[HiWire]

Has anybody heard this player? I might go hunting for it this weekend. Reviews appear to be scarce on the ground.

 

[gz76]

Yeah. That's the universal player right? Sounded okay but it wasn't in a system I was familiar with. As such, I can't really tell you too much - sorry!

I briefly considered it as an option when I was last looking for a CD source. However, the fact that it was a universal player (so it was trying to do more than just play audio well), and the fact that new DVD formats are upon us, meant that it wasn't really that high on my list.

It is a very well built machine tho, and if you're after video playback as well, it may be well worth looking at. Has decent specs all round and a great price for what you're getting.

 

[gz76]

NAD also do a dedicated CD/SACD player in the Masters Series for the same price, which might be a better option if you're just after audio capabilities.

..of course, I'm assuming I got my model numbers right and the M5 is the universal player!

EDIT:
Sorry, just checked and the M5 is the CD/SACD player... M55 is the universal player. Ignore everything I just said! I haven't heard the M5.

 

[HiWire]

Yup, I've heard the M55, and wasn't too impressed when I compared it to Arcam's CD192. I'm hoping that the M5 is a giant leap above the universal in sound quality - HDCD, multi-channel output, bass management and balanced outputs are definitely useful features that I'm looking for. Perhaps I'll have the opportunity to request another Arcam vs. NAD showdown at my local dealers. I'm hoping that the NAD will come close to matching a cost-no-object CD player with its SACD output.

 

[gz76]

That is a pretty good feature-set for the price. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on this player when you do finally hear it - maybe you should take some notes for us all.

I must say, the entire Masters Series range seems like fantastic value for money and I'm surprised we don't hear much about it.

 

[kimsnarf]

NAD M5 is frequently used as the source for the more expensive equipment in the Hi-Fi Klubben stores throughout Scandinavia and has received great reviews here. I've heard it with the companion M3 amp on Dali Ikon 7 speakers as well as with my own Corda Aria headphone amp on DT880 and HD650. In all cases it sounded VERY good and I didn't feel that anything was lacking in the sound. The Aria has never sounded so good!

But the M5 deserves a better companion. I didn't compare it directly with any other sources though.

Reviews at the Hi-Fi Klubben site (right column: "Produkttester")

 

[HiWire]

I went to audition the NAD M5 amplified on an M3 on PSB Platinum towers... it's about $2500 CDN for the player. I'm going back later with my own material. My overall impression is smooth and cohesive... I listened to a mix disc from the store. It didn't have an "audiophile" sound, i.e. lots of detail, eargasmic harmony, and nose hair exhales but it's hard to tell with a mix disc on an unfamiliar system. It did sound more engaging than the Marantz Reference unit that I heard a while ago... I'm looking forward to testing SACD and HDCD material on the player against the Arcam CD192. The price and feature set are definitely right - I'm still interested in hearing other high-end sources, and the Arcam CD36 again.

 

[circularlogic]

I've had a few experiences with the M5 and would agree with your assessment. I auditioned it through the M3 (I own one) and various speakers. I find the sound exceptionally smooth. Unfortuantely it didn't really strike me as a great source.