NAD M51

Better than amazing, this is the best standalone DAC and preamp NAD made until the recent $4,000 unit upgrade.  Includes new (never unsealed) remote I got last week from NAD.  

A rare top quality DAC/preamp that includes HDMI inputs!  Use to listen to Blu-ray discs and SACDs.

Runs at 108MHz, the unit resamples an incoming PCM (pulse code modulated) signal and converts it to PWM (pulse width modulation) with a sampling rate of 844kHz.

Voted Stereophile A+ class, Darko knock-out award, What HIFI 5 star, etc., etc.

The M51 Direct DigitalTM DAC uses the same high precision digital processing as our groundbreaking M2 Direct DigitalTM Amplifier, but in a new format that easily interfaces with high performance analogue components, including our M3 Dual Mono Integrated Amplifier. Part of NAD’s Masters Digital Suite, the M51 features extremely low noise, low distortion, wide dynamic range, superb linearity and extremely low digital jitter. The M51 accepts PCM data rates up to 24 bit 192 kHz making it perfect for listening to increasingly popular high resolution downloads.

Features

> Digital Innovation
NAD’s exclusive Direct DigitalTM technology was first introduced in our groundbreaking M2 Direct DigitalTM Amplifier. The M51 is the first standalone DAC to exploit the extreme precision and speed that only Direct DigitalTM technology can offer. Instead of using the Direct DigitalTM processor to drive the high power output stage of a power amplifier, the M51 employs a line level analogue output that will perfectly interface with any analogue system.

> The Advantage of Direct DigitalTM
NAD’s unique technology uses a very powerful processing engine that operates at much higher speed and with much greater accuracy than typical D-to-A converters. Running at 108MHz, the M51 resamples the incoming PCM (pulse code modulated) signal and converts it to PWM (pulse width modulation) with a sampling rate of 844kHz. Operating in a differential mode with double precision the M51 has state-of- the-art specifications for low noise and freedom from distortion. Digital jitter at the output, both uncorrelated and correlated, is vanishingly low even if the incoming signal is corrupted.

> Next Generation Connectivity
While the M51 includes the industry standard SPDIF inputs, including AES/EBU, Optical and Coaxial. The M51 also includes the latest USB technology fully supporting 192kHz sample rates, allowing direct connection of a PC or Mac. HDMI provides an encrypted HD Audio connection in PCM’s native I2S format up to 24 bit 192kHz.

> Home Theatre 2.1
The M51 offers two HDMI inputs and one output with video pass through. This opens up the possibility of using the M51 Direct DigitalTM DAC as the heart of a Home Cinema 2.0 system using the linear PCM soundtrack from Blu-ray or DVD to make a compelling 2-channel high definition theatre presentation. Many symphony orchestras and some specialty music labels are also releasing HD recordings on Blu-ray.

> Pure Performance
The incredible precision of the M51’s processing engine gives music a vibrancy and transient accuracy that must be heard to be appreciated. A pure Class A analogue stage with very low output impedance provides the perfect interface to your favourite amplifier. A patented real-time digital error correction circuit corrects for any nonlinearities in the output buffer and digital reconstruction filter. Both balanced and single-ended outputs are available.

> More Than Just a DAC
M51 is a fully functional digital preamp with six digital inputs and one of the world’s best volume controls. As a ‘preamp’ it is totally noise and distortion free because all switching and volume control is done in the digital domain. Whether you want to get into Computer Audio, Home Cinema 2.0 or just want to upgrade your CD Player, the M51 Direct DigitalTM DAC will get the best possible performance from every digital format. All this innovation, performance and flexibility comes with legendary NAD sound quality and affordability.

See also:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/nad-m51-direct-digital-da-converter