NAD Electronics has just released three new affordable digital products – the D 7050 Direct Digital Network Receiver, D 3020 Digital DAC/Amplifier and D 1050 USB 24/192 DAC.  

These three new components have been released now, in part, to commorate NAD’s 40th anniversary.  These products represent NAD’s latest generation of digital components and express a fresh new direction in styling and aesthetics – certainly catering to computer-music enthusiasts.  

The original NAD 3020 introduced in the 1970’s built a reputation for NAD, having the ability to compete with considerably higher-priced amplifiers of its day.  Fast forward to today and the D 3020 starts with the original NAD concept and uses the latest high speed digital technology.  The D 3020 features:

• Digital inputs: Asynchronous USB with 24-bit/96kHz capability; coaxial and optical;
• Analog inputs;
• Bluetooth connectivitiy for wireless streaming (Bluetooth aptX);
• 30 watts per channel power output with <0.5W standby power consumption;
• Included IR remote control.

The D 7050 Digital Network Receiver combines NAD’s most advanced digital platform, the Direct Digital technology first introduced in the company’s $6,000 award-winning Masters Series M2 amplifier.  Direct Digital means all preamplifier functions occur in the digital domain using sophisticated software to control all aspects of performance. Digital is converted to analog by a simple passive two-pole reconstruction filter located right at the speaker outputs.  The design ensures low noise and distortion.  Small footprint ensure short signal paths, lending to lower potential for noise and distortion of the digital signal.  NAD uses large scale integrated circuits (LSI’s) and multi-layer printed circuit boards to optimize speed and performance. The high efficiency of the Direct Digital amplifier technology significantly reduces the size of the heat sinks and power supply, which are physically large in high performance analog amplifiers, while offering improved sound quality. The result is a cool running, compact powerhouse.  Other features include:

• Apple’s AirPlay Wi-Fi streaming;
• UPnP streaming compatitbility;
• Bluetooth High Fidelity Codec aptX;
• Premium quality headphone amplifier output with high quality volume control;
• Direct Digital – with no analog circuits for low noise.

The NAD D 1050 USB DAC caters to many different digital sources, providing S/PDIF inputs that support balanced AES/EBU as well as coaxial and optical connectors. The USB input is asynchronous with a high precision clock that supports USB Audio Codec 2.0 allowing 192 kHz signal transmission.  Digital processing is via Delta/Sigma architecture with active oversampling filters for reduced noise, linear phase response and minimal filter ringing in the pass band.  Ultra short, impedance-controlled signal paths are made possible by multi-layer circuit boards and micro-miniaturized surface mount components soldered with lead-free, high silver content solder. Analog outputs are fixed and include both balanced and single-ended connections and the there is a premium quality headphone amplifier wtih high quality volume control. Output impedance is extremely low, minimizing the effect of connecting cables and keeping noise extremely low.

Key Common Features of NAD’s D Series Digital Audio Products:

• Energy-Saving– new design technology consumes less power to operate;
• Eco-Friendly – new models contain fewer non-renewable resources to manufacture;
• Stylish Simplicity Through Advanced Design – stylish yet timelessindustrial design by David Farrage of DF-ID;
• Vertically or horizontal placement.

All three new digital products are currently available for per-order and will be available in July 2013 at the following pricing: The D 7050 Direct Digital Network Receiver ($999 U.S. MSRP); D 3020 Digital DAC/Amplifier ($499) and D 1050 USB 24/192 DAC ($499).  Look for more details at: www.nadelectronics.com.

 

 

About the Author: George de Sa

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