NAD Electronics has announced the four-channel NAD C245BEE power amplifier, which offers multi-zone capability, the ability to bi-amp stereo speakers and a way to add additional surround channels to a home cinema set-up.

When used with NAD’s C165BEE preamplifier, it’s capable of driving “virtually any loudspeaker”, says NAD, as well as offering the option to bi-amplify. When it’s connected to the zone output of an NAD AV receiver, it can also send different music programs to remote speakers.

The C245BEE is rated at 35 watts per channel into 4 or 8 ohms, with all channels driven simultaneously. It can also handle 55W, 85W and 100W dynamic power into 8, 4 and 2 ohms, respectively; and 2 x 90W minimum continuous power into 8 ohms in bridge mode.

NAD also promises vanishingly low distortion and a “near absence” of noise while the power supply features a custom-built toroidal transformer that maintains very low impedance for extremely low noise.

There are three options for powering up: a front panel switch, a 12V trigger control and a signal-sensing ‘auto’ turn on. In standby mode, it draws less than one watt of power while a ‘vacation’ switch completely disconnects the power.

Each input has a ‘loop out’ feature allowing several C245BEEs to share the same signal, which can come in handy for elaborate custom installations. Pairs of channels can be switched on and off with speaker A and B switches on the front panel. Other refinements include a short signal path from input to output, gold-plated sockets, multi-way binding post speaker outputs, and a detachable IEC power cable.

The NAD C245BEE is available now from authorised NAD dealers for £500.