NAD Electronics has introduced the NAD C 725BEE Stereo Receiver, which delivers the performance of "separate" (power amp and preamp) with the convenience of an all-in-one receiver.

Most receivers today are digital surround sound A/V models, appropriate for Home Theater use but, with rare exceptions, unable to match the performance of a good stereo amplifier when it comes to driving stereo speakers.

The C 725BEE, however, uses an analog design by NAD Director of Advanced Development Bjorn Erik Edvardsen (BEE) that delivers the performance of separate high-end components with the convenience of a receiver at a far more affordable price than separate components typically cost.

In addition to a true BEE design, the C 725BEE also employs several of Edvardsen's other developments including PowerDrive(TM), the patented Distortion Canceling Circuit, the BEE Clamp, and a new, more highly refined circuit layout. NAD's proprietary PowerDrive delivers maximum performance, independent of connected speakers, under virtually all circumstances by automatically adjusting power supply settings to best cope with a loudspeaker's impedance characteristics.

Based on the same type of high-current toroidal transformer used in NAD's high-end separate components, the C 725BEE provides 50 watts of continuous power, and ultra-low distortion. More important, the C 725BEE can provide as much as 200 watts, depending on the loudspeaker being driven, for short dynamic passages. If still more power is asked for, NAD's exclusive Soft Clipping circuit prevents the harsh grating sound of hard clipping distortion.

Music with the C 725BEE exhibits an effortless, unforced quality. The smallest details in recordings now emerge with the timbre of each instrument and the rhythm of full ensembles clearly revealed. It's a level of refinement that makes music come to life, as if on a big three-dimensional sound stage in which each instrument is defined with a clarity that banishes 'listener fatigue.'

The C 725BEE's highly sensitive AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets performs as well or better than any FM broadcast, ensuring the best possible sound quality for FM stations. The amplifier also supports RDS for FM, providing text information about stations and songs.

Input switching aboard the C 725BEE is accomplished using sealed reed relays, more costly than the usual CMOS-type switches lesser receivers use. The relays' very low resistance keeps noise at the lowest possible levels. Precision audiograde capacitors in all critical circuit locations further enhance performance and reliability.

The C 725BEE boasts seven high-level inputs on the rear panel, a front-panel mini-jack for quickly connecting a portable music player, an IR remote commander, connections for a second set of speakers, and an informative two-line vacuum fluorescent display. Audiophile features include multi-way speaker binding posts, gold-plated input sockets, an output for adding a powered subwoofer, and a special rear-panel socket for NAD's optional DB 1 DAB module which adds DAB reception for areas supporting DAB broadcasts.

A line level Zone 2 output with independent source selection lets users add an amplifier in another location and listen to all audio sources connected to the C 725BEE. A separate remote commander is included for controlling the C 725BEE from a remote location using independent IR codes. IR input and output jacks on the rear panel make it easy to attach any of the many IR repeaters now available. The C 725BEE also sports an RS-232 port and is compatible with Crestron, AMX and Savant system controllers. A 12V trigger input and output add still more flexibility and compatibility for custom installations.

In keeping with emerging Green Market trends, the C 725BEE is manufactured without the heavy metals that have been identified as environmentally harmful. In addition, power consumption during standby mode is less than 1 watt, and NAD's PowerDrive technology improves amplifier efficiency during playback. The C 725BEE Stereo Receiver is available now for a suggested price of $799 (U.S. MSRP).