NAD M51 Direct Digital DAC Impressions
May 24, 2018 at 1:43 PM Post #1,576 of 1,623
Hi!
having had the M51 for a number of years, i just stumbled into an issue together with my Mac Mini (macmini6,2 late 2012). latest Mac os X. The mac reports the NAD draws to much power via the USB, and then shuts the USB down ...

I think Schiit Wyrd in the USB path would address this.
 
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Jun 5, 2018 at 5:13 PM Post #1,577 of 1,623
Just picked up a M51 and it has firmware v1.41 installed. I have copies of the 1.39 and 1.50 firmware. Can someone please send me the 1.41 firmware so I can flash my unit back to this version after testing 1.39 and 1.50? TIA

BTW, this replaced an Arcam irDAC. I've only listened for about an hour but the M51 is smoother in the high end, and more dynamic in the low end. I paid $650 for the DAC and am happy with the purchase overall. Thanks to all on this thread who have posted their experiences with the unit.

NAD M51 --> Doge 8 (4x Genalex 12AT7) --> Van Alstine 350EXR (2x Sylvania 12AT7WA) --> PMC OB1

Glad to see this thread still having a little activity because I just pick up a M51. I have stereo and head-fi system but just Yggdrasil at the moment. So I needed another dac without having to move Yggy to and fro between the study and the lounge. The M51 will have firmware 1.51 according to the previous owner.

I also have a Auralic Aries Le incoming so I will be using M51 as follows:-

Auralic Aries Le > NAD M51 > Redgum RGi120ENR > Axis LS88 or Axis Voicebox S

Auralic Aries Le > NAD M51 > Glenn Super 9 OTL amp > Sennheiser HD800 or Audeze LCD-2F.

I'm naturally curious as to how it compares with Yggdrasil. Will report back when I have some time with it.
 
Jun 10, 2018 at 1:01 AM Post #1,578 of 1,623
I just realized that my NAD M51 is still here in my system after all these years. I've changed headphones, speakers, and amps but this DAC is still here to stay. I guess its transparency is all I needed from a DAC. Of course I have been tempted to replace it with a Hugo TT or something else but I never came around to it because I know the difference in upgrading DACs is very minimal. I honestly think its here to stay for at least 2 more years.
 
Jun 10, 2018 at 1:55 AM Post #1,579 of 1,623
Having live with Yggdrasil for 9 months, I'm quite shocked at how good sounding the M51 is. I'm actually enjoying it a lot with both speakers and headphones. It's right up there with Yggy for details and clarity.

Here I have it fed by Auralic Aries Le via AES/EBU and feeding Glenn OTL amp. Listening on HD800 and I can't help smiling that I paid only AUD$730 for a mint used unit for this dac.

20180610_150313.jpg
 
Jun 10, 2018 at 11:18 PM Post #1,580 of 1,623
Having live with Yggdrasil for 9 months, I'm quite shocked at how good sounding the M51 is. I'm actually enjoying it a lot with both speakers and headphones. It's right up there with Yggy for details and clarity.

Here I have it fed by Auralic Aries Le via AES/EBU and feeding Glenn OTL amp. Listening on HD800 and I can't help smiling that I paid only AUD$730 for a mint used unit for this dac.

Shhhh... you divulged the secret! (I want to buy another one, maybe two :wink: )
 
Jun 13, 2018 at 12:36 AM Post #1,582 of 1,623
I like gumby and yggi more but I am not critically listening to schiit usually so those details that I lose don't bother me, at all. On the other hand losing the quality/remote would be a much bigger loss.

I do really enjoy gumby the most of all 3 but when it comes down to it, give me the m51.
 
Jan 28, 2019 at 4:24 PM Post #1,586 of 1,623
Does anyone know if its possible to use a phone such as Samsung S9 as a source and connect it to the M51 using a USB-C to HDMI cable (i.e. https://www.amazon.com/uni-Thunderbolt-Compatible-MacBook-Pixelbook/dp/B075V5JK36/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1548703759&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+c+hdmi+uni) ? or even a USB-C to USB-B cable?
I purchased this one ...
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06XNS7W63
... but didnt have the curiosity to think of trying this. I won't be back in the home with my M51 for a few weeks. But can try it then.

USB C to B adapter, yes. That works (did it with other dacs tho, not the M51).
 
Jan 28, 2019 at 8:10 PM Post #1,587 of 1,623
I just got a M51 and was going to get a MicroRendu or UltraRendu as a source to feed into the M51 (using DLNA/BubbleUPNP). Then I stumbled upon this page which says there is a known issue with connecting the MicroRendu to the M51: http://docs.sonore.us/microrendu/microRendu Known Issues.html. Does anyone know if this issue has been resolved? Is anyone here using the MicroRendu or UltraRendu with the M51? Any info would be appreciated!
 
Oct 4, 2021 at 6:10 PM Post #1,588 of 1,623
Deleted.
 
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Feb 1, 2022 at 9:27 PM Post #1,589 of 1,623
Does this DAC hold up in 2022? Anyone still using it in their setups?
 
Feb 1, 2022 at 9:31 PM Post #1,590 of 1,623
I'm still using my M51. I tried out the RME ADI-2 FS and found it to be more detailed, but too bright using the filter that has highest treble attenuation . The ADI-2 FS does have an EQ that can be used to reduce the high frequencies, but what's the point if I have to reduce the high frequencies to the level I enjoy from the M51?

IMHO, the M51 is a bargain on the used market if you can get one for $600 or less.
 

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