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NAD C 510 Direct Digital™ stereo preamp/digital-to-analog converter

Item # 745C510

A preamp used to be the component between your analog sources (turntable and tape deck) and your power amp.

A preamp used to be the component between your analog sources (turntable and tape deck) and your power amp.

Item # 745C510

Shop all NAD Stereo Preamps

About the NAD C 510

David Brown

A preamp for the digital age

A preamp used to be the component between your analog sources (turntable and tape deck) and your power amp. Now, digital music has changed everything about the way we listen, including our stereo equipment. NAD has turned this transition into a unique opportunity to design a preamp optimized for digital sources. Their C 510 is an all-digital preamp with connections for a computer, network music player, and even HDMI inputs for Blu-ray players and streaming media devices.


High-res audio

A preamp for the digital age

A preamp used to be the component between your analog sources (turntable and tape deck) and your power amp. Now, digital music has changed everything about the way we listen, including our stereo equipment. NAD has turned this transition into a unique opportunity to design a preamp optimized for digital sources. Their C 510 is an all-digital preamp with connections for a computer, network music player, and even HDMI inputs for Blu-ray players and streaming media devices.

Pure digital for pure sound quality

The C 510 preamp keeps everything in the digital domain to reduce distortion to near non-existent levels. By eliminating analog signal paths between the built-in digital-to-analog converter and the output stage, NAD prevents these noisy circuits from introducing distortion that degrades sound quality. Plus, volume control and source switching are controlled digitally, eliminating further interference from mechanical and electronic components. This ensures that your music remains as pure as possible from your digital source all the way to your separate power amp.

HDMI inputs with video pass-through

This preamp boasts an impressive assortment of connections, highlighted by a pair of HDMI inputs. Usually reserved for home theater receivers, NAD's inclusion of HDMI connectivity welcomes Blu-ray disc players, gaming consoles, streaming media boxes, and other video-based devices. HDMI allows you to access high-resolution movie soundtracks for uncompromised sound — perfect for concert movies or Blu-ray audio discs. The C 510's HDMI output passes video along to your TV, so you can enjoy pristine picture and sound quality. It's perfect for building a sweet-sounding two-channel audio/video setup.

High-res capability for superior sound

In addition to HDMI compatibility, the C 510 is great for connecting a computer and network music player. This can place your entire digital music library at your fingertips. The high-quality digital-to-analog converter is compatible with sampling rates of up to 24-bit/192kHz, as are each of the digital inputs. Enjoy high-resolution music from download sites like HDtracks, or MP3s from iTunes® and other online music stores.

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Product highlights:

    Features:
    • preamp with digital inputs for connection to a network music player, disc player, or computer
    • NAD's Direct Digital design performs functions like volume control and source selection in the digital domain, for shorter signal paths and virtually no audible distortion
    • Class A analog output stage with balanced and unbalanced connections
    • HDMI connections with video pass-through to allow two-channel home theater sound with a Blu-ray or DVD player
    • remote control
    Connections:
    • two HDMI inputs for stereo-only audio
    • HDMI video output with 3D pass-through
    • balanced stereo XLR outputs
    • unbalanced stereo RCA outputs
    • balanced digital XLR (AES/EBU) audio input
    • asynchronous USB (Type B) input for connecting a computer
    • 1 optical digital audio input
    • 1 coaxial digital audio input
    • RS-232 port for automated control systems
    • 12-volt trigger and IR input
    • detachable power cord
    Specifications:
    • supports PCM sampling rates up to 24-bit/192kHz
    • frequency response: 20Hz to 96kHz @ 192kHz sampling rate(±0.5 dB)
    • total harmonic distortion: <0.002%
    • signal-to-noise ratio: less than -123 dB
    • channel separation: greater than 115 dB
    • 17-1/8"W x 3-15/16"H x 12-3/16"D
    • weight: 10.4 lbs.
    • warranty: 2 years
    • MFR # C510

    What's in the box:

    • Direct Digital Preamp/DAC
    • 6' AC power cord
    • Remote control (DR1)
    • 2 "AA" batteries
    • Qucik Start Guide
    • Warranty Card

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    More details on the NAD C 510

    Stacey B.

    Features & specs

    Inputs
    RCA Inputs ---
    XLR Inputs ---
    3.5mm Inputs ---
    Phono Inputs 0
    Phono Input Type N/A
    Optical Digital Inputs 1
    Coaxial Digital Inputs 1
    Digital XLR Inputs ---
    USB Type A ---
    USB Type B ---
    Ethernet Port ---
    Outputs
    RCA Outputs ---
    XLR Outputs ---
    Optical Digital Outputs 0
    Coaxial Digital Outputs 0
    Digital XLR Outputs ---
    Subwoofer Outputs 0
    Discrete Sub Outs
    Headphone Output No
    Audio Features & Specs
    Home Theater Bypass ---
    Frequency Response 20-96k
    S/N Ratio (Phono) 0
    S/N Ratio (Line) 123
    THD 0.002
    DAC Bit Depth ---
    DAC Sample Rate ---
    High-res Audio Playback
    From Network No
    From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) No
    From Computer (USB-B) No
    Wireless Features
    Bluetooth N
    Bluetooth Formats Supported ---
    Wi-Fi ---
    Frequency Bands ---
    Streaming Compatibility
    Apple AirPlay No
    DTS Play-Fi No
    Chromecast built-in No
    Roon No
    HEOS No
    MusicCast No
    BluOS No
    Music Services
    Amazon Music No
    Apple Music No
    Pandora No
    Qobuz No
    SiriusXM No
    Spotify No
    Tidal No
    TuneIn No
    YouTube Music No
    Control
    Apple Control App No
    Android Control App No
    Amazon Alexa No
    Google Assistant No
    12 Volt Trigger No
    IR Control No
    RS-232 No
    Other Specs
    Width (Inches) 17.1875
    Height (Inches) 3.8125
    Depth (Inches) 13.5625
    Parts Warranty 2 Years
    Labor Warranty 2 Years

    Product Research

    Features

    Direct Digital Design: Unlike a traditional analog preamplifier, the C 510 Direct Digital Preamp/DAC does not produce any noise or distortion that can obscure detail and limit the performance of many systems. By performing preamp functions like volume and source selection in the digital domain, the C 510 shortens the signal path and offers audiophile sound quality; whether feed your power amplifier or active loudspeakers.

    Digital Connectivity: The C 510 includes connectivity for a wide variety of digital sources.

    • USB Type-B Port: A USB Type-B port is used for direct connection to your Windows (XP SP2 or 7) PC or Mac (10.6 or later) computer. This port operates in asynchronous mode, meaning that the C 510 provides the precision clock for the USB data rather than the often imprecise clock in the computer; plus it supports sampling rates of up to 192kHz and 24-bit depth. In order to stream your computer audio via the C 510, the "NAD USB Audio driver" must be downloaded from the NAD website.
    • Dual HDMI Inputs: Two HDMI inputs with a video pass through provide a secure encrypted path for High Res Audio, and allow the C 510 to perform a limited role as a video switcher. The 2-channel PCM audio track that is present on all video programming is stripped from the unit's HDMI output with the video passing untouched to a connected video display. The stripped 2-channel PCM signal is output at the Preamp/DAC's analog outputs; there is no multichannel or surround decoding.
    • 3 SPDIF Inputs: Also included are three SPDIF digital inputs which are all 24-bit/192kHz capable. An optical (toslink), coaxial (RCA) and AES/EBU (XLR) input make up the three SPIDF digital inputs.
    Note: A particular source input can be renamed according to your preference. You can use up to 16 characters in renaming a source input. Below is the procedure on how to rename a source input. There are no analog inputs.

    Balanced & Unbalanced Analog Outputs: The NAD C 510 Direct Digital Preamp/DAC is fitted with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs. The Preamp/DAC's analog output section is driven by a Class A biased operation amplifier for the very best performance and reliability.

    Optimized Power Supply & Circuitry: NAD has taken special care designing the power supply and critical circuit layout to optimize the performance of the premium parts used extensively throughout the C 510.

    Digital Volume Control: Because the volume level is controlled by mathematics in the digital domain, there is no mechanical or electrical imprecision; all volume levels have exactly the same circuit conditions. The unit's volume control can be set to "Fixed" or "Variable".

    Remote Control: The control interface of the NAD C 510 couldn't be simpler with Power, Input Selection, and Volume Control on both the front-panel and the supplied IR remote. 12V triggers, an IR input, and a RS-232 port allow for system automation interface. 

    • +12V Trigger Input: With this 3.5mm input triggered by a 12V DC supply, the C 510 can be switched On remotely from standby mode by compatible devices such as amplifiers, preamplifiers, receivers, etc. If the 12V DC supply is cut off, the C 510 will return to standby mode.
    • +12V Trigger Output: The +12V Trigger Output (3.5mm) is used for controlling external equipment that is equipped with a +12V trigger input. This output will be 12V when the C 510 is On and 0V when the unit is either Off or in standby mode.
    • IR Input: This 3.5mm input is connected to the output of an IR (infrared) repeater (Xantech or similar) or the IR output of another component to allow control of the C 510 from a remote location.
    • RS-232 Port: NAD is a certified partner of AMX and Crestron and fully supports these external devices via its RS-232 serial port.. Check out the NAD website for information about AMX and Crestron compatibility with NAD.

    Front-Panel Display: Selected input and incoming sample rate are displayed on the Preamp/DAC's front-panel display. Auto Display gives the use the option to turn off the Vacuum Fluorescent Display after 15 minutes of no user interaction and no remote control command.

    Auto Standby: The C 510 can be set to go to standby mode automatically if there is no user interface interaction and no active source within 30 minutes.

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