NAD M51 Direct Digital DAC €1799

35-bit 844kHz DAC and Digital Preamp

Running at 108MHz, the M51 resamples the incoming pulse code modulated (PCM) signal and converts it to a pulse width modulation signal (PWM) 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. The extreme headroom afforded by the 35-bit architecture allows for a DSP-based volume control that does not reduce resolution. Even with 24-bit high definition signals, the output can be attenuated by 66dB (very, very quiet) before bit truncation begins.

 

Specifications
Rated Distortion (THD+N with AES 17 filter) <0.0005% (0dBFS)
IMD Distortion 0.0001%
Signal/Noise Ratio <-125dB (ref. 0dBFS 2V out)
Channel Separation >-115dB (ref. 0dBFS Volume -1dB)
Sample Rate 32kHz to 192kHz (USB and digital S/PDIF)
Frequency Response ±0.5dB (ref. 20Hz - 96kHz sample rate)
Output Level 2V (ref. input 0dBFS)

Input

• XLR - AES/EBU
• SPDIF Coaxial x 1
• Optical x 1
• HDMI x 2 (stereo only)
• USB Audio Codec 2.0: asynchronous 24/192 support

Output

• HDMI Video Out (3D video pass through)
• Analogue Unbalanced and Balanced
  

Measurements by Stereophile

 

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