NAD CI 16-60 DSP V2 – 16 Channel Custom Install Amplifier

NAD CI 16-60 DSP V2 – Multi-Channel Network Power Amplifier

The NAD CI 16-60 V2 Multi-Channel Amplifier is designed specifically for modern custom installation systems. Delivering sixteen channels of clean, efficient power, the CI 16-60 V2 is a perfect match for the NAD CI580v2 Four Zone Network Music Player, making a high quality but extremely cost effective combination for distributed audio systems where reliability and consistency are critical. NAD's HybridDigital™ amplification ensures stable performance with reduced heat and energy consumption, making it well suited for continuous operation. With simple set up via the web UI, flexible channel configuration, and dependable sound quality, the CI 16-60 V2 provides a robust amplification platform for scalable whole-home and commercial audio systems.

• 16 channels of HybridDigital amplification
• 60W per channel into 8 ohms; 65W per channel into 4 ohms (all channels driven)
• Bridgeable channel pairs: 140W into 8 ohms (all channels driven)
• Onboard DSP with Parametric EQ, Peak Limiter and RMS Limiter
• Eight configurable Zones (A–H) with Global Interrupt
• 16 RCA line inputs plus Global Input/Global Output loop-through
• Network control via web-based User Interface (Ethernet)
• +12V Trigger, IR IN/OUT, Signal Sense, and Always On power modes
• 2U rack-mount chassis
• 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±1 dB) Frequency Response

Highlights & Key Technologies

High-Density Amplification for Multi-Zone Systems
The CI 16-60 V2 delivers sixteen channels of amplification from a 2U rack-mount chassis, allowing installers to power multiple zones efficiently. It provides a clean, centralized solution for multi-zone amplification from minimal rack space.

Refined HybridDigital Performance
At the core of the CI 16-60 V2 is NAD's HybridDigital amplification, chosen for its balance of efficiency, stability, and sound quality. By minimizing noise and distortion, the amplifier delivers consistent performance into 8 or 4 ohm speaker loads, maintaining clear and dynamic sound whether listening to low level background music or louder levels when entertaining.

Flexible Channel Configuration
Bridgeable channel pairs allow the CI 16-60 V2 to adapt to varying power requirements within the same installation. Installers can allocate additional output to zones that need more headroom while maintaining standard power delivery elsewhere. Auto-Pairing simplifies stereo system configuration by automatically assigning output channels in sequential pairs, while disabling Auto-Pairing allows for manual output assignment ideal for custom audio zones.

Full Disclosure Power
NAD has always provided real world power specification for amplifiers; this is referred to as FDP (Full Disclosure Power). It means the power rating refers to continuous power, with all channels driven simultaneously into an 8 ohm load, using a full frequency test tone and with THD at rated power. This is especially important when delivering high performance audio systems where meeting a client's expectations on performance and reliability are essential, allowing the integrator to specify an amplifier that will meet the demands of the system.

Integrated DSP for System Accuracy
The CI 16-60 DSP V2 incorporates onboard digital signal processing to help installers fine-tune performance to the loudspeakers and environment. DSP allows for precise adjustment to achieve balanced output and consistent tonal response across zones, while providing protection for the speakers with the use of Peak and RMS Limiters. Up to nine DSP Presets are available with HPF, five EQ bands, LPF, selectable filter slopes (6/12/18/24 dB per octave), Master Gain, Delay, Tilt Control, and Phase Control. Presets can be saved, exported, imported, and duplicated across channels.

Eight-Zone Architecture with Global Interrupt
The CI 16-60 DSP V2 is divided into eight Zones — Zone A through Zone H — each defaulting to a paired output and input assignment. Each Zone can be assigned from one up to four pairs of OUTPUT channels and renamed to suit the installation (for example, "Dining Room"). Global Interrupt can be toggled ON or OFF per Zone; when activated, the source connected to the GLOBAL INPUT terminals takes priority and overrides all other active line inputs within the selected zone(s), automatically reverting to the previous source once the Global Input signal stops. The GLOBAL OUTPUT is a line-level loop-through that remains available at standby as long as the Global Input source is active, allowing the same signal to be passed on to another amplifier. A Zone Sleep function automatically switches off the channels assigned to a Zone when not in use, with selectable durations of 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, or OFF.

Network Setup and Web-Based User Interface
The CI 16-60 DSP V2 is accessed, configured, and managed via a web-based User Interface, applicable to iOS/iPadOS and Android devices as well as Windows and macOS desktops. An Ethernet cable connects the LAN port to a wired network or router (DHCP must be supported by the router), and any network IP scanner identifies the unit by its Network ID — the product name followed by the last six digits of the MAC address (example: NAD CI 16-60 DSP V2_123456). The IP address is then entered into the control device's web browser to access the Dashboard, Setup, Input/Output, Zones, and DSP menus. An active internet connection is required for over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, with optional Manual Update available for authorized service technicians. Configuration files can be saved, loaded, and exported via Save Settings / Load Settings, and a detailed Installation Report can be generated. Password Protection is available to control access and prevent unauthorized modifications.

Power Modes and Eco Operation
Four Power Mode options are provided: Power Button (default), Always On, 12V Trigger, and Signal Sense. Eco Mode (factory default ON) reduces standby power consumption to less than 0.5W; with Power Mode set to Power Button or Signal Sense and Eco Mode ON, the unit automatically enters Eco Standby after 20 minutes of no active audio source input. Signal Sense wakes the unit from standby when an input signal of approximately 2 mV RMS is detected at any GLOBAL or LINE INPUT socket. The 12V Trigger requires the rear-panel 12V TRIGGER ON/OFF switch to be set to ON. Power Up Delay can be staggered from 0 to 20 seconds, useful when multiple devices share the same electrical circuit.

Speaker Connections, Bridge Mode and Wire Gauge Support
The supplied SPEAKERS terminal blocks support wire sizes up to 10 AWG. In Stereo Mode, each pair of speaker terminals (e.g., "1+/1-" and "2+/2-") connects to a corresponding external speaker. In Bridge Mode, a single external speaker is connected across the "1+" and "2+" terminals, with "1+" to the speaker's "+" and "2+" to the speaker's "-"; Bridge Mode is enabled per output pair via the OUTPUT section of the Input/Output menu. Recommended maximum speaker wire lengths range from 16 feet (18 AWG into 4 ohm) up to 200 feet (10 AWG into 8 ohm) per the wire gauge guidance.

IR Repeater Functionality
The supplied IR IN/OUT terminal block configures the CI 16-60 DSP V2 as an IR-repeater, allowing the device connected to the unit's IR IN to control or command another device linked to the unit's IR OUT.

LED Status Indicators and Cooling
A Power LED and sixteen Output Channel LED indicators communicate operating, standby, system reboot, overvoltage/undervoltage, AMP current error, and AMP DC error states. When there is audio at a particular output channel, the corresponding front panel Output Channel LED illuminates blue. An Amplifier Identification function flashes the Power LED (amber) and all Output Channel LEDs (blue) continuously, useful for identifying the unit when stacked in a rack alongside other devices. Two front-panel cooling fans operate independently based on the temperature of their respective channel banks (left and right): Low Speed activates at 50°C and turns off below 45°C, Medium Speed activates at 60°C and steps back to Low below 55°C, and High Speed activates at 70°C and returns to Medium below 65°C.

Home Theatre Configuration
For a standard 5.1 or 7.1 home theatre setup, the default configuration is recommended — Inputs 1–5 for a 5.1 system and Inputs 1–7 for a 7.1 system; due to auto-pairing, one channel will remain unused. To maximize available power in a 5.1 system, Line Inputs 1+2, 3+4, and 5+6 can be set to Sum (Mono) and Outputs 1+2, 3+4, and 5+6 set to Bridge Mode to drive the Left, Center, and Right (LCR) channels, delivering up to 135W per channel into 8 ohms; Inputs 7 and 8 with Outputs 7 and 8 then handle the surround channels.

Details & Specifications

GENERAL
Continuous output power into 8 ohms: 60 W (all channels driven, 1 kHz 0.05% THD)
Continuous output power into 4 ohms: 65 W (all channels driven, 1 kHz 0.05% THD)
Continuous output power into 8 ohms at Bridged mode: 140 W (all channels driven, 1 kHz 0.05% THD)
THD (1 W to 50 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms): 0.05% (20 Hz – 3 kHz)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 80 dB (A-weighted, 500 mV input, ref. 1 W out in 8 ohms)
Clipping power (all channels driven): 60 W (1 kHz, 8 ohms, 1% THD)
Clipping power into 8 ohms at Bridged mode: 150 W (1 kHz, 1% THD — all channels driven)
IHF Dynamic Power (all channels driven): 8 ohms: 65 W
IHF Dynamic Power (two channels driven): 8 ohms: 70 W
IHF Dynamic Power (Bridged mode, all channels driven): 8 ohms: 270 W
IHF Dynamic Power (two channels driven, Bridged): 8 ohms: 280 W
Peak output current: 15 A (1 ohm, 1 ms)
Damping factor: 110 (20 Hz to 1 kHz, 8 ohms)
Frequency response: ±1 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Channel separation: 60 dB (1 kHz)
Maximum undistorted input level: 2900 mV
Input sensitivity (for 50 W in 8 ohms, maximum volume): 760 mV
Input impedance: 20 kohms // 220 pF
Analog input audio sense threshold (one channel with signal): 3 ± 0.5 mVrms (ref. 100 Hz – 10 kHz)
Trigger IN level: 3 – 30 Vdc
Standby power: 0.5 W

POWER CONSUMPTION & HEAT OUTPUT (230V/50Hz)
Eco Mode Standby Power at 8 ohms: 0.43 W input; 1.47 BTU/hr
Network Standby Power at 8 ohms: 1.08 W input; 3.69 BTU/hr
Idle power at 8 ohms: 54.00 W input
Output power at 8 ohms, all channels driven — 1/8 rated power: 176.00 W input, 110.00 W to speaker, 225.20 BTU/hr
Output power at 8 ohms, all channels driven — 1/3 rated power: 376.00 W input, 293.00 W to speaker, 283.21 BTU/hr
Output power at 8 ohms, all channels driven — 1/2 rated power: 536.00 W input, 440.00 W to speaker, 327.57 BTU/hr
Output power at 8 ohms, all channels driven — Full rated power: 1042.00 W input, 880.00 W to speaker, 552.77 BTU/hr
Output power at 4 ohms, all channels driven — 1/8 rated power: 180.00 W input, 120.00 W to speaker, 204.73 BTU/hr
Output power at 4 ohms, all channels driven — 1/3 rated power: 380.00 W input, 320.00 W to speaker, 204.73 BTU/hr
Output power at 4 ohms, all channels driven — 1/2 rated power: 540.00 W input, 480.00 W to speaker, 204.73 BTU/hr
Output power at 4 ohms, all channels driven — Full rated power: 1030.00 W input, 960.00 W to speaker, 238.85 BTU/hr

POWER CONSUMPTION & HEAT OUTPUT (120V/60Hz)
Eco Mode Standby Power at 8 ohms: 0.42 W input; 1.43 BTU/hr
Network Standby Power at 8 ohms: 1.05 W input; 3.58 BTU/hr
Idle power at 8 ohms: 56.00 W input
Output power at 8 ohms, all channels driven — 1/8 rated power: 177.00 W input, 110.00 W to speaker, 228.61 BTU/hr
Output power at 8 ohms, all channels driven — 1/3 rated power: 383.00 W input, 293.00 W to speaker, 307.09 BTU/hr
Output power at 8 ohms, all channels driven — 1/2 rated power: 548.00 W input, 440.00 W to speaker, 368.51 BTU/hr
Output power at 8 ohms, all channels driven — Full rated power: 1089.00 W input, 880.00 W to speaker, 713.14 BTU/hr
Output power at 4 ohms, all channels driven — 1/8 rated power: 180.00 W input, 120.00 W to speaker, 204.73 BTU/hr
Output power at 4 ohms, all channels driven — 1/3 rated power: 385.00 W input, 320.00 W to speaker, 221.79 BTU/hr
Output power at 4 ohms, all channels driven — 1/2 rated power: 551.00 W input, 480.00 W to speaker, 242.26 BTU/hr
Output power at 4 ohms, all channels driven — Full rated power: 1075.00 W input, 960.00 W to speaker, 392.40 BTU/hr

DSP
DSP Presets: 9
Parametric EQ bands per preset: HPF, Band 1–5, LPF
Filter slopes: 6, 12, 18, 24 dB/octave
Master Gain range: ±12 dB
EQ Gain range: ±10 dB
Q range: 0.1 – 24
Input Gain range: ±6 dB at 0.5 dB increments
Output Gain range: ±6 dB at 0.5 dB increments
Gain Offset range: ±6 dB at 0.5 dB increments
Test signal: Internal pink noise generator or external signal source
Test signal volume range: ±12 dB

INPUTS & OUTPUTS
Line Inputs: 16 RCA
Global Input: RCA stereo
Global Output: RCA stereo (line-level loop-through)
Speaker Outputs: 16 channels via 4-position terminal blocks (supports up to 10 AWG)
Bridge Mode: Available per adjacent output channel pair
+12V Trigger In: 2-position terminal block; 3 – 30 Vdc
IR In/Out: 4-position terminal block (IR-repeater function)
Network: LAN (Ethernet, DHCP)

POWER
Power Modes: Power Button, Always On, 12V Trigger, Signal Sense
Eco Mode standby: < 0.5 W
Signal Sense threshold: approximately 2 mV RMS
Power Up Delay: 0 – 20 seconds
Auto-standby (Eco Mode ON): 20 minutes of no active source
Fuse: T15AL 250V

COOLING
Cooling fans: Two front-panel cooling fans, independently controlled per channel bank (left and right)
Low Speed: activates at 50°C; turns off below 45°C
Medium Speed: activates at 60°C; steps to Low below 55°C
High Speed: activates at 70°C; steps to Medium below 65°C

ENVIRONMENTAL
Operating temperature: 0 – 40 °C
Recommended ventilation clearance: 10 cm (Left, Right, Rear, and Top panels)

DIMENSION AND WEIGHT
Gross dimensions (W x H x D): 483 x 100 x 435 mm
Net Weight: 10.3 kg (22.7 lbs)
Shipping Weight: 12.8 kg (28.2 lbs)

WHAT'S IN THE BOX
Two detachable mains power cords (per Owner's Manual; Quick Setup Guide depicts one)
8 pieces of 4-position terminal block (for SPEAKERS)
1 piece of 2-position terminal block (for +12V TRIGGER IN)
1 piece of 4-position terminal block (for IR IN/OUT)
4 pieces of feet with mounting screws
Important Safety Instruction sheet
Quick Setup Guide