About the NAD CI 980
Top-notch, multi-room sound
Top-notch, multi-room sound
For decades audiophiles have counted on NAD for solid value and superior sound in their listening rooms and home theaters. With the CI 980 multi-channel amplifier, music and movie lovers can now enjoy that same legendary NAD performance with their custom installations and multi-room audio systems. The CI 980 makes an excellent choice for any multi-room system where sound quality really matters.
Handy hook-up options
With three turn-on options (front panel switch, 12V trigger control, or signal-sensing), this amp easily adapts to any type of installation. Multiple CI 980s can share the same input signal, giving you the capacity to configure music zones that perfectly suit your listening spaces. Individual inputs for each zone allow different music sources to be connected and assigned to single listening rooms. Each zone features its own separate gain control so you can easily adjust the volume to fine-tune the sound of your system.
Cool, efficient, and easy to install
Unlike traditional amps that run hot and waste a lot of energy, the CI 980 boasts high-efficiency switching amplifier technology for cooler operation, reduced weight, and clean, undistorted sound even at high listening volumes. Dual thermostatically activated internal fans ensure reliable operation. Detachable speaker connection blocks make installation a snap. And brackets are included for neat, simple rack mounting.
Product highlights:
- 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.03% THD with all channels driven
- 120 watts x 4 into 8 ohms (bridged)
- perfect for adding surround channels to a home theater system or powering music zones in a multi-room audio system
- 4-ohm stable for use with a wide range of speakers
- high-efficiency switching amplifier technology for lighter weight, cooler operation, and energy savings
- signal-to-noise ratio: 80 dB
- 12-volt trigger/signal-sensing auto-on with auto shut-off
- global RCA bus inputs/outputs for distributing a single audio source among multiple amp channels and passing input signal on to another amplifier
- line-level inputs and "loop through" outputs for all channels
- local/global mode selector input setting for each stereo music zone
- separate gain controls for each zone
- removable Phoenix-style speaker connectors for easier installation
- detachable power cord
- dual thermostat-controlled cooling fans
- rack mountable (brackets included)
- less than 0.5 watt standby power consumption
- 19-1/16"W x 4-3/16"H x 12-3/4"D
- weight: 12.6 lbs.
- warranty: 2 years
- MFR # CI 980
What's in the box:
- 8-Channel power amplifier
- 6' AC power cord
- 4 Phoenix-style connector blocks
- 2 Rack ears (installed w/ 8 screws)
- 2 End-caps
- Quick Setup Guide
- Warranty Card
Customer reviews for NAD CI 980
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More details on the NAD CI 980
Features & specs
| General | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number of Channels | 8 | |
| Power Output per Channel (8 ohms) | 50 | |
| Power Output per Channel (6 ohms) | --- | |
| Power Output per Channel (4 ohms) | 60 | |
| Frequency Bandwidth | 20-20k | |
| THD | 0.03% | |
| Minimum Impedance | 4 | |
| Bridged Power per Channel | 120 watts | |
| Speaker Outputs | 8 | |
| THX Certification | No | |
| Width (inches) | 17-1/8 | |
| Height (inches) | 4-3/16 | |
| Depth (inches) | 12-15/16 | |
| Weight | 12.6 pounds | |
| Parts Warranty | 2 Years | |
| Labor Warranty | 2 Years | |
| Inputs & Outputs | ||
| Number of Inputs | 5 | |
| Input Type | RCA | |
| Removable Power Cord | IEC 2-prong | |
| Level Controls | Yes | |
| Speaker Connectors | Phoenix | |
Product Research
Features
8-Channel Power Amp: The NAD CI 980 Class AB power amplifier has 8-channels of clean low distortion power set up in a quad stereo zone configuration for custom installation and distributed audio systems. Boasting 50 watts of continuous power per channel, the CI 980 is designed to drive low impedance speakers (down to 4Ω) even over long wire runs. The CI 980 can easily provide the instantaneous peak current required for good bass response and expansive sound by utilizing multiple discrete high power output devices. Its low distortion and noise allow the subtle details of your music to be heard clearly.
Bridgeable: The power amplifier's bridging feature allows you to pair any of the channels to become a single high-power channel (120W @ 8Ω), creating additional flexibility.
Toroidal Transformer: The CI 980's power supply features a custom toroidal transformer that maintains very low impedance for lowest noise and good damping factor of 150.
Global & Zone Inputs/Outputs: Selectable zone or global inputs/outputs further simplify wiring and add to the power amp's flexibility. The NAD CI 980 features a set of stereo RCA inputs and outputs for Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 3, and Zone 4. The RCA output terminals are simply "loop-through" outputs, so you can pass the same input signal to another amplifier. Each input channel has an independent gain control. There is also a Global stereo RCA input and output with adjustable gain control.
Phoenix Speaker Connectors: The CI 980 power amp is fitted with Phoenix speaker connection blocks that make installation a snap, and wiring further simplified.
Forced Air Cooling: The NAD CI 980 utilizes thermostatically controlled forced air cooling to ensure a long trouble-free service life.
Automated Turn-On: The CI 980 may be turned on in three discrete ways for complete system flexibility; from the front-panel standby button, the 12V Trigger circuit, or by the input signal-sensing circuit.
- Front-Panel Standby Button: A front-panel standby buttons allows you to turn on the power amplifier, as well as set it to standby mode.
- +12V Trigger In: With the +12V trigger input of the CI 980 connected to the DC output jack of a compatible auxiliary component, the CI 980 can be switched remotely from standby mode to operating mode and vice-versa. Use a 3.5mm minijack cable to pass +12V from the auxiliary equipment into the CI 980.
- Input Signal Sensing: The CI 980 can bet set to instantaneously turn to operating mode from standby mode if it senses any input signal (approximately above 20mV RMS input) applied through the Global or any Zone input. The unit will automatically go back into standby mode when there has been not input signal for 30 minutes.
Protection Circuitry: The amplifier is fully protected from short circuit and overheating and automatically restores operation after the condition is rectified. Indicator LEDs for each zone show protection status
Rack Mountable: The power amp's 2U rack height and included rack ears make good use of precious rack space.
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Customer Q&A
2 questions already asked
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Had the 980 about two weeks now, using it with a Cambridge CXN network player and B&W in wall speakers. Also using a cheap subwoofer to fill out the bass a little.
S Willis from Oregon