Distinguished amongst analogue preamplifiers, the C 165BEE is built to be the heart of any advanced home audio system. Starting with six line level inputs, including MC/MM phono input, the C 165BEE is incredibly flexible. Featuring a superbly designed tone control circuit, the C 165BEE is an exceptional example of how to implement high-fidelity tone controls by affecting only the frequency extremes and leaving the critical midrange untouched, while also offering a bypass option. With a 12V-trigger output and IR inputs and outputs on the rear panel, the C 165BEE is ready to integrate with CI control systems. With outstanding build quality and true engineering sophistication, the NAD C 165BEE is the preamp you’ve been waiting for.
READ MORE OF THIS PRODUCT'S STORY
PRODUCT STORY DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS DOWNLOADS
Performance Far Beyond Expectation
The C 165BEE is an all-new design representing a lifetime of design experience from NAD’s renowned Director of Advanced Developments, Bjørn Erik Edvardsen. New semi-conductors and improved production techniques such as surface mount devices (SMDs) have created opportunities for performance far beyond expectation when compared to previous products in this price range. Compared to its predecessor the C 162, an improved tone control circuit and revised PCB layout has reduced distortion and noise to unprecedented levels when combined with the high signal capacity of the NAD Class A Gain Modules.
NAD C 165BEE Stereo Preamplifier
Tech Specs
Key Features
- 6 Line Level Inputs
- Phono Input with selectable Moving Coil and Moving Magnet sensitivity settings
- 3 position Resistance and Capacitance settings for Phono Input
- 2 Line Level Outputs, one variable from 0dB to -12dB
- Subwoofer Output
- Independent Headphone Amplifier
- Pure Class A Gain Modules
- Sealed Reed Relays for Input Switching
- Heavy Gauge Steel Chassis
- Bass and Treble Controls with Defeat Switch (bypass]
- Gold Plated Sockets
- 12V Trigger Output
- IR In and Out
- Detachable Power Cord
- SR 8 NAD 4 Device System remote Control
- <1 watt Standby Consumption
Line Level Input
- Input Impedance (R and C)
- 100 kilohm+ 320 pF
- Input Sensitivity
- 158mV (ref. 500mV out)
- Maximum input signal
- 9V
- Signal/Noise Ratio, A-weighted
- 108dB (ref. 500mV in 500mV out, volume set to unity gain)
- 112dB (ref. 2V out, Volume maximum)
- Frequency response
- ± 0.1dB (ref. 20Hz – 20kHz, Tone defeat ON)
- ± 0.5dB (ref. 20Hz – 20kHz, Tone defeat OFF)
- Frequency response (subwoofer out)
- 100Hz (ref. -3 dB)
Output
Output Impedance
- Pre-out
- 75 Ohm
- Tape out
- Source Z + 440 Ohm
- Sub out
- 100 Ohm
- Headphones
- 10 Ohm
Maximum Voltage Output
- Pre-out
- >10V into 600 Ohm
- Tape out
- >10V into 10 kilohm load
- Sub out
- >7V into 1 kilohm load
- Headphones
- >5V into 600 Ohm
- >2V into 32 Ohm
- HD (CCIF IMD, DIM 100)
- >0.001% dB (ref. 20Hz – 20kHz, 2V out)
Tone Controls
- Treble
- ±5dB at 10kHz (ref. 2V in 500mV out)
- Bass
- ±5dB at 100Hz (ref. 2V in 500mV out)
Phono Input
- Input impedance
- MC
- 40, 100, 600 Ohm (R)
1nF (C) - MM
- 47 kilohm (R)
220, 300, 400pF (C) - Input sensitivity
- MC
- 0.15mV (ref. 1kHz 500mV out)
- MM
- 2.63mV (ref. 1kHz 500mV out)
- Input overload
- MC
- 1mV/10mV/100mV (20Hz/1kHz/20kHz)
- MM
- 16mV/147mV/1.4V (20Hz/1kHz/20kHz)
- Gain – Tape out
- MC in
- 59.8dB1 (ref. 1kHz, 10 kilohm load)
- MM in
- 36.5dB (ref. 1kHz, 10 kilohm load)
- THD (CCIF IMD, DIM 100)
- 0.009% (ref. 20Hz – 20kHz, 5Vrms Tape out)
- Signal/Noise ratio, IHF A-weighted
- MC
- 78dB2 (ref. 0.5mV)
- MM
- 86dB3 (ref. 0.5mV)
- RIAA response accuracy
- ± 0.5dB (ref. 20Hz – 50Hz)
- ± 0.3dB (ref. 50Hz – 20kHz)
- Infrasonic filter
- 10Hz (at -3dB)
- 5Hz (at -14dB)
- Channel Separation
- >60dB (ref 1kHz/10kHz)
- >60dB (ref. 1kHz/10kHz)
Physical Specs
Dimensions (W x H x D)
- Net
- 435 x 80 x 286mm
- 17 1/8 x 3 x 11 1/4”
- Gross*
- 435 x 99 x 315mm
- 17 1/8 x 3 15/16 x 12 1/2”
- Net weight
- 13.23lb (6kg)
- Shipping weight
- 17.1lb (7.8kg)
*Gross dimensions include feet, extended buttons and rear panel terminals.
