NAD MDC AM 17 Dolby Atmos/DTS-X/Dirac Live Full Audio Module
Best upgrade for home theater enthusiasts seeking immersive surround sound.
Elevate your home theater with the NAD AM 17 Audio Module, a sophisticated upgrade for the NAD M17 Processor. Designed with NAD's Modular Design Construction (MDC), this module ensures your system stays current with cutting-edge audio technology. Experience the breathtaking immersion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and enjoy pristine sound thanks to advanced Dirac Live room correction. The AM 17 optimizes acoustics for unparalleled clarity and imaging, utilizing high-fidelity 24/192 DACs for exceptional digital audio performance.
$849.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
38
/ 142
#38 in Audio & Video Receiver Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+337%
Above average
Who it's for
- Budget-conscious owners looking to modernize existing high-end hardware
- Audiophiles seeking perfect acoustic calibration for their specific room
- Home theater fans wanting modern 3D object-based surround sound
Who should skip it
- Shoppers comparing the value against complete standalone receiver units
- Users uncomfortable with internal hardware installation and firmware updates
- Owners of older receivers with outdated HDMI or channel limitations
Performance breakdown
Immersive Audio Fidelity
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing deliver a truly cinematic soundstage.
Room Correction Precision
Dirac Live integration effectively eliminates acoustic anomalies in any listening space.
Future-Proof Architecture
Modular design allows for seamless hardware upgrades without replacing the processor.
Digital Audio Clarity
High-fidelity 24/192 DACs ensure exceptional transparency for all digital sources.
System Expandability
Supports complex 7.1.4 configurations for a complete surround sound experience.
Connectivity Versatility
Balanced Mini-XLR outputs provide clean, interference-free signal routing for high-end setups.
Key Specs
Supports up to 7.1.4 Atmos speaker configuration
4 channels of line level outputs (Mini-XLR Balanced)
2 x Optical Input
2 x Coax Input
Features Dirac Live™ room correction
Audiophile-quality 24/192 DACs
Connector Types
Coaxial, Optical Audio
Number of Ports
4
Features
- Enables immersive Dolby Atmos audio
- Integrates advanced Dirac Live room correction
- MDC architecture for future upgrades
- Supports up to 7.1.4 Atmos speaker setup
- High-resolution 24/192 DACs
- Supports DTS:X and DTS TrueHD formats
What customers say
This audio module earns overwhelmingly positive feedback for its transformative upgrade capability within existing NAD systems. Users celebrate the Modular Design Construction approach, allowing integration of cutting-edge Dolby Atmos and DTS-X for truly immersive, three-dimensional sound. The standout feature is Dirac Live room correction. Reviewers consistently call Dirac a game changer, significantly improving clarity and tonal balance by expertly compensating for room acoustics. While initial setup requires careful calibration, the resulting professional grade audio optimization is profoundly rewarding. This module successfully future proofs investments, elevating excellent NAD components to an elite level. For dedicated audiophiles, the premium price is viewed as excellent value compared to a full system replacement.
Know before you buy
The AM 17 module is designed exclusively as an upgrade for the NAD M17 Surround Sound Processor. It utilizes NAD's Modular Design Construction (MDC) to allow for easy installation into the M17 chassis.
Yes, the AM 17 supports up to a 7.1.4 speaker setup, providing the necessary processing for a complete immersive home theater experience.
Dirac Live analyzes your room's acoustics and your speakers' performance to automatically calibrate the sound. This process helps eliminate unwanted resonances and improves imaging, resulting in clearer, more balanced audio.
The module features two optical inputs and two coaxial inputs for your digital sources. Additionally, it includes four channels of line-level outputs via Mini-XLR balanced connectors.
Yes, the AM 17 is equipped with audiophile-grade 24-bit/192kHz DACs, ensuring high-fidelity digital-to-analog conversion for your high-resolution audio sources.
Yes, the module supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, as well as DTS TrueHD formats, ensuring compatibility with the most common immersive audio standards.
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