C320BEE_v02.qxd 6/16/2005 5:16 PM Page 1

®

C 320BEE

Stereo Integrated Amplifier

Owner’s Manual

Manuel d’Installation

Bedienungsanleitung

Gebruikershandleiding

Manual del Usuario

Manuale delle Istruzioni

Manual do Proprietário

Bruksanvisning

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Save these instructions for later use.

• Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the audio equipment.

1 Read instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.

2 Retain instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

3 Heed Warnings - All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

4 Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5 Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.

Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

6 Attachments - Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

7 Water and Moisture - Do not use this product near water-for example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.

8 Accessories - Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

9 A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.

10 Ventilation - Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.

11 Power Sources - This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label.

If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company.

The primary method of isolating the turntable from the mains supply is to disconnect the mains plug. Ensure that the mains plug remains accessible at all times. Unplug the AC power cord from the AC outlet if the unit will not be used for several months or more.

12 Grounding or Polarization - This product may be equipped with a polarized alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

13 Power-Cord Protection - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.

14 Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges.

Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information with regard to proper grounding of the mast and supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode.

NOTE TO CATV SYSTEM INSTALLER

• This reminder is provided to call the CATV system installer’s attention to Section 820-40 of the NEC which provides guidelines for proper grounding and, in particular, specifies that the cable ground shall be connected to the grounding system of the building, as close to the point of cable entry as practical.

15 Lightning - For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.

16 Power Lines - An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care should be taken to keep from touching such power lines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.

17 Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

18 Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

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INPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

19 Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

a) When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

b) If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into the product.

c) If the product has been exposed to rain or water.

d) If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.

e) If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.

f) when the product exhibits a distinct change in performance-this indicates a need for service.

20 Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

21 Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

22 Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.

WARNING

TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. 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

CAUTION

Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by NAD Electronics for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

CAUTION REGARDING PLACEMENT

To maintain proper ventilation, be sure to leave a space around the unit (from the largest outer dimensions including projections) equal to, or greater than, shown below.

Left and Right Panels : 10 cm

Rear Panel : 10 cm

Top Panel : 50 cm

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR UK CUSTOMERS

DO NOT cut off the mains plug from this equipment. If the plug fitted is not suitable for the power points in your home or the cable is too short to reach a power point, then obtain an appropriate safety approved extension lead or consult your dealer. If, nonetheless, the mains plug is cut off, REMOVE THE FUSE and dispose of the PLUG immediately, to avoid possible shock hazard by inadvertent connection to the mains supply. If this product is not provided with a mains plug, or one has to be fitted, then follow the instructions given below:

IMPORTANT

DO NOT make any connection to the larger terminal which is marked with the letter ‘E’ or by the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or GREEN AND YELLOW.

The wires in the mains lead on this product are coloured in accordance with the following code:

BLUE - NEUTRAL

BROWN - LIVE

As these colours may not correspond with the coloured markings identifiying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

The BLUE wire must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter ‘N’ or coloured BLACK.

The BROWN wire must be connected to the terminal marked with the letter ‘L’ or coloured RED

When replacing the fuse, only a correctly rated and approved type should be used, and be sure to re-fit the fuse cover.

IF IN DOUBT CONSULT A COMPETENT ELECTRICIAN

This product is manufactured to comply with the radio interference requirements of EEC DIRECTIVE 89/68/EEC and 73/23/EEC

NOTES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

At the end of its useful life, this product must not be disposed of with regular household waste but must be returned to a collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. The symbol on the product, user's manual and packaging, point this out.

The materials can be reused in accordance with their markings. Through re-use, recycling of raw materials, or other forms of recycling of old products, you are making an important contribution to the protection of our environment.

Your local administrative office can advise you of the responsible waste disposal point.

Model No. :________________________Serial No. :_________________

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

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NAD is a trademark of NAD Electronics International, a division of Lenbrook Industries Limited

Copyright 2002, NAD Electronics International, a division of Lenbrook Industries Limited

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NOTES ON INSTALLATION

Your NAD C320BEE should be placed on a firm, level surface. Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or near sources of heat and damp.

Allow adequate ventilation. Do not place the unit on a soft surface like a carpet. Do not place it in an enclosed position such a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the air-flow through the ventilation slots. Make sure the unit is switched off before making any connections.

The RCA sockets on your NAD C320BEE are colour coded for convenience. Red and white are Right and Left audio respectively, and yellow for NAD Link.

Use high quality leads and sockets for optimum performance and reliability. Ensure that leads and sockets are not damaged in any way and all sockets are firmly pushed home.

For best performance, use quality speaker leads of 16 gauge (1.5mm) thickness or more. If the unit is not going to be used for some time, disconnect the plug from the AC socket.

Should water get into your NAD C320BEE, shut off the power to the unit and remove the plug from the AC socket. Have the unit inspected by a qualified service technician before attempting to use it again.

DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER, THERE ARE NO USER-

SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

Use a dry soft cloth to clean the unit. If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with soapy water. Do not use solutions containing benzol or other volatile agents.

QUICK START

1 Connect the speakers to the rear Speaker terminals and sources to the relevant rear input sockets.

2 Plug in the AC power cord.

3 Press the POWER button to turn the NAD C320BEE on.

4 Press the required input selector.

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

1 Power - Pressing the Power switch turns the unit to standby state.

Upon selecting any input at the front panel or the ON button at the remote, the C320BEE will choose the last selected as the active input.

The LED over the power switch will change form amber, indicating standby state, to green when any input is selected. Pressing the

POWER switch again will turn the amplifier off.

NOTE

The remote control handset supplied with the C320BEE is of a universal NAD type, designed to operate several NAD models. Some buttons on this handset are inoperative, as the functions aren’t supported by the C320BEE.

2 Power/Standby/Protection LED - Upon switching the power on, the LED will light up red for a few seconds before the protection circuit is deactivated. The LED will then turn amber, and the amplifier is ready for normal operation. In cases of serious abuse of the amplifier, such as overheating, excessively low loudspeaker impedance, short circuit etc. the amplifier will engage its Protection circuitry, indicated by the LED turning from green to red, and the sound being muted. In such a case, turn the amplifier off, wait for it to cool down and/or check the speaker connections, making sure the overall loudspeaker impedance doesn’t go below 4 ohms. Once the cause for the protection circuitry to engage has been removed, press

Power again to resume normal operation.

3 Headphone socket - A 1/4” stereo jack socket is supplied for headphone listening and will work with conventional headphones of any impedance. Inserting a headphone jack into this socket automatically switches off the loudspeakers. The volume, tone and balance controls are operative for headphone listening. Use a suitable adapter to connect headphones with other types of sockets, such as 3.5mm stereo ‘personal stereo’ jack plugs.

NOTE

Make certain that the volume control is turned to minimum (fully anti-clockwise) before connecting or disconnecting headphones.

Listening at high levels can damage your hearing.

4 Infra-red remote control command receiver - The infrared sensor, located behind this circular window, receives commands from the remote control. There must be a clear line-of-sight path from the remote control to this window; if that path is obstructed, the remote control may not work.

NOTE

Direct sunlight or very bright ambient lighting may affect the operating range and angle for the remote control handset.

5 Input selectors These buttons select the active input to the NAD

C320BEE and the signal sent to the loudspeakers, the Tape outputs and the PRE OUT sockets. The buttons on the remote control handset duplicate these buttons, with the exception of the tuner input; see below. Green LEDs just above each button will indicate which input is currently selected.

DISC Selects a line-level source connected to the DISC sockets as the active input.

CD Selects the CD (or other line-level source) connected to the CD sockets as the active input.

VIDEO Selects the VCR (or stereo TV/Satellite/Cable receiver) connected to the VIDEO sockets as the active input.

AUX Selects a line-level source connected to the AUX sockets as the active input.

TUNER Selects the tuner (or other line-level source) connected to the

Tuner sockets as the active input. The remote control handset has separate buttons for AM and FM; pressing either one will select the

C320BEE’s tuner input.

TAPE 2 Selects Tape 2 as the active input.

TAPE 1 Monitor Selects the output from a tape recorder when playing back tapes or monitoring recordings being made through the

Tape 1 sockets. Press the Tape 1 button once to select it and again to return to the normal input selection.

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Tape 1 is a tape Monitor function which does not override the current input selection. For example, if the CD is the active input when TAPE

1 is selected, then the CD signal will continue to be selected and sent to both the TAPE 2, and TAPE 1 OUTPUT sockets, but it is the sound from recorder connected to Tape 1 that will be heard on the loudspeakers. Apart from the amber LED to indicate Tape 1 is engaged, the green LED for the active input will also stay lit.

NOTE

The remote control handset with the C320BEE supplied is of a universal NAD type, designed to operate several NAD models. Some buttons on this handset are inoperative as the functions aren’t supported by the C320BEE. The Video 2 and Video 3 input selector buttons on the remote control handset are inoperative in the case of the C320BEE.

6 Soft clipping indicator - The green Soft Clipping LED shows that the Soft Clipping mode is engaged. Refer also to “Rear Panel

Connections, Section 12 Soft Clipping” for more information.

7 Tone controls - The NAD C320BEE is fitted with BASS and TREBLE tone controls to adjust the tonal balance of your system.

The 12 o’clock position is ‘flat’ with no boost or cut, and an indent indicates this position. Rotate the control clockwise to increase the amount of Bass or Treble. Rotate the control anti-clockwise to decrease the amount of Bass or Treble. The Tone controls do not affect recordings made using the Tape outputs but will affect the signal going to the Pre-amp output (Pre Out).

8 Tone defeat - The TONE DEFEAT switch by-passes the tone control section of the NAD C320BEE. If the Tone Controls are not normally used and left in the 12 o’clock position, then it is advisable to switch out the Tone Control section altogether by using this switch. In the

‘out’ position, the Tone Control circuits are active, pushing the TONE

DEFEAT switch ‘in’ bypasses the Tone Control section.

9 Balance - The BALANCE control adjusts the relative levels of the left and right speakers. The 12 o’clock position provides equal level to the left and right channels. A detent indicates this position.

Rotating the control clockwise moves the balance towards the right.

Rotating the control anti-clockwise moves the balance to the left.

The BALANCE control does not affect recordings made using the

Tape outputs but will affect the signal going to the Pre-amp output

(Pre Out).

10 Volume - The VOLUME control adjusts the overall loudness of the signals being fed to the loudspeakers. It is motor driven and can be adjusted from the remote control handset. The VOLUME control does not affect recordings made using the Tape outputs but will affect the signal going to the Pre-amp output (Pre Out).

On the remote control handset, press the MUTE button to temporarily switch off the sound to the speakers and headphones.

Mute mode is indicated by the active input LED flashing. Press the

MUTE button again to restore sound. Mute does not affect recordings made using the Tape outputs but will affect the signal going to the Pre-amp output (Pre Out).

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

1 IR Input / output - This input is connected to the output of an IR

(infrared) repeater (Xantech or similar), or the IR output of another component to allow control of the C320BEE from a remote location.

Ask your dealer or custom installer for further details.

2 Disc input - Input for additional line level input signals such as CD,

Mini Disc player or the output signal from a step-up amplifier for a turntable. Use a twin RCA-to-RCA lead to connect the auxiliary unit’s left and right ‘Audio Outputs’ to this input.

3 CD input - Input for a CD or other line-level signal source. Use a twin

RCA-to-RCA lead to connect the CD player’s left and right ‘Audio

Outputs’ to this input. The NAD C320BEE only accepts analogue signals from your CD player.

4 Video input - Input for the audio signal from a stereo VCR (or stereo

TV/Satellite/Cable receiver) or other line-level audio source. Using twin RCA-to-RCA leads, connect to the left and right ‘Audio

Outputs’ of the unit to these inputs. Note: These are audio inputs only.

5 AUX input - Input for additional line level input signals such as another CD player. Use a twin RCA-to-RCA lead to connect the auxiliary unit’s left and right ‘Audio Outputs’ to this input.

6 Tuner input - Input for a tuner or other line-level signal source. Use a twin RCA-to-RCA lead to connect the tuner left and right ‘Audio

Outputs’ to this input.

7 Tape 2 In/Out - Connections for analogue recording and playback to an audio tape recorder of any type. Using twin RCA-to-RCA leads, connect to the left and right ‘Audio Output’ of the tape machine to the TAPE 2 IN sockets for playback and tape monitoring. Connect the left and right ‘Audio Input’ of the tape machine to the TAPE 2 OUT sockets for recording.

8 Tape 1 In/Out - Connections for analogue recording and playback to an audio tape recorder of any type. Using twin RCA-to-RCA leads, connect to the left and right ‘Audio Output’ of the tape machine to the TAPE 1 IN sockets for playback and tape monitoring. Connect the left and right ‘Audio Input’ of the tape machine to the TAPE 1 OUT sockets for recording.

9 Pre out - Connections to an external power amplifier or processor, such as a surround-sound decoder. In normal use these should be connected to the Main-In sockets (No. 10) with the links supplied. To connect your NAD C320BEE to external processor or amplifier sections first remove these links. Use a twin RCA-to-RCA lead to connect to the left and right ‘Audio Input’ of the Power amp or processor to the Pre Out sockets.

NOTE

The Pre-Out output signal will be affected by the NAD C320BEE’s volume and tone control settings, always turn the amplifier off before connecting or disconnecting anything from to Pre-Out and

Main-In sockets.

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10 Main in - Connections to an external pre-amplifier or processor, such as a surround-sound decoder. In normal use these should be connected to the Pre-Out sockets (No. 9) with the links supplied. To connect your NAD C320BEE to external processor or pre-amplifier first remove these links. Use a twin RCA-to-RCA lead to connect to the left and right ‘Audio Output’ of the pre-amp or processor to the

Main-In sockets.

NOTE

Always turn the amplifier off before connecting or disconnecting anything from to Pre-Out and Main-In sockets.

TO MAKE A RECORDING

When any source is selected, its signal is also fed directly to any tape machine connected to the TAPE 2 or TAPE 1 OUTPUTS for recording.

TAPE TO TAPE COPYING

You can copy between two tape machines connected to your NAD

C320BEE. Put the source tape in the recorder connected to Tape 2 and the blank tape into the recorder connected to Tape 1. By selecting TAPE

2 Input you can now record from Tape 2 to Tape 1 and monitor the signal coming from the original tape.

11 Speakers - Speaker terminals for speakers with an impedance of 4 ohms or more. Connect the right speaker to the terminals market ‘R

+’ and ‘R-’ ensuring that the ‘R+’ is connected to the ‘+’ terminal on your loudspeaker and the ‘R-’ is connected to the loudspeaker’s ‘-’ terminal. Connect the terminals marked ‘L+’ and ‘L-’ to the left speaker in the same way.

Always use heavy duty (16 gauge; 1.5mm, or thicker) stranded wire to connect loudspeakers to your NAD C320BEE. The high-current binding post terminals can be used as a screw terminal for cables terminating in spade or pin sockets or for cables with bare wire ends.

REMOTE CONTROL HANDSET

The Remote Control handset handles all the key functions of the NAD

C720BEE and has additional controls to remotely operate NAD Cassette and CD machines. It will operate up to a distance of 16ft (5m). Alkaline batteries are recommended for maximum operating life. Two AAA (R 03) batteries should be fitted in the battery compartment at the back of the

Remote Control handset. When replacing batteries, check that they have been put in the right way round, as indicated on the base of the battery compartment.

Please refer to previous sections of the manual for a full description of individual functions.

When a command from the remote control is received, the

Standby/protection indicator will blink. BARE WIRES AND PIN CONNECTORS

Bare wires and pin sockets should be inserted into the hole in the shaft of the terminal. Unscrew the speaker terminal’s plastic bushing until the hole in the screw shaft is revealed. Insert the pin or bare cable end into the hole and secure the cable by tightening down the terminal’s bushing. Ensure bare wire from the speaker cables does not touch the back panel or another socket. Ensure that there is only 1/2” (1cm) of bare cable or pin and no loose strands of speakers wire.

12 Soft Clipping™ - When an amplifier is driven beyond its specified power output, a hard, distorted sound can be heard on very loud sounds. This is caused by the amplifier cutting off or ‘hard clipping’ the peaks of sound that was not designed to reproduce. The NAD

Soft Clipping circuit gently limits the output of the system to minimise audible distortion if the amplifier is overdriven.

If your listening involves moderate power levels you may leave the

Soft Clipping switch to Off. If you are likely to play at high levels, that could stretch the amplifier’s power capability, then switch Soft

Clipping On.

The Soft Clipping™ LED on the front panel will illuminate when the amplifier is in Soft Clipping mode.

1 POWER ON & OFF - The NAD C320BEE remote has a separate On and

Off button. This can be particularly useful to keep components within a system "insync": This way all components will switch to stand-by when Off is pressed or switch to operating mode when On is pressed, instead of some components switching On when the amplifier is switched to Stand-by. (Note that the other components have to be capable of responding to the separate On and Off commands as well). Press the ON button to switch the unit from Stand-by to the operating mode; The Stand-by indicator (Fig. 2; No. 2) will turn from amber, to red, then to green. Press the OFF button to switch the unit to the Stand-by mode: The Stand-by indicator will light up amber.

2 INPUTS - The input selector buttons perform the same functions as the buttons labelled the same on the front panel.

3 Numeric Keys - The numeric keys allow for direct input of tracks for

CD-players, and direct channel/preset access for the tuner.

13 AC line cord - Plug the AC power cord into a live AC wall socket.

Make sure all connections have been made before connecting to mains.

4 MASTER VOLUME - Press the MASTER VOLUME or buttons to respectively increase or decrease the loudness level.

Release the button when the desired level is reached. The motorised

Volume Control on the front panel will indicate the level set. The

Master Volume buttons do not affect recordings made using the Tape outputs but will affect the signal going to the Pre-amp outputs.

14 12V trigger output - The 12V TRIGGER OUTPUT is used for controlling external equipment that is equipped with a 12V trigger input. This output will be 12V when the C320BEE is on and 0V when the unit is either off or in standby. This output can drive a load up to

100ma at 12V.

5 MUTE - Press the MUTE Button to temporarily switch off the sound to the speakers and headphones. Mute mode is indicated by the MUTE icon in the VFD. Press MUTE again to restore sound. Mute does not affect recordings made using the Tape output but will affect the signal going to the Preamp outputs.

6 TUNER CONTROL - TUNE or scans respectively higher or lower station frequencies for both AM and FM.

PRESET or selects respectively higher or lower number station preset.

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7 CD PLAYER CONTROL - (for use with NAD CD-Player) engages Stop engages Play or toggles between Play and Pause or engages

Track skip; Press once to respectively go to the next track or to return to start of current or previous track.

engages reverse Scan and Skip engages forward Scan and Skip.

engages CD drawer Open/Close; Press once to open the CD drawer then once again to close the CD drawer and start playback.

7 CASSETTE DECK CONTROL - (for use with single NAD Cassette Decks) engages Forward Play.

Press to put cassette deck into record-pause, then press Play to start recording.

Stops Play or Recording.

engages Rewind.

engages Fast Forward.

8 TAPE/TUNER-CD - The TAPE/TUNER - CD switch applies tape controls to the transport keys when in the TAPE/TUNER position, and applies

CD controls to the transport keys when in the CD position.

9 DEV 1/DEV 2 - In some instances when one's audio system is without a tape deck, the CD transport keys may be set to operate in either position of the Tape/Tuner -CD switch (No.8).

The default setting for this remote control switch set to DEV 1. In this position, the Tape/Tuner -CD switch allows for both tape and CD control (No.7). If one sets this switch to DEV 2, then the transport keys will remain as CD control keys irregardless of the position of the

Tap/Tuner -CD switch.

NOTES: The remote control handset supplied with the C320BEE is of a universal NAD type, designed to operate several NAD models. Some buttons on this handset are inoperative as the functions aren't supported by the C320BEE. The Video 2 and Video 3 input selector buttons (inside section No.2) on the remote control handset are inoperative in the case of the C320BEE.

Direct sunlight or very bright ambient lighting may affect the operating range and angle for the remote control handset.

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DEV2

DEV1

3

8

4

5

6

7

1

2

9

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PRESS IN AND LIFT TAB TO REMOVE

BATTERY COVER OUT FROM RECESS

PLACE BATTERIES INTO OPENING. ENSURE

THE CORRECT POLARITY IS OBSERVED

REPLACE BATTERY COVER BY ALIGNING AND

INSERTING THE TWO TABS INTO THE HOLES.

PRESS BATTERY COVER INTO PLACE UNTIL IT

'CLICKS' CLOSED

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM

NO SOUND

NO SOUND ONE CHANNEL

WEAK BASS / DIFFUSE STEREO IMAGE

REMOTE CONTROL HANDSET

NOT WORKING

POWER/PROTECTION LED TURNS RED

DURING OPERATION

CAUSE

• Power AC lead unplugged or power not switched on

• Tape 1 Monitor selected

• Mute on

SOLUTION

• Check if AC lead is plugged in and power switched on

• De-select Tape 1 Monitor mode

• Switch off Mute

• Rear Pre-out/Main-in amp links not fitted

• Headphones inserted

• Balance control not centered

• Speaker not properly connected or damaged

• Fit links

• Disconnect headphones

• Center Balance control

• Check connections and speakers

• Input lead disconnected or damaged

• Speakers wired out of phase

• Batteries flat, or incorrectly inserted

• IR transmitter or receiver windows obstructed

• Check leads and connections

• Check connections to all speakers in the system

• Check or replace batteries

• Remove obstruction

• IR receiver in direct sun or very bright ambient light

• Amplifier has overheated

• Overall impedance of loudspeakers too low

• Place unit away from direct sun, reduce amount of ambient light

• Turn amplifier off, make sure ventilation slots on top and bottom of amplifier are not blocked.

After amplifier has cooled down, turn back on

• Ensure the overall loudspeaker impedance is not below 4 ohms

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SPECIFICATIONS

PRE-AMP SECTION

Line level inputs (Disc, CD, Video, Aux, Tuner, Tape1, Tape2)

Input impedance (R and C)

Input sensitivity (ref. rated power)

Maximum input signal

Signal / Noise ratio A-weighted 1

Signal / noise ratio pre-amp out, A-weighted

Frequency response 20Hz - 20kHz

THD + Noise, SMPTE IM

Line level outputs

Output impedance

Maximum output level

200k

6V

Ω + 320pF

220mV

93.0dB ref. 1W

106dB ref. 500mV

<±0.1dB (Tone defeat on)

<±0.5dB (Tone defeat off)

< 0.01% at 5V out

Pre-out 80 Ω

Tape Source Z + 1k

Ω

Pre-out >12V

Tape >10V

Tone controls

Treble

Bass

Trigger out

Input resistance

Input voltage

Output resistance

Output current

Output voltage

±5dB at 10kHz

±8dB at 100Hz

>10k Ω

Minimum 5V

<30W

200mA

12V

POWER AMP SECTION

Continuous output power into 8

Ω

2

Rated distortion (THD 20Hz - 20kHz)

Clipping power (maximum continuous power per channel 4

Ω and 8Ω)

IHF Dynamic headroom

IHF dynamic power (maximum short term power per channel)

Damping factor (ref. 8

Input impedance (R & C)

Input sensitivity (rated output into 8

Ω)

Voltage gain

Frequency response 20Hz - 20kHz

Signal/noise ratio, A-weighted

THD + Noise

SMPTE IM 4

IHF IM 5

3

Ω, 1kHz)

Headphone output impedance

50W (17dBW)

0.03%

68W

8 Ω +3.4dB

4

Ω

+5.0dB

8 Ω 110W (20.4dBW)

4

Ω

160W (22.0dBW)

2 Ω 210W (23.2dBW)

>160

20k Ω + 470pF

630mV

29dB

29dB ref. 1W 100dB ref. 50W 117dB

<0.03%

<0.01%

<0.01%

220

Ω

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions (W x H x D)

Net weight

Shipping weight

435 x 100 x 290mm

6.5kg (14.3lb)

8kg (17.6lb)

1 From CD input to speakers output, volume setting for 500mV in, 8 Ω 1W out

2 Minimum power per chnnel, 20Hz - 20kHz, both channels driven with no more than rated distiortion.

3 Total harmonic distortion, 20Hz - 20kHz from 250mW to rated output

4 Intermodulation distortion, 60Hz - 7kHz, 4:1, from 250mW to rated output

5 CCIF IM distortion, 19 + 20kHz rated output

Dimensions are of unit’s cabinet without attached feet; add up to 18mm for total height.

Dimension depth excludes terminals, sockets, controls and buttons.

10

C320BEE_v02.qxd 6/16/2005 5:19 PM Page 78 www.NADelectronics.com

©2005 NAD ELECTRONICS INTERNATIONAL

A DIVISION OF LENBROOK INDUSTRIES LIMITED

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the written permission of NAD Electronics International

C320BEE Manual 06/05

Nad C320 BEE Page 1 of 8

Issue 3

Editorial

Bryston vs Bryston

Concertino vs Cocertino H.

NAD C320 BEE

By Fabio Cottatellucci

Rega Planet & Mira 3

PS Audio HCA-2

New Digital

Monrio Asty

NAD C320 BEE

X0 Oscillator

Extremephono Donut

Neutral Cable Avatar

Matteo Lupatelli

HOME

Dati

Manufacturer : NAD -

New Acoustic

Dimension www.nad.co.uk/

Italian Distribution :

Nadel Italia , Via L.

Tolstoi 24/7 - 20146

Milano Tel.

02.42.24.726 - Fax

02.42.32.716 www.audioclub.it

Cost: 03/2003 : € 477

Description:

Integrated amplifier

The product name stands for "C320 Bjorn Erik Edvardsen": the improved versions of that C320 winner of the "Amplifier of the year" award by the British magazine "What Hi-Fi?", a machine that has been in the market since 1998. But what is

NAD and who is Mr. Edvardsen? Well, for these among us that are novices at Hi Fi or very young, NAD (New Acoustic

Dimension) is a British milestone in Hi Fi history. A thirtyyear old brand that has become synonymous with excellent sound and no-nonsense projects: that means, people at

NAD focus their resources in that parts of their machines that will make a difference in sound, not in the appearance.

Mr. Edvardsen is the person at NAD who designed the 3020; it was the most popular amplifier ever with about one million units sold, and he is also the man behind this upgrade of the

C320 that bears his sign. On a warm spring evening, a packed C320 BEE was delivered to my front door. Please bear in mind while reading this review that we are testing a

50 W-rated device sold for less than five hundred Euros. I often had to remind myself of this during the tests. print http://www.videohifi.com/nad_c320_eng.htm

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Nad C320 BEE Page 2 of 8

An understating look

The C320 comes with a fine remote control unit, suitable for most NAD products and with a user manual written in six languages, complete and easy to understand with some minor typing mistakes. The manual has been completely revamped from that of the former C320 and also looks a bit more "pro", even though important indications for beginners are not omitted. When your 12-year old son installs this

NAD, neither the young boy nor your Hi Fi components will run any risks. The enclosed data sheet is remarkable for its completeness and impressive for the figures shown (see box). The C320 BEE proudly wears the traditional NAD uniform, charcoal gray with that green on / off button that has become a sort of trademark in itself. On the front panel, left to right, we find the green button that allows the user to leave the unit in stand-by (amber light) and to comfortably turn it on from the remote control (light turns into green). I was very pleased to find, below the switch, a gold plated headphones jack socket, that is always very useful not only for night or… egoistic listening sessions but also for a number of technical purposes such as tape monitoring or emergency checks. Manual switch-on is performed through directly pressing any of the small, round source buttons that are placed amid the front panel along with the IR receiver.

The NAD has seven of them including two for the tape; the one marked "Disc" is intended for an external phono unit since no phono circuit is factory installed. A row of green leds indicate the selected input and the "soft clipping" circuit status. Then we find the tone controls with a tone-defeat button and the balance and volume knobs that close the list; touching them and some other parts on the front panel, one could have the sensation of cheap, plastic components. But cheap they are not: remember that the part that sounds is inside, and the guys at NAD wrote in their website "We put our focus on the inside where it counts, and you can hear the results". This is a good example of clever focusing of economic efforts in order to improve performance.

Do you remember "audio control centers"?

The rear panel shows an impressive parade of connectors and switches. At the far left, a trigger output and an infraredrepeater in/out port expand the operating possibilities of the

320BEE to these of an audio control center By this name were once called preamplifiers, especially the very versatile ones.

The C

320 also allows splitting the pre http://www.videohifi.com/nad_c320_eng.htm

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Nad C320 BEE Page 3 of 8 and power amp sections through a RCA connection set, fitted with very good jumpers. All the eleven twin RCA connectors (five for the line inputs, four for two tape loops, two for the pre out and main in) are gold plated and have a good insulating core. Frankly, they are also a bit cramped together and leave little room for fingers; plugging in fat jacks could be uncomfortable as well. A switch for the "Soft clipping" circuit is also placed here. This circuit "gently transforms the music waveform as the point of clipping approaches, resulting in much clearer reproduction and simultaneous protection of speakers" as we learn from NAD.

It may well be useful but not for my purposes, so I left it in the off position. By the way, I guess it's been placed on the rear panel to shorten the signal path, but it's obviously difficult to reach there. We have only one speakers terminal set. Surprised? Please rise their hand those among you that really need two speaker outputs. The speakers binding posts accept bare wire, pins (removing the IEEC-standard insulation), spades or whatsoever provided it's of reasonable size. Even though the unit comes with no IEC mains socket, the power cord can be replaced (opening the cover), since it is not soldered to the inside board but plugged into it thorough a white, small plastic jack. Frankly, being the cord supplied barely suitable for an electric razor, once the warranty had gone I'd unscrew the case and upgrade it. A much thicker common mains cable with a good Shuko plug at the wall end will probably do the job. I placed the NAD onto a MDF shelf, then atop my CD player, then down on the marble floor of my living room where it spent most of its test: no remarkable differences to note down. Same for spikes, feet, blocks under the chassis, mains filters. No problems either in handling the unit - it is a regular-sized box with no sharp edges or tips - or in placing it in your living room: it is rather compact and its gray livery is an interiors passepartout that won't get boring you over the years.

Quality where it counts

One third of the inside is occupied by the power supply components and by a properly sized, NADmarked toroidal transformer, the other two thirds by a large, good-quality board bearing most of the circuits. The two parts are split by the heatsink pack of the power transistors, that also further shields the sensitive signal circuits from the transformer. A grid atop the chassis and another underneath ensure proper ventilation. NAD deploys a quality board with thick bars where crucial signals are handled; we can see quality http://www.videohifi.com/nad_c320_eng.htm

9/19/2010

Nad C320 BEE Page 4 of 8 components everywhere, and even though tone and balance potentiometers may have been better ones, the input selector relais are very good pieces. Now we fully understand that "we put our focus on the inside" motto.

A happy listening session

Ero I was curious of the power output of the NAD, that was assessed in a very cautious way at 50+50 Watts minimum in the factory datasheet (see box). Luckily the unit I received for this test had already been at work, so no run-in was needed and I could go straight to the point. Well, the gray box has no problems at all in delivering a lot of energy, even when it burst out in a sudden transient, and showed me the distance between that minimum and what it can punch into speakers during dynamic operation. To check this feature, after the main tests with my Klipschorns, I connected the

British boy to my Acoustic Research three-way infinite baffle speakers that are known to be as sensitive as… a brick. I turned the volume knob clockwise and sit back. Woofers started moving punchy while Mr. Bon Jovi played "Queen of

New Orleans", though this device is not intended for hard rock: it seems like if it tried to dull the sharpest parts of the message for the sake of harmony! The electric guitar missed some biting power that after all made it less disturbing than the author had probably intended it to be. I liked this interpretation. If you are a hard rock enthusiast you'd probably better look for some more rough and aggressive gear, but if you only pop in from time to time in the kingdom of Jon Bon Jovi, Steve Tyler and Ozzy Osbourne, well, this

NAD will be more than enough for you. After a long listening session at high sound pressure levels, with such tough speakers to drive, overload protections had still nothing to say. Only the heat from the case grid revealed the generous http://www.videohifi.com/nad_c320_eng.htm

9/19/2010

Nad C320 BEE Page 5 of 8 current flow that the little English boy had been handling with no sign of fatigue. With the Beethoven's Ninth, I found some little imprecision in the soundstage when large orchestra masses where involved. I call this "lack of stage sculpture under pressure". When the "Ode to Joy" blows up you still have violins playing along with the overwhelming power of chorus and orchestra; well - this will horrify Beethoven purists - I've always had the sensation of that violins surfing over the orchestra like a surfer over sea waves. With the C

320 the poor chap took a dip in the water: I found it difficult to make out the violin that was moving around through the buckets of seawater the amp was throwing towards me. The whole soundstage became a bit dull. While I write this, I understand it's the only criticism I can move to the power section - and it is the kind of criticism you exercise towards products that cost the double of the C 320. This slight lack of control is not present in normal-level passages: in the same symphony Placido Domingo's voice is well placed on the stage and so are the ones of the other vocalists. One can always keep track of each single voice across a wide, deep and to some extent tall soundstage that is another pleasant surprise. In my opinion, power and dynamics here are more than enough for any domestic purposes. The solo guitar of

Antonio Forcione is reproduced in its full harmonic richness, with every single shade but without that excess of details that makes the reproduction of some other gear so unnatural. After all, you don't push your nose into instruments at a concert, so why should recorded music give that sensation? Great dynamic bursts when the artist forces some notes on the strings. Firm and detailed soundstage and great energy with track three and four of Takeshi

Inomata's CD: a percussion session that is really unforgiving with lazy or rough devices. Very good high frequency range with rolls of drums and cymbals, brilliant like fireworks but very refined. The voice of Tierney Sutton is so technically sophisticated in "Unsung heroes" that with some gear it tends to seem the product of a synthesizer. The NAD gives to this great vocalist a completely human dimension, though her talent is fully enlightened by the extremely neutral timbre of the NAD in the middle range: the performance in track ten

"Con alma" deserves an applause. In 1965, Arthur

Rubinstein recorded Chopin's Nocturnes for the third time in his life. It was the great performance of a mature maestro with lots of introspection and a slight note of melancholy.

The recording by RCA was a masterpiece itself, and BMG's digital remastering an example of correct intervention. The

NAD is capable of recreating the piano in all its tone nuances with a keyboard that is very realistic in dimensions and placement. The balance across the frequency range is rigorous, and one can make out each single key even though all of them melt together in the flowing of the score.

After few minutes, I don't listen to the system any more - I just follow the music. http://www.videohifi.com/nad_c320_eng.htm

9/19/2010

Nad C320 BEE Page 6 of 8

The preamplifier

Impressed by the fine musical performance of this grandson of the 3020, and in consideration of the "HT secret life" that most audiophiles run nowadays, I decided to take advantage of the pre/power amp jumpers to test each section separately. I started with the NAD pre section driving my power amps, curious of checking these features the factory proudly declared for this preamplifier (one for all: low-noise, class A FETs). I was simply astonished: the gap with my own preamplifier was unexpectedly narrow. Please notice that the latter costs alone a multiple of the whole NAD, and that it is considered to be very good value for money itself. I dare say that even without the power section the preamplifier would still be worth the money the C 320 costs. All the qualities of the integrated amp (soundstage, effortless reproduction and natural timbre) were further exalted.

The power unit and a short trip to HT

Then I changed the setup and tested the NAD power stages driven by my preamplifier. The improvement here was not so evident, though I got a very good overall performance and outstanding sound pressure levels anyway. Under stress conditions, I had the occasion to experience once again that

"lack of definition under pressure" I mentioned above. Then I connected the power section of the C 320 to the front pre outputs of my Marantz A/V receiver. In a home theater context, that sort of imprecision I had felt in stereo just became far less important due to the different characteristics of movie soundtracks. In Moulin Rouge "Your song" came out as involving as usual, even if my Marantz costs a 60% more than the NAD, is considered to be among the most musical A/V receivers and is rated at one hundred watts per channel. Skipping to some action scenes, I was surprised by the amount of energy that the little boy was capable of delivering to the woofers of my front channels. In the scene of The Matrix where Morpheus is rescued from the skyscraper, sound pressure and dynamics were surprising for a 50+50 W continuous power unit. The (precious!) musical attitude of the NAD came out anyway under the form of a slight softening of the hardest passages, that after all I liked even with action movie soundtracks. To summon up my sensations, this is a very good power stage indeed whose only limit it is that of … sharing its case with an exceptional preamplifier section!

A… "sound" bottom line

Are you audiophile-listening addicted? Just place the C 320 over a firm, rigid surface, spend some more bucks in cables http://www.videohifi.com/nad_c320_eng.htm

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Nad C320 BEE Page 7 of 8

(no US Defense-like budgets needed here), push the tone defeat button on, switch the soft clipping circuit off, then go: its good balance and neutral attitude will delight you.

Matching other gear will not be a problem. Fond of night headphone magic? Enjoy its phone output. Do you want to upgrade with another power section? The pre can follow you for many steps upwards. Want to use the NAD to drive your

HT front speakers? No problem with sound pressure, output level is not a problem. Are you a recording freak? Five inputs and two tape loops will fill your needs (even though a separate recording selector would have been the top).

Please remember that amplifiers were once called "audio control centers", and this is one. Servicing? Trading in? The brand name is a warranty itself on both sides. At this point, at an official price of 477.21 Euro in Italy that might even be lower, the only I can do is including this device in the shortlist of machines to recommend.

An excerpt from the manufacturer's datasheet:

Continuous output power: 50 W

IHF Dynamic Power at 8 Ohm: 110 W

IHF Dynamic Power at 4 Ohm: 160 W

Frequency response at -3dB: 3Hz - 70kHz

Power unit THD 20Hz - 20Khz: 0.03 %

Pre unit S/N ratio, A-weighted: 106 dB

Power unit S/N r., A-weighted: 100 dB at ref. rated power: 117 dB

S/N ratio, A-weighted, from CD input to speaker output, at 1W/8 Ohm: 93 dB

Input impedance: 200k Ohm / 320pF

The NAD C 320BEE has been tested with:

The system

CD player: Audio Analogue Paganini

Pre amp: Galactron 2161 solid state

Power amp: Galactron 2151 A-class solid state monoblocks

Speakers: Klipschorn, AR IV Red Box

A/V receiver: Marantz SR7000

TV set and DVD Player: Philips 32PW6826 with built-in DVD player

Acoustic traps: DaaD

Dedicated power line http://www.videohifi.com/nad_c320_eng.htm

9/19/2010

Nad C320 BEE

Cables: Cambridge, G&BL, several DIY pieces.

The software - CDs:

Jon Bon Jovi, Destination Anywhere Polygram

Tierney Sutton, Unsung heroes Telarc Jazz

Antonio Forcione, Live! Naim Audio

Takeshi Inomata & Separation Ex-Spiral New Sonic

Dimension

Beethoven (Wiener Philarmoniker) Symphonye No. 9

Deutsche Grammophone

Frédéric Chopin (Arthur Rubinstein) 19 Nocturnes BMG-

RCA

The software - Video DVDs:

A. & L. Wachowsky The Matrix Warner Studios

Baz Luhrmann Moulin Rouge Fox Home Entertainment

Read Italian version

Page 8 of 8

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9/19/2010