SUPER AUDIO FOR ALL CD’s
The Super Audio Compact Disc offers a significant improvement in sonic performance when compared with a standard CD. SACD uses a fundamentally different approach to transferring the analog musical waveform into the digital domain for storage on the disc. This is called Direct Stream Digital, and is widely considered to be a fundamentally better approach to digital encoding. This requires very high speed processing that simply wasn’t available at the birth of the CD format. This high data rate process avoids the quantization errors inherent in the Pulse Code Modulation process used for the traditional CD and DVD. Extended high frequency response, enhanced detail and a more analog-like sound quality are often stated improvements of SACD over CD.
Many of us still have extensive CD collections, however, and luckily the M5 has sophisticated circuitry designed to also get the best possible sound quality from your existing CD recordings. In addition, the M5 includes an HDCD decoder which can increase the dynamic range of CD by 6dB with specially encoded and widely available CDs. CDR and CDRW recordable discs are fully supported, and even MP3 and WMA can be played on the M5 CD/SACD Player offering many hours of playback from a single disc.
But the SACD format also offers the possibility of 5.1 surround sound playback, and the M5 is equipped to take full advantage of these exciting new multi-channel recordings. We have even included comprehensive bass management (redirection) for the 5.1 output. Several popular speaker configurations can be easily accessed from the front panel controls and navigated via the VFD display. A higher level of fine tuning is available via the Composite Video output using the M5’s On Screen Display. This video output is also useful for managing MP3 playback. Since we expect most M5’s to be used in music only systems, the video circuit can be switched off to afford the cleanest possible audio performance.
LUXURIOUS DESIGN
The design brief reads: “The industrial design must create a physical presence that is powerful, dynamic, and solid, yet refined and elegant”. We wanted a design that will still look fresh and new a decade from now, a design with classic proportions and understated details.
Intelligent use of aluminum extrusions, zinc castings, and heavy gauge steel results in a chassis that is as rugged as it is handsome. Innovative use of specialized coatings and plating results in a product that will retain its good looks for many, many years to come.
Since the high-density data recorded on SACD must be read with absolute accuracy, vibrations from outside or from internal sources, such as the power supply, will adversely affect sound and picture quality. A variety of special measures have been incorporated in the NAD M5 to suppress these unwanted vibrations, from the carefully engineered heavy gauge steel chassis, to the vibration isolating silicon rubber foot design.
AUDIO PERFORMANCE
Separately configured signal paths for the CD and SACD audio maintain the highest possible levels of CD and SACD sound quality. PCM Digital audio outputs are available in AES/EBU (balanced), coaxial, and optical (TosLink) SPDIF formats.
The NAD M5 uses professional grade D/A converters with 24-bit, 192-kHz resolution for PCM (CD) signals, and a special DSD mode for SACD. These premium devices are well protected from noise caused by even minute fluctuations in current from the power supply. Separate digital filters are employed for the SACD and CD signal paths to perfectly compliment these uniquely different signal formats. The level of quantization noise within the frequency range is uniform for all frequencies and very well suppressed. This D/A converter ensures that all the sound you hear is as clear and noise-free as possible, regardless of recorded format.
NAD’s specially designed discrete Class A gain modules keep all the detail in high resolution SACD perfectly intact, and offer very low output impedance across the frequency spectrum. These are the same high performance modules first seen in the M3 preamplifier stage, with distortion levels that are at the lower limits of measurement combined with ample undistorted output current to effortlessly drive even long cable runs. A set of balanced stereo analog outputs are included for very long runs and easy integration with professional studio equipment.
The audio stage of the M5 is fed from a separate linear power supply utilizing a specially designed C-core transformer for the lowest possible noise and best supply regulation. The mechanical and digital circuits have their own independent NAD designed switch mode supply.
Digital Bass Management is available for the SACD surround sound format. This prevents bass frequencies from overloading and distorting your speakers by ‘redirecting’ them to your subwoofer which is specially designed to handle the lowest octaves. When playing Super Audio CD sources, it is possible to preset 5.1 speaker configurations. The crossover point is selectable with 12 dB high and 24 dB low pass filter slopes.
VALUE
Musical performance at the highest levels of attainment; inspired industrial design; Build Artistry construction; the M5 CD/SACD Player is without peer for its unique blend of features and performance at an incredibly affordable price. The M5 has the power and performance to literally transform your current CD collection, opening new musical vistas in your favorite recordings. The M5 also fully exploits the latest recorded music formats. From High Definition SACD, to compressed MP3 and WMA, the emotive value of music is always clearly communicated. If music is important in your life, listen to the NAD Masters Series M5.
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