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What You Need to Know
What is the M17 V2i, and what does it do?
The NAD M17 V2i is a surround sound preamp/processor — sometimes called a pre/pro. It sits at the heart of a separates-based home theater system, handling everything that's not power amplification: source switching, surround decoding, room correction, bass management, video pass-through, and BluOS music streaming. To complete a system, you add a multi-channel power amplifier (NAD's M28 or M27 are the natural Masters Series matches) and speakers.
This is different from an AV receiver. AV receivers combine the processor and the amplifier in one chassis — convenient, but power-limited and harder to upgrade. A pre/pro keeps the two separate. You get more power and cleaner audio, and you can upgrade each piece independently. The M17 V2i is NAD's flagship surround processor and represents the brand's finest surround sound performance.
For music listening, the M17 V2i works as a high-end streamer and DAC in its own right. BluOS hi-res streaming is built in — connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet and the M17 V2i plays Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music HD, Spotify, internet radio, and 20+ other services through its balanced outputs.
One Chassis, Decades of Upgrades — The MDC Story
The M17 V2i illustrates NAD's most distinctive idea: separate the parts of an AV processor that age fast from the parts that don't. The chassis, power supplies, and balanced output stages stay constant. The video board (VM 310 module) and audio board (AM 17 module) live on swappable MDC cards. As HDMI standards, surround formats, and streaming protocols evolve, the M17 V2i evolves with them — without forcing a buyer to replace the whole processor. NAD calls it a defense against premature obsolescence. In practice, it's the design choice that lets the M17 V2i age gracefully.
Why does it matter? How does it improve your home theater?
A surround processor is the brain of the system. The audio detail that ends up at your speakers — dialog clarity, surround imaging, bass integration, room correction — is determined here, not at the amplifier. The M17 V2i applies four design choices that meaningfully outperform what an AV receiver can deliver:
Differential DACs for each channel. Each of the M17 V2i's 11 channels has its own dedicated differential DAC, isolated from the other channels. This is the kind of channel-by-channel commitment usually reserved for stereo high-end gear, scaled to surround. The result is cleaner separation between channels — dialog stays anchored in the center, surrounds stay placed where the mix put them.
Fully balanced outputs for all 11.1 channels. Balanced XLR outputs reject noise across long cable runs and feed balanced power amplifiers cleanly. Height channels use mini-XLR connectors. This matters most in custom-installed systems where the amps live in another room.
Separate linear and switching power supplies for analog and digital sections. NAD uses a linear supply for the analog audio path and a switching supply for the digital and video sections. Keeping them separate prevents digital noise from contaminating analog signal paths.
Dirac Live Full Frequency room correction. Dirac Live is one of the most respected room-correction systems in audio. The M17 V2i comes with the Full Frequency license already loaded — correcting timing and frequency response across the full audible band, not just the bass region. The included calibration microphone measures your room; the Dirac Live software uploads correction filters to the processor.
What's different about how it's built?
The M17 V2i's most distinctive design choice is its modular architecture. NAD's MDC (Modular Design Construction) splits the processor into two upgradeable boards: the AM 17 audio module (handles surround decoding, DACs, and the analog stages) and the VM 310 video module (handles HDMI video switching and processing). Both can be swapped by an authorized dealer as new technologies arrive — without replacing the chassis or the rest of the unit.
This is more than marketing language. The M17 V2i shipping today uses the same chassis NAD has used across the M17 V1 and V2 generations, with new audio and video MDC modules installed. When future video formats or surround codecs require new silicon, NAD can ship new modules rather than new processors.
HDMI handling is current-generation: five HDMI inputs with 4K UHD support, 4K at 60p with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, HDR (High Dynamic Range) video, HDCP 2.2 copy protection, and CEC/ARC for TV-remote control. Two HDMI outputs — one with HDCP 2.2 + CEC for the main display, one with HDCP 1.4 for a secondary display or projector.
Surround decoding handles every current major format: Dolby Atmos (object-based surround with height channels), DTS:X (DTS's object-based format), Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio (lossless surround), plus all legacy Dolby and DTS formats. The M17 V2i automatically detects the format on the incoming digital signal and switches to the most advanced decoding your speaker setup supports.
BluOS streaming is built in (BluOS 3.16 at last update), with MQA decoding and rendering for the highest-resolution streaming sources. AirPlay 2 integrates the M17 V2i into Apple ecosystem playback with Siri voice control.
Who is this best for?
You're building a serious home theater on the separates model — separate processor, separate multi-channel amplifier, separate speakers — and want flagship Masters Series quality at every link.
You want a true 7.1.4 or 5.1.6 Dolby Atmos / DTS:X setup with up to 11.1 balanced output channels.
You want Dirac Live Full Frequency — the most thorough version of one of the best room-correction systems available — included rather than upgradeable.
You want the same processor to handle high-end stereo music listening, with BluOS hi-res streaming and audiophile-grade DACs throughout.
You're integrating into a custom-installed smart home — the M17 V2i has Control4, Crestron, RS-232, multi-zone outputs, and discrete IR codes.
You want a processor designed to evolve as formats change — the MDC architecture lets your dealer swap the audio or video board for the next generation without buying a new processor.
How does it connect to your system?
For multi-channel power amplification: 11.1 balanced XLR outputs (mini-XLR for the height channels). Pair with one or more multi-channel power amplifiers — NAD's Masters Series M28 (seven channels) or M27 (seven channels) are the natural matches; stack two for 14 channels of amplification.
HDMI inputs: 5 × HDMI with 4K UHD, 4K at 60p / 4:4:4 chroma, HDR, HDCP 2.2, and CEC/ARC. HDMI outputs: 2 (one with HDCP 2.2 + CEC for the main display; one with HDCP 1.4 for a secondary display or projector).
Analog inputs: line-level RCA. Digital inputs: optical and coaxial S/PDIF for digital audio sources beyond HDMI.
Streaming and network: Wi-Fi (via included USB dongle) and Ethernet for BluOS. AirPlay 2 built in.
For zone outputs: digital inputs can be converted to analog for Zone 2, with independent source and volume selection. Unused tape outputs can be configured for Zone 3 and Zone 4 (with the BluOS app for music streaming to other rooms).
Control: IR repeaters, 12V triggers (for automatically switching connected power amplifiers on and off), and an RS-232 data port for Crestron, Control4, and other automation systems. The M17 V2i supports discrete On and Off codes plus direct input access for elaborate remote-control programming.
Need help configuring a home theater around the M17 V2i? Call us at 800-942-0220 — our team has been building separates-based systems for over 40 years.
Professional Reviews
Roger Kanno, SoundStage! Global
SoundStage! Global revisited NAD's Masters M17 platform with the V2i in a Roger Kanno review. After Dirac Live calibration with the M17 V2i, the reviewer described the sound — across both movies and music, with subwoofers, surround speakers, and MartinLogan main speakers — as spectacular in one word. SoundStage's verdict: the upgradeable M17 V2i is hard to beat as the centerpiece of both a high-end multichannel and stereo audio system.
Audio Science Review — V2 measurements
Audio Science Review's measurement-focused review of the M17 V2 (the V2i is the same chassis with newer audio and video MDC modules installed) examined the high-end 11.1-channel processor on the test bench. The publication's analysis put the M17 V2 in the context of competing pre/pros like the Marantz AV10, framing the M17 as a serious performer in the high-end surround processor category.
Verified Owner Review — published on Summit Hi-Fi
A six-month-in owner review on Summit Hi-Fi praised the M17 V2i for the improvement it brought over a previous Denon AV receiver. The owner singled out the channel separation enabled by the balanced XLR outputs, the depth of Dirac Live's customization options, and the ease of loading multiple Dirac profiles over Wi-Fi. The remote control got its own mention — described as a piece of art, mostly metal, and unusually heavy.
Pairs Well With
Building a home theater around the M17 V2i? Here are the components that complete the system.
- A multi-channel power amplifier — The M17 V2i is a processor only; you need amplification for all 11 channels. NAD's Masters Series M28 (seven channels) and M27 (seven channels) are the natural matches. Browse our multi-channel amplifiers.
- Front floorstanding speakers — The main left/right pair anchors music and movie audio. Browse our floorstanding speakers.
- A center channel speaker — Dialog comes from here; the center is the most-used speaker in any home theater. See our center channel speakers.
- Surround and rear speakers — For 5.1, 7.1, or full 11.1 layouts. See our surround and rear speakers.
- In-ceiling speakers for Atmos height channels — Dolby Atmos and DTS:X benefit most from dedicated height speakers. See our in-wall and ceiling speakers.
- One or more subwoofers — The 0.1 (or 0.2) channel handles deep bass. Browse our subwoofers.
- XLR interconnects for balanced connections — The M17 V2i's balanced outputs need balanced cables to reach the amplifier rack. See our XLR interconnects.
- Speaker cables for the amplifier-to-speaker run — Browse our speaker cables.
- A power conditioner — Clean AC at the wall protects the M17 V2i's low-noise performance. Browse our power conditioners.
Features & Specifications
11.1 Channels, Fully Balanced Output
The M17 V2i delivers 11.1 channels of fully balanced output — XLR connectors for the main channels and mini-XLR for the height channels. Balanced connections reject noise across long cable runs and feed balanced power amplifiers cleanly.
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and All Major Surround Formats
Decoding for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (the object-based immersive surround formats), Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio (lossless multi-channel), and every legacy Dolby and DTS format. The M17 V2i automatically detects the format on the incoming digital signal and switches to the most advanced decoding your speaker setup supports.
Differential DACs for Every Channel
Each of the M17 V2i's 11 audio channels has its own dedicated differential DAC. Channel-by-channel isolation keeps dialog anchored in the center and surrounds precisely placed.
Dirac Live Full Frequency Room Correction
Dirac Live Full Frequency comes pre-loaded — the most thorough version of one of the most respected room-correction systems in audio. The included calibration microphone measures your room; the Dirac Live software uploads correction filters to the M17 V2i. Advanced users can create custom target curves and use third-party calibrated microphones.
4K UHD HDMI with HDR
Five HDMI inputs with 4K UHD support — including 4K at 60p with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, HDR (High Dynamic Range) video, HDCP 2.2, and CEC/ARC for TV-remote control. Two HDMI outputs: one with HDCP 2.2 + CEC for the main display, one with HDCP 1.4 for a secondary display or projector.
BluOS Streaming Built In
Built-in BluOS hi-res multi-room streaming with MQA decoding and rendering. Access to over 20 streaming services including Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music HD, Spotify, Deezer, and internet radio. Hi-res audio playback up to 24-bit / 192 kHz FLAC, WAV, and AIFF.
MDC Modular Design — AM 17 Audio + VM 310 Video
The M17 V2i's audio and video subsystems live on swappable MDC modules. The current configuration uses the AM 17 audio module and the VM 310 video module. As new technologies arrive, your dealer can swap modules — keeping the rest of the processor intact.
AirPlay 2 with Siri Voice Control
Built-in Apple AirPlay 2 lets you stream directly from iOS, macOS, and tvOS devices. Siri voice control works through AirPlay 2 — say what you want to hear from any nearby Apple device.
Separate Linear and Switching Power Supplies
The M17 V2i uses a linear supply for the analog audio path and a switching supply for the digital and video sections. Keeping the two domains separate prevents digital noise from contaminating analog signal paths.
Multi-Zone Operation
Digital inputs convert to analog for Zone 2 with independent source and volume controls. Unused tape outputs can be configured for Zone 3 and Zone 4. With BluOS, you can stream music to additional rooms throughout your home.
Smart Home and Custom Install Integration
IR repeaters, 12V triggers (for automatically switching connected amplifiers on and off), and an RS-232 data port enable integration with Control4, Crestron, and other automation systems. Discrete On and Off codes plus direct input access support elaborate remote-control programming. Five custom A/V presets save your favorite configurations.
Quick-Reference Specifications
| Surround Decoding | |
| Immersive Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
| Lossless Surround | Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio |
| Channel Configurations | Up to 11.1 (e.g., 7.1.4, 5.1.6, 7.2.4) |
| Output Configuration | Fully balanced XLR for all 11 channels (mini-XLR for height channels) |
| Video / HDMI | |
| HDMI Inputs | 5 × HDMI, 4K UHD with 4K/60p/4:4:4 chroma, HDCP 2.2, HDR support |
| HDMI Outputs | 2 × HDMI (1 × HDCP 2.2 with CEC; 1 × HDCP 1.4) |
| Audio Performance | |
| DAC Architecture | Differential DACs for each of 11 channels |
| Input Impedance | 56 kΩ + 220 pF |
| Input Sensitivity | 40 mV (ref. 500 mV out) |
| Maximum Input Signal | >8 Vrms |
| Maximum Output Level | >8 Vrms into 600 Ω |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >90 dB (A-weighted, ref. 500 mV in / 500 mV out, unity gain); >80 dB (ref. 2 V out, max volume) |
| Channel Separation | >70 dB at 1 kHz / 10 kHz |
| Frequency Response | ±0.3 dB, 20 Hz – 20 kHz (tone active or defeat) |
| Subwoofer Frequency Response | 10 – 200 Hz (ref. –3 dB) |
| THD (CCIF IMD, DIM 100) | <0.005% (ref. 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 2 V out) |
| Streaming & Network | |
| Operating System | BluOS 3.16 (with regular firmware updates) |
| Integrations | BluOS, AirPlay 2, MQA decoding and rendering, Siri voice control (via AirPlay 2) |
| Hi-Res Playback | 24-bit / 192 kHz FLAC, WAV, AIFF |
| Network | Ethernet; Wi-Fi via included USB dongle |
| Room Correction | |
| Dirac Live License | Full Frequency (included, with calibrated measurement microphone) |
| Custom Target Curves | Supported; third-party calibrated mics also supported |
| Control & Integration | |
| Modular Architecture | MDC — includes AM 17 audio module and VM 310 video module (dealer-replaceable) |
| Multi-Zone | Independent source & volume for Zone 2 (analog out); Zones 3 & 4 configurable from unused tape outs |
| Control Interfaces | IR repeaters, 12V triggers, RS-232; discrete On/Off codes; 5 custom A/V presets |
| Automation Compatibility | Control4, Crestron, and other major systems |
| Physical & Power | |
| Standby Power | <0.5 W |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 17-1/8" × 6-3/16" × 15-1/4" |
| Weight | 24 lbs |
| Warranty | 2 years, parts and labor |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a pre/pro and an AV receiver?
An AV receiver (AVR) combines a surround sound preamp/processor and a multi-channel power amplifier in one chassis — convenient, but power-limited (an AVR's amp section can only deliver so much current within the heat budget of the chassis) and harder to upgrade. A pre/pro like the M17 V2i is the processor only — it handles source switching, surround decoding, room correction, and video pass-through, then sends the audio signal to a separate multi-channel power amplifier. The benefit is more (and cleaner) amplification, and the ability to upgrade the processor and amp independently. Pre/pros are the standard for serious home theaters.
What else do I need to use the M17 V2i?
A multi-channel power amplifier, speakers (front, center, surround, and ideally height speakers for Dolby Atmos / DTS:X), a subwoofer or two, and HDMI sources (TV, Blu-ray, streaming device, game console). NAD's Masters Series M28 is the natural multi-channel amp pairing — call us at 800-942-0220 for help designing the system.
What immersive surround formats does it support?
Both major object-based formats: Dolby Atmos (used in most theatrical releases and streaming content) and DTS:X (DTS's competing format, used in many 4K Blu-rays). Plus the lossless multi-channel predecessors — Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio — and every legacy Dolby and DTS format. The M17 V2i automatically detects the format on the digital signal and switches to the most advanced decoding your speaker setup supports.
What channel configurations can the M17 V2i drive?
Up to 11.1 channels total. Common configurations: 5.1 (front left/center/right + surround left/right + sub), 5.1.4 (adding four height channels for Atmos / DTS:X), 7.1.4 (adding rear surrounds), 7.2.4 (adding a second sub for stereo bass), or any other layout that fits within 11 main channels plus subwoofers.
What Dirac Live license is included?
Dirac Live Full Frequency — the most thorough version. This corrects timing and frequency response across the full audible band, not just the bass region. The calibrated measurement microphone is included. Advanced users can build custom target curves and use third-party calibrated microphones.
What multi-channel amplifiers pair best with the M17 V2i?
NAD's Masters Series M28 (seven-channel power amplifier) and M27 (also seven channels) are the natural pairings — same series, designed to work together. For an 11-channel system you'd typically use two amplifiers (seven-channel + four-channel, or two seven-channel amps with the extras unused). Call us at 800-942-0220 to plan the configuration.
Does this have BluOS streaming and Roon support?
Yes — BluOS is built in (BluOS 3.16). That gives you access to Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music HD, Spotify, internet radio, and 20+ other services. MQA decoding and rendering are supported for hi-res streaming. AirPlay 2 is also built in for Apple ecosystem playback with Siri voice control. (Roon Ready certification is not a stated feature of the M17 V2i — call us if Roon support is essential to your setup.)
What HDMI features and video formats does it support?
5 HDMI inputs with 4K UHD support — including 4K at 60 frames per second with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, HDR (High Dynamic Range), HDCP 2.2, and CEC/ARC. 2 HDMI outputs (one with HDCP 2.2 + CEC for the main display, one with HDCP 1.4 for a secondary display or projector). The M17 V2i performs bit-perfect 4K UHD video pass-through. For 8K or HDMI 2.1 gaming features, look at NAD's current-generation surround processors — those features post-date the M17 V2i platform.
Can the audio and video modules really be upgraded?
Yes — that's NAD's MDC (Modular Design Construction) architecture in action. The M17 V2i ships with the AM 17 audio module and VM 310 video module. As future formats arrive, your dealer can swap modules without replacing the chassis. The current M17 V2i is actually the prior M17 chassis with the newer AM 17 and VM 310 modules installed.
Does the M17 V2i drive multiple zones?
Yes. Zone 2 has independent source and volume controls, and digital inputs convert to analog for the zone outputs. Unused tape outputs can be configured for Zone 3 and Zone 4. With BluOS, you can also stream music throughout your home to other BluOS-compatible devices.
What's in the Box
- NAD M17 V2i Master Series Surround Sound Preamp Processor
- Detachable mains power cord
- HTRM 2 remote control with 4 AA batteries
- ZR 7 zone remote control with 3V CR2025 battery
- Measurement microphone (with USB Mic adapter and phone jack adapter)
- USB Adapter and USB-to-USB cable extender
- Four pieces of magnetic feet
- Four female 3-pin mini XLR to male 3-pin XLR cables
- USB flash drive
- Cleaning cloth
- BluOS-Ready Flyer / Bluesound brochure
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