CI 8-120 DSP

8 Channel Amplifier

Creston logoRti logourc logoElan LogoControl4 Logo

Like every NAD product, legendary high performance is at the heart of this 8 channel amplifier. The CI8-120 manages to step up power output for distributed audio systems with demanding speaker loads or extra long cable runs, squeezing all this into a 1u chassis for ultimate rack economy. This 4 zone amplifier is a reliable workhorse that delivers audiophile quality and big power. NAD CI amplifiers will redefine the way you view distributed audio systems.

NAD CI 8-120 DSP Multi-Channel Network Amplifier

The CI 8-120 DSP was designed to contend with the demands of a wide range of integration applications while retaining the same sonic characteristics found in our traditional Classic Series products, while parametric EQ allows the installer the ability to fine tune each channel to the characteristics of the zone.

Full Disclosure Power

The CI 8-120 DSP offers NAD’s world-renowned sonic performance at an unrivalled price per zone. As per NAD’s Full Disclosure Power (FDP) ratings, this powerhouse is capable of delivering a conservative 120 watts per channel at 8 ohms into all channels simultaneously, bridgeable to 200 watts per channel. IHF Dynamic Power in bridged mode is 4 x 350 watts per channel @ 4 ohm. To put it simply, the CI 8-120 will drive almost anything you need in your multi-room audio system.

Hybrid Digital Amplification

The CI 8-120 DSP uses a customized version of the proven Hypex UcD output stage to deliver great load invariant power with extremely low distortion and noise floor. Every detail of this design has been carefully executed to bring out the best possible performance. Meticulously designed and built to deal with the demands of the custom installation market, the robust nature of Hybrid Digital amplification makes it ideal for installations. With a high current output and being load invariant, it handles 4 ohm loads as easily as it does 8 ohms and can effortlessly handle long cable runs and difficult speaker loads while maintaining audio quality.

Whether listening to background music at lower volumes or turning it up, NAD delivers a consistent, linear sound, which is clear, detailed and dynamic at all volume levels.

Rack Space Efficiency and Reliability

NAD is keenly aware that reliability is paramount for a professional installer, so all models will be based on tried and true amplification platforms delivering stable and reliable performance. Since rack real estate is always at a premium, NAD CI amps have been designed to take up as little as possible. Thermostatic fans draw in cool air from the front of the unit and out through the rear vents, meaning you don’t need to leave ventilation gaps between each unit for it to stay cool.

Web UI/DSP

The CI 8-120 is network ready for simple set up, via the custom WebUI. This allows fast set up, of inputs & outputs, setting gain, stereo/mono and bridging of channels, creation of DSP profiles using the 5 band Parametric EQ, plus high and low pass filters to allow the dialing in of the audio in each zone and optimize performance. A variety of power on methods are available as well as an Eco mode setting for minimal power consumption. I/O switching and routing can also be managed via compatible control systems with drivers available for Crestron, Control4, Elan, RTI and URC.

System suggestion

Combine the CI 8-120 DSP with the CI 580 V2 4- zone BluOS rack mount streamer or Bluesound NODE to create a complete hi res multi-room package of incredible value and quality. For a step- up in source performance, the NAD C 658 would also compliment the extra power of the CI 8-120 DSP perfectly.

Key Features

  • 8 Channels x 120 Watts @ 8 Ohms, HybridDigital with Hypex UcD
  • Bridgeable to 4 channels X 200 Watts @ 8 Ohms
  • Effectively handles long cable runs and difficult speaker loads
  • Ethernet port for IP control, custom web UI with virtual I/O panel and performance diagnostics
  • DSP with 5 band parametric EQ, plus high and low pass filters
  • 4 stereo RCA inputs
  • Dual global Inputs/Outputs
  • 2U Rack height
  • 5W Standby Mode, 3W Network Standby
  • 12V Trigger In; IR In/Out
  • Thermostatic fan cooling with front vents
  • Universal AC Power Supply
  • Multiple Power-up options including Auto Sense turn on, as well as Eco Mode
  • Control drivers for Crestron, Control4, Elan, RTI, URC.

CI 8-120 CAD Drawing

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

All specs are measured according to IHF 202 CEA 490-AR-2008 standard. THD is measured using AP AUX 0025 passive filter and AES 17 active filter.

 

LINE INPUT, SPEAKER OUT

 

  • Continuous Output Power into 8 Ohms
  • >120 W (all channels driven)
  • >130 W (two channels driven)
  • Continuous output power into 4 ohms
  • >135 W (all channels driven)
  • >230 W (two channels driven)

 

  • Continuous output power into 8 ohms at Bridged mode
  • >200 W (all channels driven)
  • >320 W (two channels driven)
  • THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
  • <0.05 % (1 W to 100 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio
  • >88 dB (A-weighted, 500 mV input, ref. 1 W out in 8 ohms)
  • Clipping power (all channels driven)
  • >130 W (1 kHz 8 ohms  0.1 % THD)
  • >150 W (1 kHz 4 ohms  0.1 % THD)
  • Clipping power into 8 ohms at Bridged mode
  • >300 W (1 kHz 0.1 % THD – all channels driven)
  • >400 W (1 kHz 0.1 % THD – two channels driven)
  • IHF dynamic power (all channels driven)
  • 8 ohms:  125 W
  • 4 ohms:  200 W
  • 2 ohms: 180 W
  • IHF dynamic power (two channels driven)
  • 8 ohms:  145 W
  • 4 ohms:  260 W
  • 2 ohms:  300 W
  • IHF dynamic power (Bridged mode, all channels driven)
  • 8 ohms:  440 W
  • 4 ohms:  350 W
  • 2 ohms:  230 W
  • IHF dynamic power (Bridged mode, two channels driven)
  • 8 ohms:  480 W
  • 4 ohms:  380 W
  • 2 ohms:  300 W
  • Peak output current
  • >20 A (1 ohm, 1 ms)
  • Damping Factor
  • >110 (ref. 8 ohms, 20 Hz to 6.5 kHz)
  • Frequency Response
  • ±0.5 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
  • Channel separation
  • >70 dB (1 kHz)
  • >65 dB (10 kHz)
  • Maximum undistorted input level
  • 2900 mV
  • Input sensitivity (for 120 W in 8 ohms, maximum volume)
  • 1150 mV
  • Analog Input  audio sense threshold (one channel with signal)
  • 3 ± 0.5 mVrms (ref. 100 Hz – 10 kHz)
  • Trigger IN level
  • 3 – 30 Vdc
  • Standby power
  • 0.5W

DIMENSION AND WEIGHT

  • Dimensions (W x H x D)*
  • 483 x 45 x 435 mm (19 1/16 x 1 13/16 x 17 3/16”)
  • Shipping Weight
  • 10 kg (22 lbs)