Features
Controls
Connections
Specifications

Features

Overview: The M3 features a Dual Mono design with separate unregulated and discrete regulated supplies for different stages of the 2 channels. The custom wound Toroidal transformers use proprietary magnetic shielding technology. The lack of audible noise and distortion is the result of analog circuits combined with digital controls. Freed of the constraints of traditional analog switches, NAD devised an architecture using precision 1% resistors controlled by digital switches for all the level adjustments required for volume, balance, and tone control. Input selection is done via precision sealed reed relays. An advantage of this architecture, in addition to its precise performance, is the ability to place controls in the most advantageous physical position within the circuit. The signal never has to travel to the front panel for switching, as with traditional amplifier designs. Keeping signal paths as short as possible is also aided by the use of SMD (miniature surface mount) components and multi-layer PCBs (circuit boards). Special attention was paid to the control of mechanical resonance throughout the chassis, as this can affect sonic performance. The special isolation feet use aluminum and silicon rubber in a vibration damping configuration.

PowerDrive: NAD's PowerDrive technology measures load impedance continuously on both channels and adjusts the power supply voltage for maximum undistorted dynamic power to the connected speaker at all times and under all operating conditions. The signal processor also continuously measures temperature and average long term power and, based on this information, chooses the optimum voltage.

Pre-out/Main-in Loop: Factory jumpers connect the main amplifier input to the Pre Out 1 preamp outputs. This offers the flexibility of inserting an equalizer, surround processor (when using multiple amps), or another type of processor between the two stages.

Dual Preamp Outputs: The second set of preamp is convenient for bi-amping speakers or adding a powered subwoofer.

Crossover: A high-pass crossover can be engaged for the preamp 2 outputs, useful when bi-amping the speakers or using a powered subwoofer. The crossover options are 40 Hz, 60 Hz, 80 Hz, 100 Hz, and Full Range. The slope is 12 dB/octave.

Input Level: The volume level can be trimmed individually for each source, so there's no volume change when changing inputs; the range is +/- 9.5 dB.

Input Names: The name displayed for each input can be reassigned, up to 20 characters.

Tone: Bass and treble are adjustable +/-5 dB. The Spectral Tilt function simultaneously raises the bass and reduces the treble, or vice versa; +/-3 dB.

Remote Controls: The M3 wireless remote will control the amp and the matching NAD DVD/SACD player. A second wireless remote, the ZR 3, is included for controlling the Zone 2 output.

Controls

Front Panel:

• Power: toggle between power on and standby
• Listen: choose input for listening; Disc, CD, Tuner, input 4, input 5, input 6, or Balanced input
• Record/Zone 2: choose input for recording or listening in Zone 2; Disc, CD, Tuner, input 4, input 5, input 6, Balanced input, Local (same source as main listening zone), or Off
• Mode: toggle between listening modes; Stereo, Mono, Left, Right
• Balance: adjust left/right balance and trim the input level for each source
• Tone: adjust Bass, Treble, and Spectral Tilt
• Bi-Amp: choose the high-pass crossover point for the internal amp
• Speakers: choose which speaker outputs are active; A, B, A+B, or Off
• Volume: rotary volume control

Rear Panel:

• Power: master power switch

Connections

Rear Panel:

• Speakers: the speaker binding posts will accept single banana plugs, pin connectors, spade lugs up to 0.59" wide, and bare wire up to 10 gauge; there are four speaker outputs, A (left and right) and B (left and right)
• Inputs: stereo RCA input jacks for Disc, CD, Tuner, Input 4, Input 5, and Input 6
• Balanced Input: stereo XLR input
• Main In: stereo RCA preamp inputs; jumpers to the Pre Out 1 outputs are factory installed
• Pre Out 1: stereo RCA preamp outputs; jumpers to the main amplifier inputs are factory installed
• Pre Out 2: stereo RCA outputs for feeding a powered subwoofer or another amplifier; the volume level is the same as Pro Out 1
• Record Output/Zone 2: stereo RCA output jacks for recording or listening in Zone 2
• IR In: 3.5mm mini-jack input, used to control this unit using an optional infrared repeater or the IR output of another component
• IR Out: two 3.5mm mini-jack outputs, used to control other NAD components
• 12 Volt Trigger Out: turn on/off another device along with the M3; the +12 volt trigger output is a 3.5mm mini-jack; the maximum output is 50 mA
• RS 232: the RS-232 port allows connection to a compatible PC or external whole-house control system from companies such as AMX or Crestron
• AC Input: 2-pole IEC power input for use with included cord (or optional upgraded cord)

Specifications

Amplifier Section:

• Continuous Power: 180 watts x 2 into an 8Ω or 4Ω load, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, no more than 0.004% THD, both channels driven simultaneously
• Dynamic Power:
  • 8Ω: 280 watts x 2
  • 4Ω: 480 watts x 2
  • 2Ω: 785 watts x 2
• Dynamic Headroom: 4.2 dB at 8Ω
• Rated THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): 0.004% (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
• Signal/Noise:
  • >107 dB (ref 1 watt)
  • >130 dB (ref 180 watt)
• Damping factor: >150 (ref 8Ω, 50 Hz)
• Frequency response:
  • +/- 0.03 dB: 20 Hz-20 kHz
  • - 3 dB: 20 Hz-80 kHz
• Input impedance: 20 kΩ + 680 pF
• Input sensitivity: 1.38 volts (ref rated power into 8Ω)
• Voltage gain: 29 dB
• Power Requirement: AC 120V 60Hz
• Weight: 51.8 lbs (23.5 kg)

Preamp Section:

• Input impedance: 150 kΩ + 500 pF
• Balanced input impedance: 120 kΩ + 100 pF
• Input sensitivity: 446 mV (at rated power)
• Frequency response: 5 Hz-70 kHz (+/- 0.3 dB)
• Output impedance:
  • Pre-out 1/Pre-out 2: 100 Ω
  • Record out: source + 1 kΩ
• Tone control:
  • Bass: +/-5 dB
  • Treble: +/-5 dB