NAD CI 16-60 DSP 16 Channel Amplifier

About The NAD CI 16-60 DSP 16 Channel Amplifier

The CI 16-60 is a versatile and economical option for a distributed audio system, that doesn’t compromise on quality. Offering 8 zones of the same Class D, Hybrid Digital amplification found in NAD’s Classic Series stereo products, and with parametric EQ for fine tuning each zone, the CI i16-60 is a great starting place for centralized multi-room audio.

Full Disclosure Power: The CI 16-60 DSP offers NAD’s world-renowned sonic performance at an unrivalled price per zone. As per NAD’s Full Disclosure Power (FDP) ratings, it’s capable of delivering a conservative 60 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms into all channels simultaneously, so no need to worry about a lack of power, or the amplifier becoming strained, when all zones are active in a multi-room system. The CI 16-60 DSP is also bridgeable to 140 Watts per channel, and offers the necessary flexibility to handle most scenarios while remaining on budget.

Hybrid Digital Amplification: The CI 16-60 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, having a high current output and being load invariant, it handles 4 Ohm loads as easily as it does 8 Ohm and can effortlessly handle long cable runs and difficult speaker loads.

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 are based on tried and true amplification platforms delivering stable and reliable performance, and 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 User Interface/DSP: The CI 16-60 is network ready for simple set up, via the custom Web UI. Updated from 2025, the new interface still allows fast set up of inputs & outputs, setting gain, stereo/mono and bridging of channels, with new clearer layout, creation of DSP profiles using the 5 band Parametric EQ, plus high and low pass filters to allow the dialling in of the audio in each zone and optimize performance. In addition is a new Dashboard, providing a live read out of the unit’s status, improved power management settings with faster boot up time, user password protection and new DSP functions, including limiters, phase and delay.  I/O switching and routing can also be managed via compatible control systems with drivers available for Crestron, Control4, Elan & RTI.

System Suggestion: Combine the CI 16-60 DSP with the CI 580 V2 4 zone BluOS rack mount streamer or the Bluesound Node to create a complete hi res multi-room package of incredible value and quality.

“Once again, NAD has pulled off a clever balancing act regarding price, performance and features with the new CI 16-60 DSP. Perhaps even more impressively, it satisfies the needs and desires of the seasoned installer and critical listener. The former will appreciate the robustness that allows superior performance in all rooms regardless of cable length, and the IP access to key setup parameters and remote troubleshooting to save time and money.” – Stereonet

Our Review

The NAD CI 16-60 DSP is a bit of a dream solution for anyone building a multi-room audio setup - it’s powerful, flexible, and built with real-world installs in mind. Packing 16 channels of NAD’s renowned Hybrid Digital amplification (the same tech behind their Classic Series), it delivers clean, consistent sound across 8 zones, whether you're just chilling with some background music or cranking it up for a party. With a solid 60 Watts per channel (or 140W bridged), there’s no need to worry about power drop-offs, even when all zones are firing. The new 2025 Web UI makes setup a breeze, giving you full control over EQ, routing, and performance tweaks per zone, plus easy integration with control systems like RTI or Control4. Add in thoughtful rack-friendly design, reliable cooling, and installer-friendly features, and it’s clear NAD has nailed the balance between performance, practicality and price. Pair it with a CI 580 V2 streamer, and you've got a seriously capable, high-res multi-room audio system without breaking the bank.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: 16 Channel Custom Install Power Amplifier
• 16 Channels x 60 Watts @ 8 Ohms, Hybrid Digital with Hypex UcD
• Bridgeable to 8 channels x 120 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
• 8 stereo RCA inputs with loop though
• 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

Technical

• Continuous Output Power into 8 Ohms
  • >60 W (all channels driven, 1 kHz 0.05% THD)
  • >65 W (two channels driven, 1 kHz 0.05% THD)
• Continuous Output Power into 4 Ohms
  • >65 W (all channels driven, 1 kHz 0.05% THD)
  • >105 W (two channels driven, 1 kHz 0.05% THD)
• Bridged Mode Continuous Output Power into 8 Ohms
  • >140 W (all channels driven, 1 kHz 0.05% THD)
  • >240 W (two channels driven, 1 kHz 0.05% THD)
• THD (1 W to 50 W, 8 Ohms and 4 Ohms)
  • <0.05 % (20 Hz – 3 kHz)
  • <0.2 % (3 kHz – 20 kHz)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80 dB (A-weighted, 500 mV input, ref. 1 W out in 8 Ohms)
• Clipping Power (all channels driven)
  • >60 W (1 kHz 8 Ohms 1 % THD)
  • >80 W (1 kHz 4 Ohms 1 % THD)
• Bridged Mode Clipping Power into 8 Ohms
  • >150 W (1 kHz 1 % THD - all channels driven)
  • >250 W (1 kHz 1 % THD - two channels driven)
• IHF Dynamic Power (all channels driven)
  • 8 Ohms: 65 W
  • 4 Ohms: 125 W
• IHF Dynamic Power (two channels driven)
  • 8 Ohms: 70 W
  • 4 Ohms: 125 W
• IHF Dynamic Power (Bridged mode, all channels driven) 8 Ohms: 270 W
• IHF Dynamic Power (Bridged mode, two channels driven) 8 Ohms: 280 W
• Peak Output Current: >15 A (1 Ohm, 1 ms)
• Damping Factor: >110 (20 Hz to 1 kHz 8 Ohms)
• Frequency Response: ±1dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
• Channel Separation
  • >60 dB (1 kHz)
  • >55 Db (10 kHz)
• Maximum Undistorted Input Level: 2900 mV
• Input Sensitivity (for 50 W in 8 ohms, maximum volume): 760 mV
• Input Impedance: 20 kOhms//220pF
• Analogue 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

General

• Included Accessories: Mains Power Cable, 8 x 4-Position Terminal Blocks (for Speakers), 1 x 4-Position Terminal Block (for IR In/Out), 1 x 2-Position Terminal Block (for +12V Trigger In), 4 x Feet with Mounting Screws, Quick Setup Guide
• Finish: Black
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 483 x 100 x 435mm
• Weight: 10.3 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.