NAD CI 980 8 Channel Amplifier

About The NAD CI 980 8 Channel Amplifier

Sometimes simplicity is what’s needed. The NAD CI 980 is a simple power amplifier, offering superb sound and robust reliability. NAD’s best-selling rack mount amplifier has been proven in the field time and again. Delivering a truly expansive sonic experience, the CI 980 will impress even the most experienced of listeners. NAD will redefine the way you view high performance distributed audio systems.

No worries, No hassle. System reliability and simple installation and unrivalled bang for buck were the primary objectives in the CI 980 design.  NAD is in the top tier of all amplifier brands, consistently winning awards for both performance and value for money. The CI 980 offers warm, expansive and intensely musical sound, designed to drive real world speaker loads. You will love the way the CI 980 brings out the best performance from any speaker for a remarkable listening experience. It is also extremely quiet with inaudible residual noise in no signal conditions, important when using efficient speakers in small spaces.

Full Disclosure Power: The CI 980 offers the same sonic performance as that found in some of the best- selling hi-fi amplifiers of all time from NAD’s Classic Series range. As per NAD’s Full Disclosure Power (FDP) ratings, it’s capable of delivering a conservative 50 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 980 is also bridgeable to 120 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms, and stable into 4 Ohm speaker loads.

NAD Amplification: The CI 980 has 8 channels of clean, low distortion power set up in a 4 stereo zone configuration. Boasting 50 Watts per channel, the CI 980 is designed to drive low impedance speakers and long wire runs. By utilizing the latest high efficiency switching amplifier technology, the CI 980 is a design built to be small, light, and very energy efficient, with superb musical sound quality for which NAD is known.

Rack Space Efficiency and Reliability: The CI 980 voltage is universal, which can be important in marine and avionics installations. The amplifier is fully protected from short-circuiting and overheating, plus operation is automatically restored after the condition is rectified. Indicator lamps for each zone show protection status and amplifier clipping. With <0.5W Standby consumption and highly efficient power delivery, the CI 980 will impress with its energy efficiency. The 2U rack height and included rack ears make excellent use of precious rack space, while the highly efficient amplifier produces very little heat, allowing multiple CI 980s to be used in a single rack. Thermostatically controlled forced air-cooling ensures a long trouble-free service life. Phoenix speaker connection blocks make installation a snap, and a selectable local or global input further simplifies wiring.

Simplicity in Integration: The CI 980 offers a choice of DC trigger or signal-sensing auto on with auto shut-off. The signal sensing circuit employs a sophisticated music sensing circuit to prevent the false triggers common with noisy source components, or other types of interference noise like RF leakage or ground loops. Rack install is made neat and efficient, thanks to inputs and triggers that offer daisy chain outputs.

System Suggestion: Combine the CI 890 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. Or match it with the T 758 V3i and T 778, utilizing their additional pre-outs to power additional effect channels or a 2nd zone, the power and performance of the CI 980 is perfectly matched for this use.

Our Review                                                     

Sometimes less really is more - and the NAD CI 980 proves it in all the right ways. This 8-channel rack-mount amplifier delivers warm, spacious, and thoroughly musical sound that’s as reliable as it is refined. Designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind, it’s a favourite among installers for good reason: it’s quiet, compact, cool-running, and packed with smart features that make integration a breeze. Whether you’re powering multiple zones in a distributed system or pairing it with a BluOS streamer for high-res multi-room audio, the CI 980 delivers with muscle and grace - effortlessly driving real-world speaker loads with NAD’s signature clarity and control. And with its conservative 50W per channel (all channels driven) or bridgeable 120W into 8 Ohms, there’s no shortage of power to go around.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: 8 Channel Custom Install Power Amplifier
• 8 Channels x 50 Watts @ 8 Ohms
• Bridgeable to 4 channels x 120 Watts @ 8 Ohms
• Effectively handles long cable runs and difficult speaker loads
• 4 stereo RCA inputs with loop through
• Global Input/Output
• Input gain adjustment for all zones
• Stereo/mono/bridge mode selector for each zone
• 2U Rack height
• Indicator lamps for each zone that show protection status and amplifier clipping
• 5W Standby Mode
• Thermostatic fan cooling with front vents
• Universal voltage Power Supply to accommodate marine installations
• Multiple Power-up options including Auto Sense turn on and 12V trigger
• Rack Ears included

Technical

• Continuous Output Power
  • 8 Ohms: 8 x 50W (ref. rated THD, 20Hz-20Hz, all channels driven)
  • 4 Ohms: 8 x 60W
  • 8 Ohms (Mono, Bridge Mode): 120W
• Rated THD: <0.03% (ref. 20Hz-20kHz)
• Clipping Power: >155W (ref. 1kHz, 8 Ohms, 0.1% THD)
• Damping Factor: >150 (ref. 8 Ohms, 50Hz and 1kHz)
• Input Sensitivity: 1.1V (ref. rated power)
• Voltage Gain: 33dB
• Frequency Response: ±1dB (ref. 20Hz-20kHz)
• Signal/Noise Ratio, A-Weighted
  • >80dB (ref. 1W)
  • >100dB (ref. 50W)
• Minimum Input Signal to trigger (auto sense mode): >20mV
• Time to Automatic Standby (without signal at input sense mode): 10 minutes
• Rated Power: 600W (120V 60Hz, 230V 50Hz)
• Idle Power: <26W
• Standby Power: <0.5W

General

• Included Accessories: Mains Power Cable, Rack Ears, 4 x 4-Position Terminal Blocks (for Speakers), Quick Setup Guide
• Finish: Black
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 483 x 105 x 323mm
• Weight: 5.72 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years

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