S170 - Audio Preamplifier NAD - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL S170 NAD

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 products 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. AÏl 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, washbowi, 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 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 oceur, 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 celling, unless specified in the Operating Instructions.

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

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. f 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 users 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 à 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 normal. + The unit exhibits a marked change in performance. +_ The unit has been dropped, or the cabinet has been damaged 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 difficult. Model No. Serial No.

GETTING THE MOST FROM THE NAD S1 Thank you for choosing NAD. The 5170 AW 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 extraordinarly precise 24-bit precision/96 kHz-sampling digital-to-analog conversion for all channels. More importantiy, it is among the most musically transparent and spatially accurate designs available, the culmination of everything we‘ve learned, over à 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 5170, and get the most from this powerful and flexible home- theater component. One more thing: We urge you to register your 5170 ownership on the NAD Worldwide Web site:

HTTP:/INADELECTRONICS.COMAW/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 $170. 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

Packed with your 5170 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 170 during setup without fear of scratches or fingerprints marring its finish + This owner's manual

Please save the box and all of the packaging in which your 5170 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!

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 listeninghiewing position—this will ensure reliable infrared remote control communications. Due to the 5170'5 high-speed DSP hardware and high-current audio circuits it generates à modest amount of heat, but nothing that should trouble any adjacent components. It is perfectly safe to stack additional components atop the 5170, or vice versa, but it is generally preferable (and considerably handsomer) if the 170 stands alone. The one exception is a power-amplifier or receiver, or any other unit that generates substantial heat: The $170 should not be stacked above or below any such component.

Though the S170 AW 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 home- theater components as well this is what we mean by NAD's “Music First” design philosophy. Here are just à few examples: +_ The $170 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 internaly and extenally to ensure unimpeded signal transfer. EARS. A key element of the 5170's unique musicality is NAD'S proprietary Enhanced Ambience Recovery System (ARS). In sharp contrast to many “ambience-synthesis* music-surround modes, EARS exploits the 51705 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 artficially 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. À 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 i 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:

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. lts design is unusually simple for so sophisticated à component, and the 570 LCD remote controller's functioning is uniquely self-prompting and intuitive, as are the 5170's own front-panel and on-screen displays. À 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 à single keypress INTEGRATION The 5170 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 Additional, 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

ABOUT THE S17l UPGRADABILITY We engineered the 170 preamplifier with selectively modular construction. All of its digital-control and - processing “intelligence” is located on à 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 5170 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-sawy users can perform these upgrades by downloading the files (and an installer application) from our web-site, and uploading to the 5170 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 5170 will assist you in performing software upgrades.

ABOUT THE S70 SYSTEM REMOTE CONTROL

Packed with your $170 is the NAD 70 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 570 remote controller is à “paged” display; that is, each set of commands or functions shows à 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 wi primarly use your 570 to command the $170 AW 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 wil find the details of its function with these components in each of their ouner's manuals

UICKSTART In case you simply cannot wait to experience the performance of your new $170 preamplifier, we provide the following *Quickstart” instructions to get you underwaÿ. They assume that the DVD/CD player is connected to the VIDEOT input and that the appropriate audio and video connections have been made: PLAY A DVD MOVIE (OR MUSIC CD) From the 570 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 570 remote's [VOLUME up/down] keys to adjust the volume. Start playback of the DVD/CD player. From the 570 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 5170 listening modes that are available for the current input signal type (see About the 5170 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 5170 carefully.

POWER: Switch off to disconnect the 5170 from all AC power and exit the Standby mode. Switching POWER on both reconnects the AC and actively power-up the preamp STANDBY: Iluminates when the S170 is in the Standby mode (dark when preamp is on, or powered-off). AUDIO: Press to select audio inputs sequentially using the VOLUME (SETUP) knob (see “Front Panel Operations," below) VIDEO: Press to select audio inputs sequentially using the VOLUME (SETUP) knob (see “Front Panel Operations," below) 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). MULTISOURCE: Press to select the signal output by the rear-panel MULTISOURCE OUT jacks using the VOLUME (SETUP) knob (see “Listening in à Remote Zone,” below). SPEAKERS: Press to access the <Speaker setup> menu on the front- panel 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) 8 DELAY: Press to access the <Delay setup> 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 170," and "Front Panel Operations,“ below). LEVELS : Press to access the <Levels setup> 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 170," 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 5170 preamplfier 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 composite- video 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 VIDI IN - S VID6 IN: Connect Video Inputs 1-6 to S-Video from source components (see “Source Setup," below) 4 S VIDA OUT - SVID6 OUT; MON OUT: Connect to S-Video record- inputs 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 à 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 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 à high-quality S/PDIF-format source via BNC cabling; connect DIGITAL OUT to the coaxial SPDIF digital input of à recording component such as à 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 à recording component such as à 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 à 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 lits; see “Trigger Setup," below. 18 AC power inlet: Connect to the supplied IEC-standard removable AC power cord or a compatible cord

GETTING STARTED Before you make the first connection to your S170, you should have the arrangement of your listening roonvhome theater components and furniture mapped out, at least initilly. Unfortunatel}, a discussion of the vital questions of loudspeaker placement and listeninghiewing 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 570 remote handset to configure your 5170. The remote is à “paged” display; that is, each set of commands or functions shows à new page” of icons on its LCD screen. The S70 is à powerful controler, but you wil find it simple and intuitive to use thanks to its self- prompting 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 5170 requires a grounded (3-prong) AC outlet. Employing à 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 bundie analog audio cables with AC power cables, or with coaxial digital-audio cables + Employ high-quality, wel-shielded audio cable throughout, and ensure that all connections are secure. + A pendil-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 re- plugging, since the gold (or copper) contact-plating of typical cable connectors, even very high-quality ones, is very thin and easily worn. Track down humvnoise problems one component at à 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 (à CD player, for example) to the preamplifier, and check for hum. At each stage, if humynoise appears, examine the audio cabling and AC-power routing of the new component. In some cases, moving the new component's AC cord to à different outlet, or installing à ground-ift (3-to-2-prong adapter) on its power cord, will eliminate the hum

The 5170 preamplifier employs à 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 perfectiy possible to operate (or even set up) the 170 without them, because the same basic data is always shown, though sometimes in shortened form, on the preamp's oun 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. +_Ifthe OSD does not appear, check your Monitor Out connections, and/or the settings of the <Video format> and <OSD display> items of the <Display setup> menu (see below), using the S170'S front- panel readout NOTE The OSD does not appear on the 5170's component-video outputs

NAVIGATING THE OSD AND MAKING CHANGES

Use the remote's [Cursor up/down] keys to move up or down among any OSD menu's list of items; use the [Cursor <>] keys to change the parameter-value (setting) of any item; use the remote's [Enter] key to select an OSD menu item. NOTE THAT: + Selecting the on-screen <Exit> item from any on-screen menu (press the remote‘s [enter] key to select) returns “up” one level to the next-‘higher* menu, or from the Main menu exits the OSD altogether: + Keying the 570 remote's LCD-labeled [Exit] key from any OSD menu performs two functions simultaneousfy: It exits the OSD altogether, tuning off any and all current on-screen displays, while simultaneously recording your changes (if any) to the 5170's memory; selecting <Exit> from the Main menu also saves changes + By contrast, keying the 570 remote's LCD-labeled {Cancel} key “quits” the OSD menu system altogether from any menu, while abandoning any changes you have made since the last [Exit}lsave operation This is worth repeating: the 570 remote's [Exit] key saves changes, its [Cancel] key abandons changes; the on-screen <Exit> command moves up one level

You may set up your 5170's levels, modes, and options in any order. it is not necessary to follow the order employed here. However, it is acvisable to begin by configuring the $170' on-screen display options, since certain of these will affect the options made available to other setup routines DISPLAY SETUP From the $170 OSD's Main menu, select the <Display setup> item using the remote‘s [Cursor up/down], and [Enter] keys. Using the [Cursor <>] keys, set: <TV system> to "NTSC" for North American use, or PAL." for European use. Using the same remote keys, set + <Superimpose> to “On” or "Off. When "Off" is selected, on-screen menus will appear against a blue background, obscuring the current video program (if any); when “On” is selected menus will appear in white text superimposed upon the current video program (if any) <Temporary disp.> to "Full," “Simple, or "Off. This controls how much information the S170 will display, monetarily, in on-screen text whenever powering on, selecting or changing a source or listening mode, or changing types of input signals. In “Full” mode à complete screen of data including input- name, audio-signal input, type, format, and listening mode, and video-signal type and input; in “Simple” mode, only input-name will appear. In "Off" mode no temporany on-screen info will be displayed + _<Video format> to "Auto," "SVideo," or "Compos." (composite-video). This controls which $170 video outputs will be active when a video input is selected: in “Auto” mode, the output mode will be selected according to the format of the incoming signal, with S-Video taking precedence where a source is connected via both formats. NOTE The S170 preamplifier passes video signals even when it is switched to “Standby." This permits video sources such as TeleText or Web-TV devices to be used even when the balance of the system is off. + <OSD output> to “Both,” “SVideo,” "Compos." (composite-videc), or “Off. This controls which video outputs will carry the S170's on-screen displays and menus. When *Both* is selected OSDs wi be present on both the S-Video and composite-video Monitor Outputs; selecting “SVideo" or Compos." confines on-screen displays to each output alone, and “Off” disables on-screen displays altogether (In all cases, basic data remains readable via the S170's front-panel readout, so you can, for example, see what you're doing even with OSDs set to “Off.") NOTE THAT: + OSDs do not appear on the component-video output + Enabling OSD for a video output causes the video source signals in that format to “pass through" the OSD circuitry. Critical videophiles may wish to disable the OSD on the SVideo output for the most critical viewing/recording functions, switching to a composite-video input for OSD use. «+ <Distance units> to “Feet” or “Meters." This selects by which measurement units you will enter your speaker-setup dimensions on the 5170's <Delay setup> menu page (see below).

AUDIO SETUP The <Audio setup> menu enables you to modify tone-control settings and other listening options. Modifications you make on this menu will remain in affect until changed again, or until a Preset containing different settings is recalled (see below). This menu also serves to calibrate the S170's Bass limiter, à function that will generally be a one-time setup task. BASSITREBLE From the <Audio setup> menu, select the <Bass> or <Treble> item using the remote’ [Cursor up/down], Keys. Using the [Cursor <>] keys, you may increase or decrease Bass or Treble settings by 412 dB by 1 dB steps. + Bass/treble settings affect only the front channels (left, center, and right), and are active in all listening modes. +_Itiis often better to “cut* (a minus setting) than boost (a plus setting); for a “warmer* overall sound try reducing Treble by a few dB instead of boosting Bass, and vice versa. +_lf you frequently find yourself selecting large tone control settings, you may be better served by reexamining your choice of loudspeakers, and your loudspeaker and listening-position locations to better exploit your room's acoustics LFE CHANNEL The Low-Frequency Effects channel-—-the ‘point-one* channel in *5.1/6.1/7.1"-—is active only with Dolby Digital or DTS multichannel sources. LFE is employed most often as à supplementary channel to enhance the dynamic range of very low-frequency sounds; it should not be confused with the S170's Subwoofer output-channel, which may carry most or all bass information from some or all channels, depending on the configuration of the <Speaker setup> menu page. From the <Audio setup> menu, select the <LFE channel> item using the remote's [Cursor up/down], keys. Using the [Cursor <>] keys, you may decrease the LFE channel setting by as much as 10 dB in 1 dB decrements. + In most systems the LFE channel setting may be left at O dB (no change), because the 5170'5 Bass Limiter (see below) will be set to prevent subwoofer overload. However, if your subwoofer's headroom is known to be limited, or if the low-frequency effects of film soundtracks generally ssem excessive in your system, you might profitably try decreasing the <LFE channel> setting by a modest degree. THX DEFAULT From the <Audio setup> menu, select the <Default THX modes item using the remote's [Cursor up/down], keys. Using the [Cursor <>], you may set the THX default to "EX on or “EX off." With <Default THX mode> set to “EX on," the 5170 delivers 6.1/7.1-channel Surround EX processing whenever the THX mode is engaged and à Dolby Surround EX program source is detected; with sources that are not Dolby Surround EX programs, the 5170 derives a center-back channel to preserve 6.1/7.1-channel reproduction. NOTE THX Surround EX creates à sixth, “centerback" channel intended for reproduction by one or more loudspeakers located behind the listening area. With recordings bearing the Dolby Surround EX mark, this delivers à specifically engineered center-back channel that is encoded into the leftright surround channels much as the center channel was encoded into the leftiright front channels in matrix-encoded Dolby Surround mixes. BASS LIMITER The 5170 incorporates a Bass Limiter that you can set to eliminate any chance of your subwoofer producing audible distortion. You will do this by auditioning a built-in test-noise signal the 5170 sends to your subwoofer, and increasing the Bass Limiter's “headroom* setting to the point of audible distortion. The Bass Limiter now prevents any program-material signals exceeding this level from being sent to the subwoofer.

From the <Audio setup> menu, use the remote's [Cursor up/down] and [Enter] keys to select the <Bass limiter setup> item. Using the same keys, set <Bass limiter> to “On* and <Limiter noise> to “On”; you will hear à soft rumbling from your subwoofer. (if you do not hear sound from the sub, check your subwoofer audio and power connections, check Speaker Setup, below, and/or check the subwoofer's ou “hardware” control settings) Now use the remote's [Cursor up/down] keys to move to the <Limiter level> item, and [Cursor <] to decrease the limiter setting by 1 dB increments. As you do, the test-noise from the subwoofer will increase in level. Listen for the point at which audible distortions (harshening, “clacking," "chuffing,* or other extraneous elements) become evident, then use [Cursor >] to return (increase) the limiter level by 1 or 2 dB until the distortion ceases. This establishes the distortion-free" limit for your current subwoofer setup. I is advisable to return and re-check your Bass Limiter setup after you have completed the Level Setup routines (see below). + Even after the Bass Limiter is set you may usefully engage its test-noise to “search and destroy the room-rattles that are inevitably excited by high-level subwoofer output. (Window-treatments, electrical wall-plates, and hanging artwork are three common sources.) + Should you ever change subwoofers, or reposition your current subwoofer or listening position, you should repeat the Bass Limiter setup routine + With a high-performance subwoofer, this routine can get rather loud. It is often best to await an opportune moment when spouses/children/pets are not at home to perform Bass Limiter setup fully. PRESET SETUP The 5170 incorporates five “Presets,* memory locations to which you may store five different combinations of tone-control and relative center/surround/subwoofer channel levels to suit different requirements. For example: You might configure Preset 1 for movie-surround with tone controls set to zero and relative channel levels left at their calibrated points, but set Preset 2 for music-surround listening with slighty elevated surround- and subwoofer-channel levels, slightiy reduced center-channel levels, and modified bass or treble. Presets may be configured in any way, for any purpose you see fit CONFIGURING PRESETS From the <Audio setup> menu, use the remote's [Cursor up/down] and [Enter] keys to select the <Preset setup> item. Using the same keys, select the Preset to be configured on the <Preset> item; then invoke the bass and treble settings desired for that preset using the same keys. With the same keys again, set the relative levels of Center, Surround, and Subwoofer channels for that preset. NOTE THAT: +_ lsurround-back speaker(s) are configured as present in the <Speaker setup> OSD menu (below) their levels will be controlled along with the surround-channels levels + Once configured, à Preset remains unchanged until you edit it via the <Preset setup> OSD menu: À Preset applies regardless of what source is selected, or what listening mode is in operation + Gycing the 5170 through its Standby mode will cancel any previously selected Preset reverting both tone and all kvel settings to those set on the 570 remote's LEVELS or MODE/MULTIS screens (below) or via the 5170 preamp's <Audio setup> (above) OSD menu. l you would like to be able to set all channel-levels and tone-control values to zero without cyding through Standby, set one Preset to “all zeroes." + Channel levels stored in presets (or on the 570 remote's LEVELS screen, below) are added to the setup levels established on the 5170 preamp's <Levels setup> OSD menu. For example: if our <Level setup> establishes <Center> at "-3 dB" and you dial in à Preset center-channel level of +2 dB, the net overall effect will be à center-channel level of -1 dB. By contrast, tone-control settings override <Audio setup> tone levels entire: RECALLING PRESETS From the 570 remote's PREAMP menu select the PRESET 1-5 item. Use the [ePreset 1] through [ePreset 5] keys to select the desired Preset; the number of the preset invoked will appear briefly on the OSD and the 5170 front-panel display. (See also Using Presets, below)

SPEAKER SETUP Every surround-sound system requires "bass-management” to direct low-frequency content from any or all channels to the speakers best able to reproduce it. In order for this function to operate correctiy, it is very important that you correctly identify your speakers’ capabilities. We use the terms “Small” and Large" (and “No”), but note that physical size may be irrelevant +_A “Small” speaker is any model without significant deep-bass response, that is, below about 80 Hz + A “Large” speaker is any ful-range model, that is, one with deep-bass response +_A “No” speaker is one that is not present in your system. For example, you might not have any Back speakers installed, in that case, you would set the <Back speakers> setup item to No." CONFIGURING SPEAKERS From the OSD Main menu, select the <Speaker setup> item using the remote's [Cursor up/down], and [Enter] keys. Using the [Cursor <>] keys, set <Main speakers> to “Large” or “Small.” Using the same remote keys, set the <Center speaker>, <Surround speakers>, and <Backspeakers> to Large," “Small.” or “No, according to your system's loudspeaker population. Set <Subwoofer> to “Yes” only if you have à subwoofer connected to the $170's SUB preamp analog output jack. NOTE THAT: The 5170 permits you to set Subwoofer to "Yes" even with “Large” front speakers: In this case, bass content from any channels you set to “Small” will be routed to both the subwoofer and to the front speakers; LFE-channel signal will pass only to the sub. You might want to try this arrangement way if your front speakers roll off naturally at about the 80 Hz crossover frequency and can handle strong bass signals without distortion or damage. In most systems using a subwoofer, setting front speakers to “Small* is usually the best option. LEVEL SETUP Setting the relative balance of your system's loudspeakers is perhaps the most important single function of setting up your $170. First, this process ensures that surround-sound recordings, whether music or film soundtracks, will play back with the balance of effects, music, and dialog that the artists intended. Second, if your system incorporates a subwoofer, it establishes à correct relationship between the volume of the subwoofer and the other speakers, and thus of low-frequencies (bass) to other sonic elements.

I is perfectly possible to perform the S170 Level setup routines “by ear" and an experienced ear will usually produce acceptably accurate results. However, the timbral differences among front, center, and surround speakers can make accurate level-matching difficult. Therefore, we strongly recommend the use of an inexpensive sound-pressure level (SPL) meter, such as Radio Shack part number 33-2050, for this task. I is quick, repeatable, and reliable. Ownership of such à meter may prove a very useful audio tool, or your NAD audio specialist may be able to help you with temporary use of à meter. Calibrating your system with an SPL meter also permits you to set its overall level so that, when the S170's Master Volume control is set to -0 ("reference level”), the playback in your home theater matches the loudness of the same film projected in à wel-set-up commercial cinema. (Of course, you can still set the Master Volume wherever you like from day to day.) The SPL meter should be placed at the primary listening position, at approximately the height of the seated listener's head. A tripod is very useful, but with a little duct-tape almost anything—a pole lamp, music- stand, or ladder-backed chair, for example—can do as well. Just be sure that no large acoustically reflective surfaces obstruct or are near the microphone element. Orient the meter with its microphone (usually at one end) pointing straight up toward the ceiling (not forward toward the speakers) and make sure that its "C" weighting scale is selected. To calibrate your system to play at the same objective loudness as a high- quality commercial cinema, set the meter to display 75 dB SPL. (On Radio Shack meters this necessitates either setting the meter to its 80 dB range and taking your readings at the -5 point, or selecting the 70 dB range and reading at the +5 point. This 75 dB SPL point is the official" cinema (and THX) reference level. However, we note that no law requires you to use this level, and in fact this reference seems too loud for some users for home cinema playback. Many people find instead that calibrating to 70 dB SPL is just about right.

CONFIGURING LEVELS From the OSD Main menu, select the <Level setup> item using the remote's [Cursor up/down], and [Enter] Keys. Activate the test-noise signal with the remote's [Test] key (third from the bottom); you will here a “surf” noise that cycles through your speakers, beginning with the left-front. (f you do not hear the test- noise, check your Audio Connections (above), and your <Speaker setup> OSD menu settings, (above) On the left-most column of the OSD you'll see an > pointing toward <Left> (if the > points to another other line, use the remote's [Cursor up/down] keys to move it to <Left>). Now use the remote's [Cursor <>] keys to adjust the level of the noise output from the Left (left-front) speaker: the test-noise will automatically move there and the “level offset” reading on the right will change by 0.5 dB increments. If you are using an SPL meter, adjust the Left output to produce à reading of 75 dB SPL C-weighted (or whatever other reference level you have chosen to adopt) If you are balancing levels "by ear” you will have to choose one speaker—usually the center—as à reference and adjust each of the others so that is * sounds as loud” as the reference. Using the remote's [Cursor up/down] and [Cursor <>] keys, adjust each speaker in turn to produce the same SPL meter reading (or subjective loudness), within «1 dB or better; the S170' ability to calibrate outputs by 0.5 dB steps should facilitate this precision. NOTE THAT: + All speakers must be in their final locations before level-setting, + Your subwoofer (if any) should be set with its integral crossover defeated, or set to its highest-possible frequency if you are using the S170's SUBWOOFER output. + Due to the effects of room acoustics, matched-pair speakers (front; surround: back) will not always calibrate to exactly the same level offset readings. + _lf you are particularly meticulous, you may wish to come back and re-check your level setup after completing the Delay setup routine (below. DELAY SETUP Your system's channel-delay settings are a subtle but important refinement of your setup. By informing the S170 of the loudspeaker-to-listener dimensions of each speaker, it will automatically impose the correct delays for each channel, optimizing imaging, intelligibilty, and surround-sound ambience. Enter your dimensions with precision within about 1 foot/30 cm: CONFIGURING DELAYS From the OSD Main menu, select the <Delay setup> item using the remote's [Cursor up/down], and [Enter] keys. Using the [Cursor <>] keys, set <Right> to the distance between your principal listening position and the front surface of the front-right loudspeaker. Using the same remote keys, set the remaining speakers, each to the distances of your system layout. Where a particular speaker is not present in your system, “None” will be displayed and no distance setting will be possible SOURCE SETUP The S170 is equipped with nine total inputs: six audio-video inputs (labeled on the rear panel MDEO1-6), and 3 audio-only inputs (labeled CD, AUX, and TUNER). There is also an audio-only TAPE MONITOR loop. For each input position of the $170, you may select a digital input to become active whenever that input is selected, and you may assign à 7-character name which will be displayed on the front-panel display and momentarily on the on-screen display whenever that input is selected CONFIGURING SOURCES From the OSD Main menu, select the <Source setup> menu item using the remote's [Cursor up/down], and [Enter] keys. Using the [Cursor <>] keys, call up the source you wish to configure. Sources are numbered 1-9, which correspond in order to VIDEO1-6, CD, AUX, and TUNER on the rear panel (the TAPE MONITOR loop is not configurable, and will not appear in the rotation). Use the [Cursor] (down) key to move to the <Title> menu item, and press the [Enter] key. You may now edit the default title (“Video 1”, "CD," etc.) to a more meaningful name, up to 7 characters. The [Cursor up/down] keys scroll through the complete list of available characters, while the [Cursor <>] keys move left and right across the six characters {you may back up and change characters freelÿ). When you are finished with the title, press [Enter] to return to the <Source setup> menu

Using the [Cursor] (down) key scroll down to the <Digital input> menu item. Use the [Cursor <>] keys to assign à digital input to the current source. The digital inputs will appear in order: Coax1-4, OPT 1, and Opt 2, followed by Off. You would set a sources <Digital input> to “Off” if you wished to ensure that that source would not play an incoming digital bitstream NOTE You may freely assign any digital input to any source position, and you may assign à digital input to two or more source positions. For example, with your DVD/CD player connected to the COAX1 digital input, you might choose to assign COAXI to both the “CD” and “VIDEOT” inputs, renaming VIDEOT to “DVD.” The following characters are available: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0123456789 abcdefghijkimnopqrstuvwxyz*-./: Using the [Cursor] (down) key scroll down to the <Component video> menu item. Use the [Cursor <>] keys to set Component video to “On” or “Off.” When à source is set to Component video “On,” the video signal present at the 5170 COMPONENT VIDEO IN (Y-Cb-Cr) jacks will be sent to its COMPONENT VIDEO OUT jacks whenever that input is selected + OSDs do not appear on the component-video output TRIGGER SETUP The S170 is equipped with two 12-volt trigger outputs that may be used to turn on, activate, or otherwise control andllany components or systems, such as power amplifiers, projector-lifts, lighting systems, and more. À trigger's function could be as simple as powering up and down your NAD 5250 power amplifier, or as complex as readying an entire home-theater room for use. Each trigger may be independentiy configured for delay-before-tigger, duration of tigger, and polarity (+12v or -12v) of its output. Trigger #2 is equipped with two parallel output jacks, for convenience in controlling multiple components or systems. For more technical information on the S170's 12-volt trigger outputs, see Appendix 1, or consult your installing NAD audio specialist Simple 12-Volt Trigger Configuration Example: Powering the NAD 5250 Power Amplifier The following example employs the $170's 12V Trigger #1 to turn the 5250 amplifier on and off in concert with the preamplifier. Using the 12V Trigger cable supplied with the 5170 connect the 5170 rearpanel 12V TRIGGERS jack marked #1 to the 12V TRIGGER input jack on the S250 power amplifier. Note that this custom cable provides an 1/8th-inch mini-plug on one end for the 170, and a special, DC-style plug on the other to fit the 5250 amplifier's trigger input. >From the OSD Main menu, select the <Trigger setup> item using the remote's [Cursor up/down], and [Enter] keys. The <Trigger 1> listings should appear as follows (these are the defaults): -polarity Posit -delay No -duration Infin. If any other settings are in place, use the remote's [Cursor up/down] and [Cursor <>] keys to change them to the above conditions.

THE S170 You may operate the 170 preamplifier equaly from its front panel or via the $70 remote controller. Since the remote will be the primary controller for most cases, wwe will focus on remote-controlled operations. Be sure to read the section, *Front Panel Operations,” below SELECTING SOURCES From the 570 remote's PREAMP menu, select [@ Source]; then use the [Source up/down] keys to cycle through all ten $170 inputs in order, beginning with the most recently selected one. Or you may use the [CD], [Tuner], [Tapemonl] (Tape Moniton, or [Ext5.1] (5.1-channel external input) keys to select directly those sources NOTE THAT: + When an audio-onÿy source is selected, the most recentiy-selected video signal remains selected, until another audio-video input is selected + When you change sources, the OSD will, depending on the Display setup settings (above) momentarily show information about the new input. The level of detail depends on the setting of the <Temporary disp.> item: ‘Full" will show all information about the newly selected input's audio, digital, and video signal; “Simple” will show only the new input name, and “Off" will prevent any display from appearing. + A new selected input's listening mode (Stereo, EARS, Dolby Digital, etc.) will revert to the mode that wes employed the last time that input was chosen, except that à multichannel digital source (Dolby Digital or DTS) source will automatically switch to 5.1- or 6.1/7.1-channel surround, even if that input was last used in another mode such as Stereo or EARS. «The Ext5.1 input participates in the S170's source "rotation" like any other audio-only source. However, since the Ext5.1 input is a “straight-through" source it does not receive bass-management, tone- control, or any other preamp functions; signals appearing at the rear panel's EXTERNAL 5.1 INPUTS pass directly to the corresponding six of the PREAMP ANALOG 7.1 OUTPUTS jacks with no processing other than mastervolume control. Bass-management and any other desired processing should be performed by the multichannel external source component.

ADJUSTING THE VOLUME

Use the 570 remote's <Volume up/down> keys to adjust the “master volume" of the 5170, raising or lower all channels together. NOTE THAT: + A momentary keypress will change the master volume by 1 dB increments; if you hold down <Volume upidown> the mastervolume change will “run-on" until the key is released. +_ The $170's OSD will show the volume setting as à line graphic relative to the reference level (the *+" mark on the line), with a numeric display above in dB relative to the reference level. (If the <Display setup> <Temporary disp.> item is set to “Off” the momentary volume indication will NOT appear.) Since recordings vary considerably in overall average level, there is no imperative to listen at the reference level or any other particular setting. A setting of -20 may sound “as loud” from one CD as -10 does from another. +_If muting has been activated (below), increasing the master-volume via the S70 remote's [Volume up/down] keys or the front-panel knob automatically releases the mute function; decreasing volume retains muting +_ The S170 will powerup/retumn from Standby mode at whatever master volume setting was last used: however, if the prior setting was greater than -20 dB the 5170 will power up to -20 dB. This prevents inadvertentiy beginning a session at excessive volume.

Use the S70 remote's <Mute> key to silence all channels completely. Muting is always available, regardes of source or listening mode elections NOTE THAT: + Cycling through Standby or powering off releases muting: the 5170 will always power up or return from Standby with muting off. + Changing input or listening-mode selections does not release muting. + _ increasing the master-volume via the 570 remote's [Volume up/down] keys or the front-panel knob automatically releases the mute function; decreasing volume retains muting.

The 5170 preamplifier offers seven distinct listening modes, tailored for different types of recordings or program material MONO All output is directed to the center channel; low frequencies are directed to the subwoofer if one is present in the Speaker setup Mono mode is best selected for monaural recordings original produced in single-channel format, including classic films and historic music recordings. It ensures a stable, clear monaural presentation with correct bass management. STEREO Stereo recordings, whether in PCM/digital or analog form and wither surround-encoded or not encoded, are reproduced as recorded, multichannel digital recordings (Dolby Digital and DTS) are reproduced via the left- and right-front channels onby, as LURt (leftright-total or “downmixed”) signals. Select Stereo mode for listening to stereo recordings when you do not wish surround-sound to be in effect, or for multichannel recordings when only two-channel playback is possible (or desired) DIRECT (DOLBY DIGITAL / DTS SOURCES ONLY) Muttichannel digital recordings (Dolby Digital or DTS) are reproduced via only the channels employed in the original recording. For example, à *5.1-channel" Dolby Digital 3/2/1 recording will reproduce via the front left-center-right, surround-leftright, and subwoofer speakers (plus surround-back speaker(s), if any); à Dolby Digital 2/0/0 recording wil reproduce via only the front-left and -right speakers (and the subwoofer if these were set to “Small* on the <Speaker setup> OSD menu, and so on SURROUND 6.1 Multichannel digital recordings (Dolby Digital or DTS) are reproduced via the full suite of front, surround, and one or two “back”-channel speakers, plus subwoofer (if any). f Dolby Digital EX/DTS ES encoding is present in the original recording its logic is used to derive the back channels; otherwise, the 5170 preampliier derives a single surround-back channel from the leftright surround channels

Surround-encoded recordings (and stereo recordings that are not encoded ) are reproduced with Pro Logic Dolby Surround decoding, with output to left, center., and right-front channels and à single monaural surround signal sent to both surround-channel speakers, plus à subwoofer (if any). The surround channel's response is rolled off above 7 kHz to discourage localization of surround-speaker locations in DPL mode Pro Logic mode is best reserved for surround-encoded recordings intended for Dolby Surround or compatible-system reproduction. These include most films on videotape and many on LaserDisc, television/cable programming produced for surround-sound, and most older LaserDiscs. Most DVD recordings, even those that do not exploit multichannel surround, include à Dolby Digital and/or DTS soundtrack in 1- or 2-channel modes; where available, this will usually deliver better performance. With rare exceptions, NAD's proprietary EARS listening mode will produce superior results from stereo music recordings than will Pro Logic.

THE S170 EARS Stereo recordings (and surround-encoded stereo recordings), whether in PCM/digital or analog form, are reproduced with proprietary NAD surround processing with signals output to the left, center, and right- front channels and both surround-channel speakers (plus surround-back, and subwoofer, if any). EARS extracts the natural ambience present in nearly all wel-produced stereo recordings. It does not synthesize any ambience or other sonic elements and thus remains far truer to the sound of the original musical performance than most other music-surround options. Select EARS for listening to stereo music recordings and broadcasts. EARS produces a subtle but highly natural and believable ambience from nearly all "natural-acoustic" stereo recordings; typically, these include classical, jazz, and folk genres as well as numerous examples from others. It's virtues include a realistic, stable *front-stage* sonic imaging and spacious but unexaggerated ambient "virtual acoustics" that remain faithful to the original recording. NOTE When listening to FM broadcasts, “mulipath distortion” may be more clearly revealed by the EARS circuit. This can be used to advantage in optimal} orienting an FM antenna for à given FM station. EARS cannot be applied to multichannel digital recordings (Dolby DigitalDTS), these recordings incorporate their own surround and ambience by their very multichannel natures. However, EARS may be applied to these recordings when they are played back via the analog stereo outputs of à DVD or other player, or when the DVD or other recording's soundtrack selection is set to "stereo/PCM® rather than *5.1* or equivalent. ANALOG BYPASS Stereo or monaural recordings from any 5170 source's analog input jacks are routed directly to the left- right-front outputs with no processing whatsoever. Use Analog Bypass to reproduce minimal-signal-path “audiophile” conditions for critical listening of two- channel (or monaural) sources No bass management is performed in Analog Bypass mode, so signals are reproduced by the left- and right-front channels “full-range,* regardless of the settings entered on the S170's Speaker setup page. The table below indicates which listening modes are available with the three possible types of signal sources: digital-input 2-channel (whether the actual signal is monaural, stereo or surround-encoded); analog-input 2-channel (mono, stereo or surround-encoded), or digital-multichannel (Dolby Digital or DTS). Where a listening mode is not available to a given signal source, it wi not appear in the <Modez> selection rotation. 2-h. PCM 2-h. analog Multi-ch. (DD/DTS) Mono Mono Mono Stereo Stereo Stereo Pro Logic Dolby Pro Logic Direct EARS EARS Surround 6.1* = Analog Bypass _ “If setup with Back" speaker(s)

Note that the S170's front-panel readout (and, momentaril, the OSD, if so enabled; see Display Setup, above) will ahways indicate the signal-format of the currently selected source. The table below lists the primary readings; multichannel readouts show the number of channels employed in the format front/surround/LFE, or simply front/surround Source Readout/OSD Analog Analog Digital PCM Digital PCM Muttichannel (Dolby Digital) Dolby D 3/2/.1 (ful surround) Dolby D 3/17.1 Dolby D 2/0 etc. Muftichannel (DTS) dis 3/27.1 (fu surround) dis 3/1/.1 ds 2/0 etc.

SELECTING LISTENING MODES

From the $70 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 table, above) NOTE THAT: + The 51705 front-panel readout (and OSD, depending on Display Setup, above) will always indicate the currently selected listening mode. + You must re-key [Mode e] if more than five seconds have passed since your last use of the [Cursor up/down] to change listening modes. Neïther changing the selected input, cyding the 5170 through Standby or powering down, nor engaging mute will change the selected listening mode. Changing the type of signal will change the listening mode if the new signal is à digital-multichannel recording, or is incompatible with the selected mode. For example: After listening to à CD played on a DVD/CD player via the EARS listening mode, you remove the CD and replace with à 5.1-channel multichannel DTS CD recording. The 5170 will automatically engage DTS/5.1 playback

In addition to certifying very high fundamental multichannel audio performance from components awarded the THX/Ultra logo, Lucasfilm Ltd.'s Home THX program also mandates that Ultra components include the THX mode. This incorporates three fundamental surround-audio enhancements: + Re-equalization contours high frequencies from the front channels to better match the tonal balance of the original film soundtrack as reproduced on the “dubbing stage" on which the director and sound-mixers auditioned the film during its production + Timbre-matching compensates for the lateralrearward placement of surround loudspeakers in a correctly deployed surround home-theater system, achieving a more consistent tonal characteristic from sounds originating from any point around the audience positions. Decorrelation mitigates the monaural surround channel delivered by all Pro Logic recordings (and some Dolby Digital and DTS sources), yielding more spacious, natural reproduction of a film's ambience and "virtual acoustics." ENGAGING THX From the From the S70 remote's PREAMP menu, select [MODE/MULTI.S]; then press the [eTHX] key; THX surround will be engaged. Subsequent presses of the [»THX] key will “toggle” between standard-THX and THX Surround EX modes. To defeat the THX modes altogether and return to the listening mode selected by the [Cursor up/down] keys without additional enhancement, press the [+ Mode] key again: NOTE THAT: + THX modes are only available to digital-input sources: Dolby Digital: DTS; PCM + For PCM sources, the Dolby Pro Logic listening mode must previously have been engaged via the remote's [MODE/MULTIS] page. “incompatible Source" will appear on the OSD and front-panel readout when THX is invoked for an analog source, when Pro Logic is not the current listening mode, or when THX Surround EX is invoked for à PCM source or à Dolby Digital or DTS non-discrete-surround source (2/0/0, 2/1/0, 3/1/1, etc.

The $170 incorporate a Late Night mode available only to Dolby Digital recordings. This engages dynamic- range compression to make widely dynamic material such as many movie soundtracks more useful at modest master-volume settings—such as those likely to be employed late at night; hence the name “Late Night" mode. NOTE THAT +_ Late Night mode is not available to DTS recordings +_ Late Night mode depends on compression instructions coded into the recording by its producers; it is not adjustable. But while the overall effect may at first seem subtle, it will significantly reduce the peak loudness while maintaining full intelligibility of dialog and quieter detail.

ENGAGING LATE NIGHT MODE

From the From the $70 remote's PREAMP menu, select [*L.Night]; “LateNight On” will appear on the OSD and on the $170's front-panel readout (*LateN On). f a Dolby Digital source is not playing (or is paused, “incompatible Source" will appear on the OSD and readout. Press [+L. Night] again to disengage; “LateNight Off* and LateN Off") will appear on the OSD and readout.

CHANGING THE FRONT PANEL READOUT BRIGHTNESS

From the >From the $70 remote's PREAMP menu, select [+Bright]; the S170 front-panel readout wi dim: Press [+Bright] again to restore the original level of ilumination. See also “Front Panel Operations,“ below.

ADJUSTING CHANNEL LEVELS

You may make temporary changes to the relative levels of center, surround, and subwoofer outputs without abandoning the permanent levels calibrated from the OSD's Level setup item. This may prove useful in à number of circumstances, for example: to increase (or tone down) a fim's dialog clarity by raising (lowering) the center channel, to enhance (or inhibit) subjective ambience from a music recording reproduced via EARS by raising (lowering) the surround-channels level, to mitigate excessive deep bass (or enhance deep bass) by lowering (raising) the subwoofer level.

CHANGING CHANNEL LEVELS

From the From the 570 remote's PREAMP menu, select [LEVELS]. Use the three vertically paired up/doun Key-pairs, [Sub:Wi], Center] and [Surr] to adjust Subwoofer, Center-channel, or Surround-channels relative levels, the changing levels will be displayed on the OSD and the front-panel readout NOTE THAT: + _ Level settings are added to the setup levels established on the 5170 preamp's <Levels setup> OSD menu (above). For example: lf your <Level setup> establishes <Center> at “-3 dB" and you manipulate {Center upldown] level to +2 dB, the net overall effect will be a center-channel level of -1 dB + Changes made on the [LEVELS] page are canceled by cydling the S170 through its Standby mode. +_lfa Preset wes is in force (previously selected), the levels from which [LEVELS] pages three controls “start" will reflect any levels stored by the preset. (See Configuring Presets, above.) The [LEVELS] page will show and permit adjustment of a channel that is not present in the <Speaker setup> OSD menu. For example: Even if you have set <Center> to No“ on the <Speaker setup> OSD menu, the [Center upldown] keys will appear on the (LEVELS) page: they will have no effect, even upon the “phantom center channel" when listening in any of the surround modes. +_Hfone or two surround-back channels are configured as present in the <Speaker setup> OSD menu, their levels will be raised and lowered by the [LEVELS] page's {Sur up/down] keys in lockstep with the surround channels.

From the 570 remote's PREAMP menu, select [MODE/MULTIS]; then press the [+Tone] key; “Treble" appears on the OSD and the front-panel readout. Use the remote's [Cursor up/downl] to boost or cut treble by 1 dB increments. Press [+ Tone] again to adjust bass, similarly using the [Cursor up/down] keys; "Bass" appears on the OSD and readout. Press [Tone] again to exit the tone-control function. See also * Audio Setup,” and "Configuring Presets,” above. NOTE THAT: + Bass/treble settings affect only the front channels (left, center and right), and are active in all listening modes + Bass/treble settings imposed via the 570 remote's [eTone] will override those stored on the <Audio setup> menu, but they are temporary: Gyding through the 5170's Standby mode (or recalling the <Audio setup> menu), or recalling à Preset, will override them and revert to the settings selected by <Audio setup> or the recalled Preset. USING PRESETS From the S70 remote's PREAMP menu, select [PRESET 1-5]; then press the [+Preset1] through [+Preset5] key to engage the desired Preset. Keying [Exit] returns to the PREAMP menu but leaves the last-selected Preset in force. NOTE THAT: + The selected Preset remains in force until you select à different Preset, or cycle the 5170 through its Standby mode. +_À Preset applies regardless of what source is selected, or what listening mode is in operation + Cyding the 5170 through its Standby mode cancels any selected Preset, reverting both tone and all level settings to those set on the 570 remote's LEVELS or MODEIMULTI.S screens, or the 5170 preamp's <Audio setup> OSD menu (above) + A Preset's channel levels are added to the setup levels established on the $170 preamp's <Levels setup> OSD menu; à Preset's tone-control settings override those established on the <Audio setup> OSD menu (or the MODE/MULTLS remote page) entirely

I is possible to perform every function directly from the 170 Preamplifier's front panel, without the S70 remote controller. + To change input sources or listening modes, press AUDIO or Video or MODE; the VOLUME (SETUP) knob will now cycle, bi-directionall}, through all audio-video or audio-only sources, or listening modes. The source or mode names appear on the OSD as well as the front-panel readout. After five seconds of inactivity, the display and the knob will return to their normal functions Press TAPE MONITOR to hear the component or signal connected to the rear-panel TAPE MONITOR INOUT jacks; press Tape MONITOR again to bypass the tape monitor loop. <Tape Monitor On> and <Tape Monitor Off> appears on the OSD To adjust the treble, press TONE once and use the VOLUME (SETUP) knob to raise or lower the setting; press TONE a second time to adjust bass; the new tone settings appear on both the OSD and the front- panel readout. Press TONE a third time to return the readout and VOLUME (SETUP) knob to their normal functions. Press BRIGHTNESS once to dim the front-panel readout, press the key again to return the readout to its normal brightness + The SPEAKERS key accesses the same functions as the <Speaker setup> OSD menu (see Speaker Setup, above). The OSD will not appear, but the necessary information will display on the front-panel readout Each subsequent press of SPEAKERS moves through Main, Center, Surround, Back, and Subwoofer options; while any is selected the VOLUME (SETUP) knob cycles bi-directionally through the available options, such as *No/SmallLarge" for the Center position. Press the SPEAKERS key one more time {beyond Subwoofer) to return the readout and knob to their normal functions. + The DELAY key works similar, adjusting channel-delays for each channel present. See the paragraph directly above. The LEVELS key works similarly, adjusting channel-levels for each channel present. See the paragraphs directly above. + You can adjust the remote room's audio using the MULTISOURCE key. Press MULTISOURCE once to adjust remote-room volume using the VOLUME (SETUP) knob; press MULTISOURCE a second time to cycle the source sent to the REMOTE ROOM rear-panel jacks through the audio-only sources using the VOLUME (SETUP) knob, bi-directionally. Press MULTISOURCE à third time to return the readout and knob to their normal functions; the normal functions wil also return automatically after five seconds of inactivity. NOTE THAT: Mute, THX, LateNight, Standby and Presets can't be accessed from the front panel

LISTENING IN À REMOTE ZONE (MULTISOURCE) The 5170 can provide line-level signals, in stereo-mode only, to a second room or zone via its rear-panel MULTISOURCE OUT jacks. These jacks may output stereo signals from any analog source, completely independent from (or the same as) the one currently selected at the 5170' main output jacks, and they enjoy entirely independent volume control. The remote room or zone retains independent remote control of signal source and volume, even if the 5170 is being operated simultaneous|y from the primary listening room/ home theater. NOTE THAT: + The line-level MULTISOURCE OUT jacks must connect to a power amplifier, or to the line input of an integrated amp or recelver; you cannot connect the remote room/zone's loudspeakers directly to these jacks. + Only analog-input sources are available for selection at the MULTISOURCE OUT jacks. For example: If a DVD/CD player is connected to the 5170 only via its digital output, its playback will not be heard from the MULTISOURCE OUT jacks; to make it available for MultiSource use, also connect the DVD/CD players stereo-analog outputs to the 5170's corresponding IDEO1-5 analog input. Alternatel}, you can connect the player's analog signals to à different analog-input: CD or AUX are the logical choïces

SELECTING THE MULTISOURCE

From the 70 remote's PREAMP menu, select [MODE/MULTLS J; then use the [» MULTI.S] key to cycle through al nine available $170 inputs in order, beginning with the most recently selected one. Or from the front panel: Press the MULTISOURCE key twice; the front-panel readout's top line will show "Zone: CD" (for example). Then use the VOLUME (SETUP) knob to cycle, bi-directionally, through all nine audio-video or audio-only sources available to the MULTISOURCE OUT jacks; source names appear on the front-panel readout. After five seconds of inactivity, the display and the knob wil return to their normal functions

CONTROLLING MULTISOURCE VOLUME

From the 570 remote's PREAMP menu, select [MODE/MULTLS ]; then use the [M.S. VOL up/down] keys to adjust the volume NOTE THAT: The 570 remote's <Mute> key will mute the remote zone output if keyed within 5 second of either ÎM.S. VOL upldown] key; to unmute, press [M.S. VOL up] Or from the front panel: Press the MULTISOURCE key once; the Then use the VOLUME (SETUP) to adjust the volume. The front-panel readout's bottom line will show "Z.v: -40" (for example) to indicate the volume setting. After five seconds of inactivity, the display and the knob will return to their normal functions. NOTE THAT: + Onfy signals entering the S170 preamp in analog format are available to the MULTISOURCE OUT jacks + The EXTS.1 input is not available to the MULTISOURCE OUT jacks. + A source may be available to the S170's main and MultiSource outputs simultaneously + Signals at the MULTISOURCE OUT jacks are always in stereo mode, regardless of the listening mode selected (even for the same source) for the S170's main outputs + MultiSource commands and functions do not appear on the OSD. + _ lis possible to use the composite-video MON OUT jack to send video to the MultiSource remote room for casual viewing and OSDs, though over long runs à certain amount of video loss must be expected. It is not recommended to use the S-Video monitor output over such long runs.

NAD LINK The S170's rear-panel NAD LINK OUT jack can relay remote-control commands to other products equipped with an NAD Link (or compatible) input, sending out the same control codes it receives from the S70 remote handset via IR (infra red ). NAD Link thus creates a “hard wired” connection between the 5170 and another NAD component, employing any coaxial cable terminated with RCA Jacks. Similar, the $170's NAD LINK IN jack can receive commandés, from an external IR sensor, a radio-frequency wireless “remote-extender" system, or from a hard-wired remote-room control pad from third-party suppliers such as Xantach, Niles, or Russound. Commands received by the NAD LINK IN jack are also relayed to the NAD LINK OUT jack, permitting pass-through command of additional components such as à CD or DVD player. By “daisy chaining” the NAD LINK OUT from one component to the NAD LINK IN of another, full-system control can be achieved NOTE THAT: NAD Link permits some or all components to be located “out of sight” to IR-remote commands while maintaining complete responsiveness. A component receiving the same command simultaneously from its own front panel IR sensor and via NAD Link may not respond correctly. Do not link components liable to “see” the same IR remote command at the same time, as would be the case with components stacked or placed adjacent. SYSTEM INTEGRATION (RS-232) The S170's RS-232 port offers extensive integration to sophisticated media-system and home-automation control, and permits full control of all of the S170'5 features. Using this port, the 5170 can be connected to any other device with an RS-232 port, such as à personal computer or à home automation system. Any command or function that can be issued from the front panel or the 570 remote controller can be performed via the RS-232 port, and information feedback of the S170's current settings, including MuttiSource status, is transmitted from the preamp's RS-232 port to the connected PC or device. The 5170’ MultiSource features are thus also fully controllable via RS-232 command TECHNICAL DETAILS The RS-232 port uses the following standard pin-out arrangement: DB-9 Pin # Function 2 Transmit Data 3 Receive Data 5 Signal Ground NOTE +_ A standard, ‘straight-through" serial cable (not à null modem cable) must be employed to connect the 5170 to à PC or other serial device. 5170 serial communications must employ 8 data bits, no parit and 1 stop bit: the data rate is 12000 bps (baud). (Some serial devices are unable to communicate at 12000 bps; à bit-rate converter to convert 5170 communications to 9600 bps is available as à separate accessony; contact your installing NAD audio specialist. A Windows 95/98/ME-compatible application for serial control of the 5170 from a PC, as well as complete details of the S170's serial-communications protocols, are available for download from the NAD website:

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See your NAD installing specialist for more information

AC power unplugged power not switched on outlet is un-powered ape Monitor is engaged Check AC cable, connection, and outlet disengage Tape Monitor

NO SOUND FROM SOME CHANNELS

Faulty/missing cables <Speaker selup> channel(s) set to “No* poweramp or speaker-connections faulty Check cables check <Speaker setup> menu check power amp, cabling, and speakers

NO SOUND FROM SURROUND CHANNELS

No surround listening mode is engaged surround-channels set to *No” on <Speaker setup> menu surround-channels level set too low on <Levels setup> menu Select appropriate listening mode correct <Speakers setup> or <Levels setup> settings

NO SOUND FROM SUBWOOFER

Subwoofer is off, unpowered, or improperiy connected subwoofer set 10 “No” on <Speaker setup> menu sub level set 100 low on <Levels setup> menu Power-up subwoofer, check sub's AC autlet, or check connections correct <Speakers setup> or <Levels setup> settings

NO SOUND FROM CENTER CHANNEL

Source is a 2/0 (etc) Dolby Digital or DTS recording without center channel center set to “No” on <Speaker setup> menu center level set too low on <Lewels setup> menu Play à known 5.1-channel recording or select Dolby Pra Logic or Mono mode correct <Speakers setup> or <Levels setup> settings NO DOLBY DIGITAL/DTS + Source's digital output is not connected to an Check connections S170 digital input 5170 DOES NOT RESPOND + Batteries are flat or incorrectlyinserted Check batteries TO 570 REMOTE + IR transmitter window on remote, or IR receiver check IR windows and ensure clear line-of-sight Window on 5170 is obstructed from remote to S170 + 5170 front panels in very bright sunlight or reduce sunlighUroom lighting ambient light 5170 DOES NOT RESPOND + Microprocessor error Power-doun the $170 via the front-panel Power

TO FRONT-PANEL COMMANDS

Key and unplug it from the AC outlet, wait five minutes, re-connect and power up

S170 Owner's Manual Addendum New HTR 2 Learning Remote Control Since the S170 was first introduced, we have been asked by many of our customers for a remote control that will operate their entire audio-video system. We have recently developed a product to answer this demand, the HTR-2. So, in addition to the S 70 unit remote described in the Owners Manual, there is also an HTR:-2 and an HTR-2 Owner's Manual included with this S170. The HTR:-2 should already be set for the S170 commands, but if for some reason itisn't (or has been inadvertently reset for another NAD component) it is very easy to reset the code library to the S170 commands. Press both the AMP and the AV PRESET key for 3 seconds and the LEARN LED will turn green. Use the numeric keys to enter 102, and press ENTER to save the selected S170 code library. New V3.03 Operating System Software One of the benefits of the S170 Preamp Processor is its capability for software upgrades. As NAD develops new features, we issue new operational software. This S170 has software Version 3.03 installed. There are several new features that are not described in the Owner's Manual that are outlined below, along with the page reference to the original instruction.

1. STANDBY (Page 10, #2) The STANDBY LED is now illuminated when the

S170 is in either the ON orthe STANDBY mode. It only goes dark when the POWER switch is in the OFF position.

2. SELECTING SOURCES (P age 20) The new V3.03 software has added an

adjustable INPUT LEVEL CONTROL for the analog sources with an INPUT LEVEL METER to make adjustment easy and accurate. This circuit will automatically adjust the individual input to prevent overload of the A/D converter (converter of analog signals to digital, for surround processing) and does not require the user to make any adjustments. But you may want to adjust the input level manually so that each source plays atthe same subjective loudness level. Since the automatic adjustment only looks at peak signals, sources with a wide dynamic range (classical music CDs) will sound subjectively softer than sources with a narrow or compressed dynamic range (rock music radio broadcasts). To adjust INPUT LEVEL, first enter the OSD (On Screen Display) by pressing the RIGHT CURSOR KEY and scroll down to SOURCE SETUP with the DOWN ARROW KEY and press ENTER. From the SOURCE SETUP MENU select ANALOG SENSITIVITY and use the RIGHT/LEFT CURSOR KEY to adjust the INPUT LEVEL. The range of adjustment is -5dB to +10dB. You can also select ANALOG MON to view a vertical bar graph display (with Peak

Hold function) of input level. In this mode use the UP/DOWN CURSOR KEY to expand the meter scale from -20dB to OdB, to -40dB to OdB.

3. SPEAKER SETUP (Page 17) There are three additional features in the

SPEAKER SETUP menu: Adjustable Crossover Frequency selectable in 10 Hz increments from 40 Hz to 140 Hz. This adjusts both the High Pass (2nd order, 12 dB/octave) feed to the loudspeaker, and the Low Pass (4th order, 24dB/octave) feed to the subwoofer. Defeatable Subwoofer Filter. This allows you to use your powered subwoofer's internal crossover. This can be beneficial to tame difficult room acoustics problems by setting the subwoofer crossover to a different frequency than the S170's High Pass filter to create a notch or an overlap in the response. Enhanced Bass, when selected, always has the subwoofer active, regardless of speaker settings, for maximum boom.

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