NAD CI 720 V2 Streaming Amplifier

About The NAD CI 720 V2 Streaming Amplifier

Unleashing the power of BluOS® to its fullest potential, the CI 720 V2 Hi Res Network Stereo Music Player is the perfect powered zone solution for network audio. The CI 720 V2 combines all of the benefits of the BluOS multi-room music management platform into one place, and combining this with NAD amplifier technology, in a form factor designed specifically to be reliable in a rack and economical on space.

With its unique “blade” form factor, six modules can be mounted to the RM 720 rack kit, meaning you get 6 stereo zones into just 3U of rack space, saving 50% of rack space against traditional format stereo streamers. Each unit is also thermostatically cooled with an air intake on the front to draw in cool air which is dispersed through the vents towards the rear of the unit so you can be confident of the CI 720 V2 having longevity in even the most challenging rack environments.

NAD’s Hybrid Digital amplification, in this case a conservative, 2 x 60W into 8 Ohms with customized Hypex UcD output stages, offers reliable power, with ultra-low distortion and high current output. Hybrid Digital is ideal for longer cable runs using thicker gauge cables. Being load invariant, it handles 4 Ohm loads as easily as it does 8 Ohms. 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.

One major benefit of using multiple stereo streamers in this format is single zone redundancy. If one unit should fail, none of the other zones are impacted, so the user can still enjoy their music in the rest of the property.

Another benefit is that each CI 720 V2 also has dedicated analogue and digital inputs. Connectivity can be expanded via sister brand’s Bluesound Hub. Each module also has a subwoofer output and can be paired wirelessly over the network with a Bluesound Pulse Sub+.

An IR input is also included for basic control, utilizing the IR learning function within the BluOS Controller app so you can learn commands from any 3rd party remote.

Using the BluOS Controller app, you can stream from over 20 popular music services with playback of music at up to 24/192, all in one place, or you can cast directly from a mobile device via Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect or Tidal Connect. The BluOS app can manage all external inputs and player grouping in an intuitive layout that’s easy to use.

Smart Home Professionals can also integrate the CI 720 V2, or any other BluOS enabled devices with any of the major control systems, so access and playback to music can be managed in multiple ways.

Stack multiple CI 720 V2s in the rack (up to 64 zones) to create a multi-room, multi-source audio system which combines fit and forget reliability with breathtaking quality and value. Mix these rack mountable players with other BluOS enabled devices, such as Bluesound speakers, NAD stereo integrated amplifiers or AV Receivers as needed to create an audio system that’s perfectly tailored to each project and maximizes the value and performance in every room.

Our Review

The NAD CI 720 V2 is a seriously smart little unit that packs a surprising punch. Designed with custom installations in mind, this ultra-compact streaming amplifier brings together NAD’s renowned Hybrid Digital amplification and the full power of BluOS multi-room audio in a sleek, rack-friendly “blade” form factor. With 2 x 60W of clean, stable power and support for up to 64 zones when stacked, it’s a dream for whole-home audio setups. Its thoughtful design - like front-to-back cooling, robust digital and analogue inputs, and seamless integration with major control systems - makes it not only easy to live with, but a total workhorse behind the scenes. Add in subwoofer support, AirPlay 2, Tidal Connect, and high-res streaming up to 24/192, and you’ve got a compact powerhouse that just keeps delivering.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: Stereo Streaming Amplifier Designed for Custom Install Systems
• 1 Stereo Zone with HybridDigital™ Amplification
• 2 x 60 Watts into 8 Ohms
• Subwoofer Out
• 3U Height ‘Blade’ Chassis, up to Six Units Fit in One Rack Space
• Ethernet Connectivity
• Analogue Audio Input
• Digital Optical Input
• USB Input
• Uses Standard Network Protocols
• Universal Voltage (100 ~ 240)
• Thermostatic Fan Cooling
• Third Party Control and Automation Integration Drivers Available
• Works with Apple Airplay 2
• Voice Control via Amazon Alexa

Audio

• Supported File Formats:MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG Vorbis, WMA-L, FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MQA, HRA
• Supported Cloud Services: WiMP, Slacker Radio, Qobuz, HighResAudio, JUKE, Deezer, Murfie, HDTracks, Spotify, TIDAL, Napster, Microsoft Groove (with OneDrive), Classics Online, KKBox (if available in Australia)
• Supported Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 or higher, Apple Macintosh OSX 10.7.5 or higher
• Free Internet: RadioTuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, Calm Radio, Radio Paradise
• Integration Partners: Control4, RTI, Crestron, URC, roon, Josh.ai
• Rated Power: 2 x 60W
• Rated Distortion: ≤0.005%
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -110dBA
• Sample Rate: 32 – 192kHz
• Bit Depth: 16 – 24

Connections

• Inputs
  • Analogue: RCA Stereo
  • SPDIF: Optical (TOSLINK)
  • USB: Type A (for USB memory stick and supported peripherals – FAT32 formatted), Type B Mini USB (for servicing purposes only)
  • IR Input: 3.5mm Jack
• Outputs
  • Subwoofer Out: RCA
  • Speaker Out: Phoenix Speaker Connection Block
• Network
  • Ethernet/LAN: Ethernet RJ45, GigE
  • User Interface: Free Android and iOS App available at GooglePlay and Apple App Store

General

• Fit Six CI 720 V2’s into 3U of Rack Space using the RM 720 Rack System (Available Separately)
• Included Accessories: Power Cable, Ethernet Cable, Speaker Connector
• AC Power Supply: 100-240V 50/60Hz
• Standby Power: 6W (Network Standby Mode)
• Finish: Black
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 70 x 120 x 350mm
• Weight: 1.6kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years

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