NAD M51 Direct Digital DAC Impressions - Page 43

Sounds like a poorly designed piece of kit for the price. 

What makes you say that after pages of praises?

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenpunk 

Sounds like a poorly designed piece of kit for the price. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by HumanMedia 


As mine was burning in, I thought there was very little burn-in change compared to some DACs I've had. After about 300 hours I noticed that it was more relaxed and that it had changed character. But again it wasn't as big a change as with other equipment.

I've also found it sounds better through my external tubed preamp than using the built in digital attenuation. (!?)

Also found its susceptible to incoming noise on the USB and spdif inputs (getting rid of electrical noise before it arrives improves it a lot). its also susceptible to noisy power (likes shielded power cords and up front passive filtration).

I use a USB converter to AES/EBU so no noise for me.  I also haven't noticed any power related noise.  

Thanks Preproman. I was indeed commenting on the previous post, which sounded to me like pure audiofool BS. 

Measurements on Stereophile actually proved the opposite is true. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happy Camper 


Have you experienced the lack of noise for reference to notice? Power isolation transformers are good for digital gear. Removing the RF and other frequencies inducted into power lines lets the DAC power supply do it's job better. Usually relates to a quieter background and better imaging. Apartment living shares a lot of common noise throughout the wiring of the building. If you notice your gear sounding better at night, you could use some power conditioning. IMO

Well HC as you know all I have are the Emotiva Power Cords at the moment.  At this point I hear no noticeable noise.  I'll compare once I get one of those isolation transformers.  As for right now I would have to say to difference will be very subtle.  We'll see.

-1dB

I've been having some issues with my M51 when feeding my SRM-717 through balanced cables.  The thought at this time is that I'm getting some DC that is tripping the 717 protection.  I have a message into NAD and I plan to try and measure the output to see if I can confirm it.

Outside of that I am very happy with the M51 and hope to resolve this so I can continue to enjoy it!

Chris

Quote:

Originally Posted by shipsupt 

I've been having some issues with my M51 when feeding my SRM-717 through balanced cables.  The thought at this time is that I'm getting some DC that is tripping the 717 protection.  I have a message into NAD and I plan to try and measure the output to see if I can confirm it.

 

Outside of that I am very happy with the M51 and hope to resolve this so I can continue to enjoy it!

 

Chris

Hmm...that's disconcerting.  Consider posting in the Stax thread.  Maybe some help over there.  Please keep us posted.

Thanks, already tapping into those guys too... A few things to note:

• I never had any issues using the RCA out
• I added some 10db attenuators into the line and I have not had a drop out since, I've played the combo for hours now with no issues, sounds great
• There have been no other issues with my other amps, everything runs fine, sounds great

A few M51 owners pointed out that you need to be careful of the XLR wiring as it can be different in different parts of the world.  I have to admit I did not check this and it could be related.  I need to check the diagrams on the back of the M51 and the 717 to see what differences there are if any on my particular units.  You can can see a little of that discussion here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/223263/the-stax-thread-new/20715#post_9081200

Using the NAD M51 as a preamp/DAC for my F1J / HE-6 combo.  Volume is set to -20db for comfortable listing.  I can crank it up to about -12 db before It gets to loud..

would you kindly compare it to your PWD mk2?

OK, NAD is here.
First impressions, amazing piece.

Tried all the inputs with same recording, despite i don't use USB in my opinion is the best.
I connect hdmi CA 751BD throug denon in bypass mode and works fine.

My friend took his dac, Resonessence  Invicta 4000 USD, to test with nad and the results are very good for nad.
It cames close to it in every formats.

Note: Resonessence  with DSD input file is simply amazing.

NAD cames to stay.