analog outputs
of audio-video sources (see "Source Setup," below).
11 VIDEO ANALOG REC OUT 4-6: Connect to stereo analog inputs of
recording audio-video components such as videocassette recorders.
12 CD, AUX, TUNER Inputs: Connect to stereo analog outputs of audio
components.
13 TAPE MONITOR IN/OUT: Connect OUT to the stereo analog inputs,
and IN to the outputs of an audio recording components such as a
cassette deck or CD recorder, or of an analog audio processor such as
a stereo equalizer.
14 MULTISOURCE OUT: Connect to the inputs of the stereo amplifier
(integrated amp, receiver) that will power the remote-zone's
loudspeakers (see "Listening in a Remote Zone," below).
15 PREAMP ANALOG 7.1 OUTPUTS: Connect L, R, and CENTER to the
channel inputs of the power amplifier(s) driving the front, channels;
connect LS and RS to the power amplifier driving the surround
speakers and LEFT B and RIGHT B to that driving the surround-back
speakers (if any); connect sub to the line input of a powered
subwoofer or to the amplifier driving a passive sub (if any).
16 EXTERNAL 5.1 INPUTS: Connect to the corresponding analog audio
outputs of a multichannel source component such as a DVD-Audio or
multichannel SACD player. There is no bass-management or other
processing available to these inputs; see "Selecting Sources," below.
17 12V TRIGGERS: Connect to the 12-volt trigger inputs of compatible
components such as power amplifiers and projector lifts; see "Trigger
Setup," below.
18 AC power inlet: Connect to the supplied IEC-standard removable
AC power cord or a compatible cord.
11
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SETTING UP THE S170
GETTING STARTED
Before you make the first connection to your S170, you should have the arrangement of your listening
room/home theater components and furniture mapped out, at least initially. Unfortunately, a discussion of
the vital questions of loudspeaker placement and listening/viewing positions is beyond our scope here.
Suffice it to say that these two questions will influence your system's ultimate performance every bit as
powerfully as your selection of electronics and speakers. Your NAD audio specialist dealer will be happy to
advise you, and to recommend reference materials.
USING THE S70 REMOTE
You will likely find it most convenient to use the S70 remote handset to configure your S170. The remote
is a "paged" display; that is, each set of commands or functions shows a new "page" of icons on its LCD
screen. The S70 is a powerful controller, but you will find it simple and intuitive to use thanks to its selfprompting LCD screen, and because we were careful to keep its menu structure very "shallow"—here are
never more than three levels between any command and the uppermost, "top" screen.
DEALING WITH HUM AND NOISE
The S170 requires a grounded (3-prong) AC outlet. Employing a 3-to-2 adapter to eliminate the ground
prong will not compromise electrical safety, but it may increase susceptibility to hum and noise. Hum and
noise sometimes prove a challenge in complex, multichannel audio systems. Note these considerations to
help prevent hum and noise problems:
• Power all your system's audio component from AC outlets originating from the same circuit of your
house wiring. As far as possible, power all audio components from the same outlet, or adjacent outlets
on the same circuit. It may be useful to power video displays (and computers!) from outlets on another
circuit, especially if that circuit is supplied from the other "leg" of the house wiring.
• Do not bundle analog audio cables with AC power cables, or with coaxial digital-audio cables.
• Employ high-quality, well-shielded audio cable throughout, and ensure that all connections are secure.
• A pencil-eraser can be used to burnish copper- and gold-plated contacts to ensure good, low-resistance
contact; specialized contact-cleaners can also be useful. Avoid unnecessary unplugging and replugging, since the gold (or copper) contact-plating of typical cable connectors, even very high-quality
ones, is very thin and easily worn.
Track down hum/noise problems one component at a time, working backwards from the power
amplifier(s). That is: Connect the speakers to the power amplifier only, and check for hum. Then connect
the preamplifier alone (with no other components connected to the preamp) to the power and check for
hum. Then connect one source component (a CD player, for example) to the preamplifier, and check for
hum. At each stage, if hum/noise appears, examine the audio cabling and AC-power routing of the new
component. In some cases, moving the new component's AC cord to a different outlet, or installing a
ground-lift (3-to-2-prong adapter) on its power cord, will eliminate the hum.
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ABOUT THE ON-SCREEN DISPLAYS (OSD) AND FRONT-PANEL READOUT
The S170 preamplifier employs a simple, self-explanatory system of on-screen display "menus" that will
appear on the connected video monitor/TV, useful both during setup and in day-to-day operation. While
the OSDs are always helpful, it is also perfectly possible to operate (or even set up) the S170 without them,
because the same basic data is always shown, though sometimes in shortened form, on the preamp's own
front-panel readout.
DISPLAYING THE MENUS
Select the S70 remote's PREAMP screen (from the S70 main menu, press the remote key opposite the
PREAMP LCD screen): Press the [OSD] key, then [Cursor >]. The OSD will appear on your video monitor/TV.
• If the OSD does not appear, check your Monitor Out connections, and/or the settings of the
.