Advanced Multi-room BluOS™ Network Streaming with Famed NAD Amplification

HIGH END 2016, Munich Germany, May 4, 2016 — NAD Electronics, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio/video components, is showing two upcoming multi-zone streaming products designed for performance distributed audio systems for the custom installation market. Augmenting the company’s Custom Integrator (CI Series) the CI 580 (€1449, $1299 U.S. MSRP) will be a four-zone streamer featuring BluOS to deliver a flexible, cost-effective package. Also including BluOS, the CI 720 Network Stereo Zone Amp (€999 / U.S. $899) is a single, stereo zone network streamer featuring NAD’s highly-acclaimed hybrid digital amplification.

As part of the company’s renewed commitment to the CI market, NAD digital innovation will soon be available to select Custom Integrators to create the most advanced distributed High Res Audio systems. Whether the project calls for replacing an obsolete 100-disc CD changer or planning a new multi-room audio system, NAD has the perfect solution.

Both of these new network music players feature BluOS™, the operating system developed by Bluesound™, as the first High Resolution Multi-room Wireless audio solution. BluOS™ features a deep integration with several of the top control systems, including Control4, Crestron, RTI and URC. Unlike other network audio solutions, BluOS has a published API that allows a more complete and sustainable integration.

CI 580 Four Zone BluOS™ Network Music Player

The CI 580 packs 4 stereo zones into a 1U rack space to provide the most flexible and cost effective BluOS™ package. Zones can be synchronized (up to 36) or can play individual streams, all in full 24-bit resolution with sample rates up to 192kHz. Fixed or variable line outputs provide further flexibility. A system interrupt is also included, lowering volume so you can hear when the doorbell or alarm sounds.

NAD CI 580

NAD CI 580

Like all NAD products, the focus is squarely on performance with DACs, OPAmps and passive circuit components selected for musical sound quality. Multiple CI 580s can be used to provide as many zones as required, CI and setup is dead simple using the BluOS™ App. Multiple Zone Groups are fully supported.

CI 580 Rear Panel

CI 580 Rear Panel

The CI 580 is the ideal solution for both new and retrofit installations that feature wired speaker home runs. While the NAD CI 980 Amplifier is the perfect companion to the CI 580 it can be easily interfaced to any quality amplifier.

CI 720 Network Stereo Zone Amplifier

NAD Hybrid Digital power makes this single stereo zone solution something very special in the world of distributed audio. The ‘blade’ form factor allows up to 6 Network Zone streamers to occupy a single 3U rack space. The slim form factor means it can also reside locally in the zone – behind a flat screen TV for example – where the analog and digital inputs can accommodate the local source in addition to the network stream.

NAD CI 720 Network Stereo Zone Amplifier

NAD CI 720 Network Stereo Zone Amplifier

To facilitate mounting the CI 720 in a rack, NAD will offer the RM 720 Rack Mount Accessory for CI 720 €329 / $299 MSRP. This useful accessory allows six CI 720s to occupy a 3U rack space in a distributed audio system. For additional convenience, the RM 720 includes network switching and provision for power management so only one Ethernet cable and one AC cable needs to be run to the rack, greatly simplifying installation and providing a neat and tidy result.

NAD CI 720 Network Stereo Zone Amplifier

NAD RM 720 Rack System (shown with 6 CI 720’s – not included)

With a conservatively-rated 60W continuous and up to 165W Dynamic Power available, any speaker can be driven to lifelike sound levels. For bass aficionados, a subwoofer output is included.

CI 720 also features have analog 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, standard network protocols and universal voltage (100-240).

“As the custom market continues to grow, NAD believes that innovative performance solutions will differentiate the true custom integrators from the less skilled tradesmen and DIY solutions coming to market” explained Greg Stidsen Direct of Technology and Product Planning for NAD Electronics. “NAD has deep roots in the custom market and our new CI multi-zone BluOS streamers showcase our proprietary technologies in ways that deliver valuable benefits to both the quality-oriented custom integrator and their clients.”

At HIGH END 2016, NAD will be exhibiting in the Dynaudio booth in the Atrium 3.1 Hall, booth C112 at MOC Munich. NAD personnel will be on hand to present the CI 720 and CI 580 as well as many other models and answer any questions you might have. The CI 720 is expected to ship in June 2016 with CI 580 available in August.

About BluOS
Unlike other solutions that rely on 3rd party software like UPnP, BluOS is a dedicated ‘music only’ operating system that supports many popular music services and fully supports High Resolution Audio as well as all popular lossless and lossy codecs.

About NAD
Founded in 1972 and now sold in over 80 countries, NAD Electronics is renowned for its award-winning line of high quality components for audio, home theater and custom installation applications. The company’s products consistently deliver outstanding performance, value and simplicity. With over forty years of innovation and value, NAD products are proudly distributed in Germany by Dynaudio and in North America by Lenbrook Americas.