NAD unveils its first DAB tuner

John Archer · 17-02-2006, 4:23 PM

Following is the press release from NAD about the introduction of the brand’s first DAB tuner…

”In many parts of the world today, digital broadcasting (DAB) is taking over from analog broadcasting (AM/FM). The reasons for this are simple, with digital transmission; many more stations can ‘fit’ into the available radio spectrum. Included with this extra choice of program is noise-free audio and enhanced text information about the program, artist, and music, as well as technical information about the broadcast itself. While different countries are taking different approaches to DAB implementation, one thing is certain, DAB is here to stay!

NAD’s APPROACH TO DAB

We wanted to develop a radio tuner that fully exploited the new medium of DAB yet maintained NAD’s core values of performance, value, and simplicity. The C445 employs a dual band DAB radio frequency (RF) section that works equally well with the two most popular DAB transmission formats; Band III and L Band.

We also decided that while DAB represents the future of broadcasting, there are still many excellent programs on traditional AM and FM bands, thus we have a tuner that accepts both digital and analog methods of broadcasting in one easy to use product.

PERFORMANCE

DAB broadcasting, by its very nature, improves many areas that were constant annoyances with traditional AM and FM broadcasting. The almost complete absence of noise and linear distortion make DAB broadcasts sound clear across a broad range of signal strengths. This is great on spoken word programs, but the medium shows its shortcomings with musical programs. Here, the data reduction algorithms (MPEG) and very low data rates sometimes employed, can cause very unmusical effects. Music can lose its rich texture, especially in the higher frequencies.

On good quality broadcasts, DAB can rival the sound quality of the CD, and for this reason we have used the same high quality parts and proven design for D/A conversion as we use in our award winning CD Players, the C521BEE and C542. We also include a digital output that can be used to feed high end external D/A converters and other units equipped with an SPDIF digital input.

Professional quality D/A converters and OPAmps are sourced from Burr Brown and implemented using optimized digital and analog circuits. NAD’s expertise in extracting every last ounce of musicality from a circuit is evident from the moment you switch on the C445 and tune in your first station.

FM broadcasting, like DAB, requires a ‘line of sight’ from the transmitter to the radio tuner’s antenna. The C445’s FM tuning section is especially good at extracting the best quality signal even under difficult reception conditions. A careful balance of sensitivity, selectivity, and capture ratio and dynamic range assures the best possible audio quality with every available FM station. RDS functions of PS (station name) and RT (radio text) are included for those stations broadcasting with RDS.

AM is the oldest form of radio transmission, and yet has the longest ‘reach’ of the commonly available broadcast bands. While signal transmission quality is the most variable of the three types of radio included in the C445, NAD strikes a perfect balance between wide frequency response and good noise suppression. The result can be surprisingly good when the broadcast quality allows.

CONVENIENCE

In addition to the obvious convenience of having DAB, FM, and AM in one component, we have included many thoughtful features to make the operation of the C445 more enjoyable. Whether you operate the C445 from the front.

Available in either titanium or dark grey, the NAD C445 is expected to sell at a suggested price of around £350.00 (including VAT) and should be in the stores from April.

Features include:

* DAB/FM/AM Universal Tuner
* Dual Band DAB, Band III and L Band reception
* Individual antenna inputs for DAB, FM, and AM for best possible reception of all broadcast formats
* DAB Favorite Station Memory
* 30 FM Station Presets, 10 AM Station Presets
* RDS PS and RT for FM broadcasts
* 2 Line Dot Matrix Display indicates station frequency, Preset and Favorite Station titles, and other information broadcast by individual DAB and FM stations
* Optical TosLink Digital SPDIF Output for DAB signals
* Audiophile quality DAC and analog line stage
* Simple intuitive operation
* Remote control

For more information click here.

17-02-2006, 4:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
John Archer New Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 8 My movie collection Thanks: Gave 0, Got 3	NAD unveils its first DAB tuner Following is the press release from NAD about the introduction of the brand’s first DAB tuner… ”In many parts of the world today, digital broadcasting (DAB) is taking over from analog broadcasting (AM/FM). The reasons for this are simple, with digital transmission; many more stations can ‘fit’ into the available radio spectrum. Included with this extra choice of program is noise-free audio and enhanced text information about the program, artist, and music, as well as technical information about the broadcast itself. While different countries are taking different approaches to DAB implementation, one thing is certain, DAB is here to stay! NAD’s APPROACH TO DAB We wanted to develop a radio tuner that fully exploited the new medium of DAB yet maintained NAD’s core values of performance, value, and simplicity. The C445 employs a dual band DAB radio frequency (RF) section that works equally well with the two most popular DAB transmission formats; Band III and L Band. We also decided that while DAB represents the future of broadcasting, there are still many excellent programs on traditional AM and FM bands, thus we have a tuner that accepts both digital and analog methods of broadcasting in one easy to use product. PERFORMANCE DAB broadcasting, by its very nature, improves many areas that were constant annoyances with traditional AM and FM broadcasting. The almost complete absence of noise and linear distortion make DAB broadcasts sound clear across a broad range of signal strengths. This is great on spoken word programs, but the medium shows its shortcomings with musical programs. Here, the data reduction algorithms (MPEG) and very low data rates sometimes employed, can cause very unmusical effects. Music can lose its rich texture, especially in the higher frequencies. On good quality broadcasts, DAB can rival the sound quality of the CD, and for this reason we have used the same high quality parts and proven design for D/A conversion as we use in our award winning CD Players, the C521BEE and C542. We also include a digital output that can be used to feed high end external D/A converters and other units equipped with an SPDIF digital input. Professional quality D/A converters and OPAmps are sourced from Burr Brown and implemented using optimized digital and analog circuits. NAD’s expertise in extracting every last ounce of musicality from a circuit is evident from the moment you switch on the C445 and tune in your first station. FM broadcasting, like DAB, requires a ‘line of sight’ from the transmitter to the radio tuner’s antenna. The C445’s FM tuning section is especially good at extracting the best quality signal even under difficult reception conditions. A careful balance of sensitivity, selectivity, and capture ratio and dynamic range assures the best possible audio quality with every available FM station. RDS functions of PS (station name) and RT (radio text) are included for those stations broadcasting with RDS. AM is the oldest form of radio transmission, and yet has the longest ‘reach’ of the commonly available broadcast bands. While signal transmission quality is the most variable of the three types of radio included in the C445, NAD strikes a perfect balance between wide frequency response and good noise suppression. The result can be surprisingly good when the broadcast quality allows. CONVENIENCE In addition to the obvious convenience of having DAB, FM, and AM in one component, we have included many thoughtful features to make the operation of the C445 more enjoyable. Whether you operate the C445 from the front. Available in either titanium or dark grey, the NAD C445 is expected to sell at a suggested price of around £350.00 (including VAT) and should be in the stores from April. Features include: * DAB/FM/AM Universal Tuner * Dual Band DAB, Band III and L Band reception * Individual antenna inputs for DAB, FM, and AM for best possible reception of all broadcast formats * DAB Favorite Station Memory * 30 FM Station Presets, 10 AM Station Presets * RDS PS and RT for FM broadcasts * 2 Line Dot Matrix Display indicates station frequency, Preset and Favorite Station titles, and other information broadcast by individual DAB and FM stations * Optical TosLink Digital SPDIF Output for DAB signals * Audiophile quality DAC and analog line stage * Simple intuitive operation * Remote control For more information click here.

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