Audio Features
Video Features
Convenience Features
Remote Controls
Add-On Devices
Audio Features
Surround Sound Preamp Processor: The NAD M15 HD2 AV Surround
Sound Preamplifier is the perfect companion for any high performance
multi-channel power amplifier. You'll find support for all the latest video
format (including 1080p and 3D video) and surround sound formats (including
Dolby Digital TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS-HD). The M15 HD2 also includes NAD's proprietary Modular Design Construction (MDC) for the added convenience
and flexibility of future upgrades.
MDC: NAD's answer to future technological developments is
Modular Design Construction. MDC places all the input circuitry on removable
plug-in cards; your investment is protected because a single card, rather than
the entire preamp, can be replaced when a new format is introduced.
24-Bit/192kHz ADC + DAC: With full 24-bit 192kHz analog-to-digital and
digital-to-analog conversion, the NAD M15 HD2 will make the most of your best
available source material. Analog audio inputs are converted to digital signal
by making use of M15 HD's superb circuitry called analog-to-digital converter
(ADC). NAD has employed multiple 2-channel DACs in a dual
differential mode, a configuration that yields superb sonic results. NAD also
tailored the circuit design to deliver a high level of technical precision and
audio performance.
Note: The sampling rate of the resulting digital audio signal
(available at the digital output ports) can be converted into three levels;
48kHz, 96kHz, and 192kHz.
Listening Modes: The M15 HD2 offers decoding for all the
latest surround formats including Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital
Plus, DTS, and DTS-HD Master Audio; as well as Dolby Pro Logic surround
processing.
- Dolby Digital:
Dolby Digital,
Dolby, Digital EX,
Dolby Digital Plus,
Dolby TrueHD
- DTS:
DTS,
DTS-ES,
DTS-HD Master Audio,
DTS-HD High Resolution,
DTS Express,
DTS 96/24,
DTS Neo: 6
- Dolby Pro Logic:
Dolby Pro Logic II,
Dolby Pro Logic IIx
Note: Dolby Digital and DTS listening modes can only be
selected if your audio source is connected to the A/V surround sound
processor via a digital audio connection (HDMI, optical, or coaxial). To
enjoy true 7.1ch Dolby Digital TrueHD and DTS-HD surround sound, the
surround sound processor must be connected to your Blu-ray player via HDMI.
Listening Mode Parameters: The M15 HD2 provides the
following Listening Mode Parameter adjustments for Dolby Pro Logic IIx and DTS
NEO:6.
- Center Width (DPL IIx): Modifies the
"hard-centeredness" of the center image, by gradually mixing mono center
content to the Front left/right speakers as well. A setting of 0 retains the
center-channel-only default while a setting of 7 yields a fully phantom
center channel.
- Dimension (DPL IIx): Adjusts front-rear emphasis of the
surround effect independently from the relative channel levels.
- Panorama (DPL IIx): Adds a "wraparound" effect by
extending some stereo content into the surround channels.
- Center Gain (DTS NEO:6): Adjust for better center image
in relation to the surround sound channels.
EARS: Two-channel recordings, whether stereo or
surround-encoded, are reproduced with proprietary NAD surround processing with
signals output to the front left/right, center and discrete left/right surround
channels, plus subwoofer. EARS extracts the natural ambience present in nearly
all well-produced stereo recordings. It does not synthesize any ambience or
other sonic elements and thus remains truer to the sound of the original musical
performance than most other music-surround options. EARS offers realistic,
stable "front-stage" sonic imaging and spacious but unexaggerated ambient
"virtual acoustics" that remain faithful to the original recording. Select EARS
for listening to stereo music recordings and broadcasts. EARS produces a subtle
but highly natural and believable ambience from nearly all "natural-acoustic"
stereo recordings. Typically, these include classical, jazz, and folk genre.
Stereo Modes: The NAD M15 HD2 also provides two-channel
stereo and multi-channel stereo playback, as well as an analog bypass stereo
mode.
- Stereo: All output is directed to the front left/right
channels. Low frequencies are directed to the subwoofer if one is present in
the Speaker settings. Select 'Stereo' when you wish to listen to a stereo
(or monaural) production, such as music CD or FM broadcast, without surround
enhancement. Stereo recordings whether in PCM/digital or analog form and
whether surround-encoded or not encoded, are reproduced as recorded.
Multi-channel digital recordings (Dolby Digital and DTS) are reproduced in
"Stereo Downmix" mode via the front left/right channels.
- Enhanced Stereo: All recordings are reproduced in
stereo via the maximum speaker complement. Enhanced stereo can be useful for
maximum volume from all channels or for multi-speaker background music
(cocktail party) listening. For this mode, Front, Center, Surround and Back
speakers can be turned ON/OFF as desired.
- Analog Bypass: All analog signals remain in the analog
domain without analog-to-digital conversions. At Analog Bypass, the DSP
circuitry is bypassed but full tone control functions remain. 'Bass
management' or Speaker settings are also not in effect as these are DSP
functions.
Direct Mode: Analog or digital sources are automatically
played in their native formats. All the source's audio channels are reproduced
directly. This mode recreates the original sound most faithfully, thereby
producing outstandingly high-quality audio.
Tone Controls: The M15 HD2 has three Tone Control levels;
Treble, Bass, Center Dialog. Bass and Treble controls only affect the low bass
and high treble leaving the critical midrange frequencies free of coloration.
The Center Dialog control boosts the 'presence' of the midrange region improving
intelligibility of speech. Tone Defeat gives one the choice of varying or
completely bypassing the tone control section of the M15 HD2.
Enhanced Bass: When the subwoofer is set to 'On' and your
front speakers set to 'Large', the option 'Enhanced Bass' becomes available.
Normally, with speakers set to 'Large' the subwoofer is not active. The Enhanced
Bass option allows full range operation of the speakers with the additional bass
contribution of the subwoofer. This feature is particularly useful when one
wants to experience maximum bass output. Please note that due to acoustic
cancellation effects, the bass response may be uneven when using this setting.
Gain Adjustment: Gain adjustment (+/-12dB) allows all
sources to play back at the same volume level so you don't need to adjust the
volume every time a new source is selected. It is generally preferable to reduce
the level of the loudest source rather than making louder the softer sources.
Dynamic Range Control: You can select the effective dynamic
range (subjective range from soft to loud) for playback of Dolby Digital
soundtracks. For fully cinematic effect, always select 100% (the default).
Settings of 75%, 50%, and 25% progressively reduce dynamic range, making soft
sounds comparatively louder while limiting the peak loudness of loud ones.
Audio Inputs/Outputs: The NAD M15 HD2 offers a variety of
analog and digital audio inputs/outputs.
- 7.2ch Preamp Outputs: The M15 HD2 features Front left, Front
right, Center, Surround left, Surround right, Surround Back left, Surround Back
right and two Subwoofer preamp outputs to connect the A/V surround sound pre-amplifier to external power
amplifiers. There is also a dedicated stereo output for Zone 2, and stereo
outputs that can be used for zones 3 and 4 (switched from Audio 3 and Audio 4
outputs in the Setup menu).
- 7.1 Channel Input: The M15 HD2 features a 7.1 Channel input
(Front left, Front right, Center, Surround left, Surround right, Surround Back
left, Surround Back right and Subwoofer) for connecting an outboard processor or
multi-channel analog source.
- Digital Inputs/Outputs: There are four coaxial digital
inputs and four optical digital inputs. The inputs accept digital audio signals
from a digital TV, Set top box, Blu-ray player, compact disc, DVD, LD, or other
digital source components; each can be assigned to a specific source using the
on-screen menu. There are also digital outputs, two coaxial and two optical. The
digital outputs can be connected to MD recorders, CD recorders, DAT decks, or
other similar components.
Video Features
Video Inputs/Outputs: The NAD M15 HD2 is fitted with six
HDMI inputs/two HDMI outputs, three component video inputs/one component video
output, four composite video inputs/one composite video output, and four S-video inputs/on
S-video output. All video inputs
are assignable.
- HDMI (ver. 1.4): This unit has six HDMI (v.1.4) inputs
and two HDMI (v.1.4) outputs. The inputs are assignable using the A/V surround sound pre-amplifier's
on-screen menu. The M15 HD2 will convert composite video, S-video, and
component video to HDMI. The two HDMI outputs are parallel so the same video
signal is output through both and can be used simultaneously. The HDMI
inputs/outputs can accept up to 1080p.
- Component: This unit has three component video inputs
and one component video monitor output. These inputs are also assignable using the
A/V surround sound pre-amplifier's on-screen menu. The component video inputs/outputs will accept up
to 1080i.
- Composite: There are four composite video inputs and
composite video monitor output; the inputs are assigned to specific sources using the
on-screen menu. The composite video inputs will accept up to 480i.
- S-Video Input: There are four S-video inputs and one
S-video monitor output; the inputs are assigned to specific sources using the on-screen
menu. The S-video inputs will accept up to 480i.
Analog to HDMI Video Conversion: The M15 HD2 utilizes an
NAD-engineered field-programmable gate array (FPGA) that is capable of enabling
the conversion of analog video (component, composite, S-video) to digital video
(HDMI). This allows a single cable connection to your TV for all sources while
maintaining the source's native resolution. Interlaced video is converted to
progressive scan over HDMI allowing complete compatibility with latest HD TVs
Note: The M15 HD2 does not offer video upscaling; all video
processing will be done via your connected television.
3D Ready: The NAD M15 HD2 supports 3D HDMI pass-through from
connected 3D-compatible Blu-ray, games and broadcast devices to 3D-compatible
HDTVs (all 3D components must be connected via HDMI 1.4). 3D provides a more
engaging audio and video consumer experience. Note that special eyewear may be
required for viewing 3D content.
Lip Sync Delay: Video signals may take longer to process
than audio signals, depending on the connected video equipment. The audio signal
can be delayed up to 120ms to synchronize with the video signal.
Audio Return Channel (ARC): If the connected TV has HDMI
version 1.4 and supports ARC, the audio signal can be transferred from the TV
(when its internal tuner is used) to the M15 HD2 through a single HDMI cable, so a
second cable isn't needed.
Convenience Features
Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD): The M15 HD2 features a
front-panel vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) which displays visual information
about the current settings like the active Source, volume level, listening mode,
audio format, iPod-related display information (optional) and other related
indicators.
OSD (On-Screen Display): In addition to the unit's
front-panel display, the M15 HD2 employs a simple, self-explanatory on-screen
display menus system which will appear on your connected television. The OSD can
be output through HDMI, component, composite, or S-video.
Multi-Zone: In addition to the main listening room, you can
also enjoy audio playback from a different source in other rooms of your home
using the M15 HD2's Multi-Zone function. The M15 HD2 has three configurable
Zones; Zone 2, Zone 3, and Zone 4. The M15 HD's Zone 2, Zone 3, and Zone 4
outputs allow independent selection and control of outputs to other rooms. Each
Zone consists of stereo RCA line-level output to connect an external A/V
surround sound pre-amplifier or integrated amp in other rooms of your home,
allowing you to listen to 7.2ch surround in the Main Zone and 2ch stereo
of a different audio sources in other rooms of your home (the Audio 3 and
Audio 4 outputs can be set to Zone 3 and Zone 4 in the Setup menu). Zone 2 also
features a dedicated composite video output for a different video source in
another room of your home.
- Compatible Zone Sources: Only analog audio sources
can be sent to Zone 2, 3, and 4. Analog video sources can also be sent to Zone
2.
- Incompatible Zone Sources: HDMI, optical, and coaxial
digital audio cannot be passed through Zone 2, 3, or 4.
Source Configuration: The M15 HD2 is equipped with ten
configurable Sources. A particular Source can be enabled or disabled, renamed,
assigned analog and digital audio sources, video sources, A/V Presets, Trigger
settings, among other settings.
A/V Preset: The M15 HD2's 'A/V Presets' allow you to customize
your audio-video playback, and recall them with a single key-press. The
parameters 'Listening Mode', 'DSP Options' and 'Tone Controls', together with
'Speaker Setup' and 'Display Setup' are stored together as a single A/V Preset.
You may create one A/V Preset optimized for pop music and another for classical.
One more A/V Preset can be set up to recall each family member's favorite
setting or one for fully cinematic home-theater playback, and yet another one
for late-night movies; with each A/V Preset fine-tuned to a particular scenario
or preference.
Sleep Mode: The Sleep Mode timer will switch the M15 HD2 to
Standby mode automatically after a preset number of minutes (15-90 min.).
Smart Power: By using separate analog and digital power supplies, the
M15 HD22 can provide maximum audio performance. A high power switch mode for the
digital and video section, and linear power supply for the ultra high-speed
audio processing, provides the required high current and stable voltages to
maintain audio precision. Analog and Digital sections are kept completely
separate for maximum sonic performance. Standby power consumption is also
ultra-low at <0.5W.
Remote Controls
Main Remote: The HTRM remote controls the M15 HD2 and is
pre-coded with controls for other NAD components. It will also learn commands
from other remotes, controlling up to eight components. The HTRM's buttons are
backlit, but an ambient light sensor keeps the light from engaging when you
don't need it. The light sensor and lighting duration are both adjustable. Up to
52 macro commands can be programmed using the function keys. A mini USB Type B
port on the remote (cable not included) allows you to upload and download the
remote configuration through a Windows PC using NAD's Proprietary HTRM programming
software (availible on NAD's web site).
Multi-Room Remote: The included ZR 5 is a discrete compact
remote for controlling the Zone 2 features of the M15 HD2 (not zones 3 or 4), it
allows full control of the Zone 2 source selection and other applicable
features. The ZR 5 will work from a different room using an IR sensor and hub or
the IR sensor of a compatible NAD component in the second zone (either must be
wired back to the location of the M15 HD2).
HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronic Control): Consumer Electronics
Control (CEC) is a set of commands that utilizes HDMI's two-way communication to
allow for single remote control of any CEC-enabled devices connected with HDMI.
A CEC command will trigger the necessary commands over HDMI for an entire system
to auto-configure itself to respond to the command.
- Power: The M15 HD2 will automatically go to standby mode
if it receives a CEC standby command. On the other hand, if the M15 HD2
receives a CEC power up command, the M15 HD2 will correspondingly switch ON
from standby mode.
- Source Switch: The M15 HD2 will automatically switch
sources if another CEC device requests a Source change. For example, if Play
is pressed on a BD Player with CEC, the M15 HD2 and TV with CEC will
automatically switch to their respective input connections; the M15 HD2
switching to the HDMI input where the BD Player is connected while the TV
will switch to its input where the M15 HD2's HDMI Monitor Out is connected.
- Audio System: The M15 HD2 will broadcast a CEC message
indicating it is an active audio system. A CEC compatible TV will usually
mute its audio output when this happens. When this option is enabled, the
M15 HD2 will also respond to CEC volume and mute commands. For example, a CEC TV
may forward the volume commands from its remote to the M15 HD2.
Remote Connections: The NAD M15 HD2 is fitted with the
following custom remote inputs/outputs.
- DC Trigger: There are four 3.5mm +12 volt trigger jacks, one
input and three assignable outputs. The input allows the M15 HD2 to be turned on
by an external component; the outputs allow the M15 HD2 to turn on other
components. Each output is individually programmable and can engage when the
A/V surround sound pre-amplifier is turned on, when a specific secondary zone is turned on, when any
secondary zone is turned on, or when a specific source is used. The outputs can
also be delayed up to 15 seconds.
- IR Input/Outputs: There is an IR input (3.5mm), used to
control this unit using an optional infrared repeater or the IR output of
another component. There are also three IR output (3.5mm) used to control
another compatible component.
- RS-232 Port: The rear-panel RS-232 port allows connection to
a compatible PC or external whole-house control system from companies such as
AMX or Crestron. NAD is a certified partner of AMX and Crestron and fully
supports these external devices.
Ethernet (LAN) Port: The M15 HD is fitted with a Ethernet Port (RJ-45) to
connect to your home network for IP control. With your PC and the M15 HD on the
same network, it allows remote control of the M15 HD via compatible external
controllers.
Un-Switched AC: The maximum output on the 2-prong
un-switched AC outlet on the rear panel is 120 watts/1 amp.
Add-On Devices
iPod: The optional IPD 2 iPod dock (item number
745IPD2, sold separately) plugs into the MP Dock jack, S-Video 3, and Audio
5 (default iPod inputs) on the rear panel and allows audio, video, and pictures
stored on your iPod to be played directly on your home Theater. The IPD 2 also
charges your iPod's battery. The IPD 2 is "Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and
provides the following audio/video playback, control, display, and charging
options for select iPods and iPhones (as of 7/17/2012).
|
iPod/iPhone Model |
Generation |
Tested Version |
Media Type |
Control Type |
Display Type |
Charge |
|
Audio |
Video Out |
Remote |
iPod/iPhone |
Song/Artist Text |
Track Info |
| dock
connector |
3rd |
n/a |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
N |
clickwheel
color |
4th |
3.1.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| mini
|
1st |
1.4.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 2nd |
1.4.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| video
|
5th |
1.3 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
classic |
80GB |
1.1.2 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 120GB |
2.0.1 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
| 160GB |
2.0.4 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPod nano |
1st |
1.3.1 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
1.1.3 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
1.0.4 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
5th |
1.0.2 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
6th |
1.1PC |
Y |
N |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPod touch |
1st |
2.2.1 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
2nd |
4.2.1 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3rd |
5.0.1 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4th |
5.1.1 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
iPhone |
2G |
3.1.3 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3G |
4.2.1 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
3GS |
4.3.5 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4 |
5.1.1 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
|
4S |
5.1.1 |
Y |
S-video |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Y |
Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may change
functionality results. If you download a newer software version, you may
need to reset the device and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If
this doesn't work, you may need to
wait until an newer software update is available.
