NAD CI S2 – Dual Zone Network Streamer

NAD CI S2 – 2 Zone BluOS Network Music Player

The NAD CI S2 BluOS Streaming Module is designed to bring reliable, high-resolution music streaming into professional custom installation systems with efficiency and control. Built on the BluOS multi-room platform, CI S2 provides access to leading streaming services, internet radio, and local music libraries, all delivered with stable network performance and intuitive control. Providing Hi Res audio for 2 zones, the CI S2 integrates seamlessly into distributed audio systems. Compact, flexible, and purpose-built for integrators, the CI S2 delivers modern streaming functionality with the sound quality and reliability expected from NAD Custom Install.

• 2 Zone Streamer 
• BluOS native streaming platform
• ESS Sabre 9039Q2M DAC
• Up to 24-bit/192 kHz native sampling
• AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect
• Ethernet networking for stable, wired performance

Highlights & Key Technologies

BluOS Streaming for AV Integration
At the core of the CI S2 is BluOS, NAD's advanced streaming platform developed for reliable, high-performance multi-room audio. BluOS supports high-resolution playback and provides access to a wide range of streaming services, internet radio stations, and networked music libraries. Designed for responsive control and long-term stability, BluOS allows installers to deliver a consistent user experience across single zones or larger distributed audio systems. The BluOS App is available for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, allowing management of all BluOS-enabled products on the same network with quick and easy single-search discovery across streaming services, internet radio stations, networked music collections, and favorites.

Two-Zone Streaming with Flexible System Design
The CI S2 is designed as a two-zone streaming solution, allowing installers to deliver independent audio streams from a single compact component. Each zone can be assigned its own content, volume, and output path, making the CI S2 ideal for distributed audio systems that require greater flexibility without added hardware. Output 1 (Main) corresponds to BluOS Zone 1, and Output 2 corresponds to BluOS Zone 2; the CI S2 can also be configured for single zone operation by deactivating Zone 2 via the web control panel. Optical Input, Coaxial Input, and Analog Input can each be assigned to either Zone 1 or Zone 2, with auto sense supported only in Zone 1. With analogue and digital connectivity supporting a wide range of amplifiers and system topologies, the CI S2 enables efficient zone expansion while keeping system design streamlined and easy to manage.

Compact Form Factor for Custom Installation
The CI S2 features a compact 1U, 1/3-rack-width enclosure, allowing for 6 stereo zones in a 1U rack space. The CI S2 can be combined with other NAD CI Modular Series devices and mounted in the rack using ChassisLink for simple tool free mounting. This space-efficient design supports clean rack layouts and simplifies installation in projects where space and access are limited.

Subwoofer Output and PULSE SUB+ Compatibility
A dedicated SUBW OUT connects to the low-level input of a powered subwoofer, sending a full range output signal to the connected subwoofer. SUBWOOFER OUT is available only for OUTPUT 1 (Main). Alternatively, both Zones (OUTPUT 1 and OUTPUT 2) can be paired wirelessly to a compatible Bluesound PULSE SUB+ network subwoofer.

Flexible Power Options — PoE or DC
The CI S2 can be powered using either the supplied 12V Switch Mode Power Supply or via Power over Ethernet (PoE). Standard PoE is sufficient given the unit's low power draw. If both PoE and 12V DC power supply are connected simultaneously, the CI S2 will automatically use the 12V DC power supply as it has priority over PoE.

Trigger and IR Integration
A configurable +12V Trigger Input is provided for Professional Integrators, with BluOS functions assignable based on changes in trigger voltage status; configuration is available exclusively through the BluOS Configuration Utility application (access via Support@BluOS.net). A +12V Trigger Output provides 12V when the CI S2 is powered ON and 0V when in standby mode. The IR IN port (IR receiver kit not supplied) supports use with a BluOS IR remote or a third-party IR remote configured through the IR Learning menu in the BluOS app.

Control System and Voice Integrations
The CI S2 includes support and custom drivers for leading control and automation systems including Crestron, Control4, RTI, Nice, URC, Lutron, Gira, Rako, Rithum, Free@Home, and Josh.AI. Voice control is provided via Amazon Alexa Skills.

Local Storage and Network File Sharing
A USB Type A port accepts FAT32 or NTFS-formatted USB mass storage drives for external storage in Local Server Mode; the BluOS App displays a Player Notification when a USB device is inserted or removed, and content appears as USB under Music Services. Server Message Block (SMB) network file sharing is supported, with up to 200,000 files indexable.

Network Standby and Deep Standby Modes
With network connection, the CI S2 automatically switches to Network Standby mode after 15 minutes of no user interaction or active source input, maintaining network connection at reduced system performance with the POWER LED remaining lit blue. Deep Standby Mode completely powers off the unit with no network or activity, making it inaccessible via the network or the BluOS App; pressing and holding the POWER button until the LED turns off enters Deep Standby, while a single press wakes the unit back to operating mode.

Details & Specifications

AUDIO
Supported Audio File Formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, OPUS
Supported High-Quality Audio File Formats: FLAC, MQA, ALAC, WAV, AIFF, MPEG-4 SLS
Supported Multi-Channel Audio Formats: Dolby Digital® Downmixing to stereo PCM
Native Sampling Rates: up to 192 KHz
Bit Depth: 16-24
DAC: ESS Sabre 9039Q2M
Audio Controls & EQ: BluOS Control App
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -118dBA
Distortion: THD+N, 0.0007%

SOFTWARE & INTEGRATIONS
Operating System: BluOS
App Controller Operating System: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Processor: ARM® Cortex™-A53, Quad-Core, 1.8GHz per core
Supported Network File Sharing: Server Message Block (SMB) up to 200,000 files
Album Art Supported: JPG, PNG
Music Services & Internet Radio: 23+
3rd-Party Integrations: AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect
Room Correction Software: No
Control System Integrations: Crestron, Control4, RTI, Nice, URC, Lutron, Gira, Rako, Rithum, Free@Home, Josh.AI
Voice Control Integrations: Amazon Alexa Skills

CONNECTIONS
Power Supply: 12v, 1.25a DC Universal Power Supply
PoE: Yes (PoE can be used instead of supplied DC PSU)
Ethernet/LAN: Ethernet RJ45, Gigabit 1000Mbps
Wi-Fi Built In: No
Bluetooth: No
IR Optical Built In: No
IR Input: 2-pin PHX connector (IR extender kit required)
Inputs: Toslink Optical, Digital Coax, Stereo RCA
HDMI Input: No
USB In: Type A (Fat32, NTFS Formatted) - External Storage Only Local Server Mode
Dual RCA Outputs: Yes
Main Zone/Sub Zone Capability: Yes (independent volume control over Speaker Output 2 when activated)
Subwoofer Output: RCA x 1; Wireless to PULSE SUB+ (Linked to Output 1 / Main Zone only)
Headphone Output: None
12v Trigger Input: x1 Programmable Trigger Input
12v Trigger Output: Yes (PHX connector)

USER INTERFACE & CONTROL
Status Indicator: BluOS Status LED
Source Status Indicator: No
Output Status Indicator: No

POWER LED STATUS INDICATORS
Solid red, flashing green: Powering up, rebooting
Flashing green: No network connection
Blue: Connected to Network — ready to use with BluOS App
Red: Upgrade Mode
Alternate flashing red and green: Upgrading
White: Indexing
No light: Deep standby mode

PERFORMANCE — OPT IN, OUTPUT
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.0008 % at 4 Vout
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >120 dB (1 kHz)
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, no subwoofer (±0.5 dB)
Output Impedance: 360 ohms
Maximum output voltage: >4 V (ref. digital source)
Crosstalk: <130 dB at 1 kHz

PERFORMANCE — COAX IN, OUTPUT
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.0008 % at 4 Vout
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >120 dB (1 kHz)
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, no subwoofer (±0.5 dB)
Output Impedance: 360 ohms
Maximum output voltage: >4 V (ref. digital source)
Crosstalk: <130 dB at 1 kHz

PERFORMANCE — ANALOG IN, OUTPUT
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.008 % at 3.5 Vout
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100 dB (1 kHz)
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, no subwoofer (±0.5 dB)
Input impedance: 28 kohms
Output Impedance: 360 ohms
Maximum input signal: <2 Vrms (0.008% THD)
Maximum output voltage: >3.5 V (ref. analog source)
Crosstalk: <110 dB at 1 kHz

PERFORMANCE — OPT IN, SUBWOOFER OUT
THD (50 Hz): <0.008 % at 4.5 Vout
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100 dB (1 kHz)
Output Impedance: 600 ohms
Maximum output voltage: >4.5 V (ref. digital source)

PERFORMANCE — COAX IN, SUBWOOFER OUT
THD (50 Hz): <0.008 % at 4.5 Vout
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100 dB (1 kHz)
Output Impedance: 600 ohms
Maximum output voltage: >4.5 V (ref. digital source)

PERFORMANCE — ANALOG IN, SUBWOOFER OUT
THD (50 Hz): <0.01 % at 4.5 Vout
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >100 dB (1 kHz)
Input impedance: 28 kohms
Output impedance: 600 ohms
Maximum input signal: 2.0 Vrms (0.008 % THD)
Maximum output voltage: >4.5 V (ref. analog source)

GENERAL
Finish: Black
Max Power Consumption: 15W (per product page); average power consumption approximately 5W (per Owner's Manual)
Storage Environment: -10°C to 50°C, 20% to 80% relative humidity
Operating Environment: 0°C to 40°C
Generation: 1

DIMENSION AND WEIGHT
Gross dimensions (W x H x D): 230 x 150 x 370 mm (9 1/8 x 6 x 14 5/8 inches)
Net weight: 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs)
Shipping weight: 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs)

WHAT'S IN THE BOX
Switch mode power supply
1 piece of 2-position terminal block (for TRIGGER OUT)
1 piece of 4-position terminal block (for TRIGGER IN/IR IN)
4 pieces of rubber feet
2 pieces of rack ears (long)
2 pieces of rack ears (short)
2 pieces of screws (for surface mounting of short rack ears)
Important Safety Instruction sheet
Quick Setup Guide