CEDIA EXPO 2006, DENVER, CO., Sept. 14, 2006– NAD, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio components, introduces the M5 SACD/CD Player, the fifth component in the Masters Series during the CEDIA Expo 2006 in Denver this week.
The M5 not only looks solid and attractive in the Masters Series luxurious industrial design, it offers superlative audio performance for all standard CD and SACD media.
“Despite all the demands for A/V products, the need for high-end CD players from serious audio enthusiasts has never gone out of style,” says Bob Brown, Chairman of NAD Electronics. “For those that still require the absolute best in 2-channel sound reproduction, the M5 CD Player ensures a major sonic upgrade to anything heard before at this price point.”
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 (DSD), 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.
However, most of us still have extensive CD collections and the M5 has sophisticated circuitry designed to also get the best possible sound quality from existing CD recordings. In addition, the M5 includes an HDCD decoder, which increases the dynamic range by 6dB from specially encoded discs. CD-R and CD-RW 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.
The SACD format also offers the possibility of 5.1 surround playback, and the M5 is equipped to take full advantage of these exciting multi-channel recordings when they become available. NAD has included comprehensive bass management (redirection to a subwoofer) for the 5.1 output. When playing SACD 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
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. When the M5 is used in a music only system, the video circuit can be switched off to afford the cleanest possible audio.
AUDIO PERFORMANCE
Separately configured signal paths for the CD and SACD audio maintain the best performance for both standard CD and the special SACD. 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, 192kHz 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 and well suppresses for all frequencies. The D/A converter ensures that all audio signals are 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 used in the preamplifier stage of the M3 Integrated Amplifier, with distortion levels that are at the lower limits of measurement combined with ample undistorted output current to effortlessly drive even long cable runs. 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.
Build-Artistry and Master-Class Engineering
While others offer build quality The Masters Series delivers Build-Artistry™. The M5 and all the other Masters Series components are a result of many years of research by NAD’s product development team. The new Masters Series is the perfect balance of performance, value, style, flexibility, and ease-of-use, defining them as the best products in the company’s 33-year history and industry setting benchmarks.
From the smooth and precise action of the front panel controls to the elegantly proportioned remote handsets, every element of the design has been carefully considered for ease of use and clear logical operation. The new industrial design is solid and substantial, yet fresh and exciting. The look of the M5 visually reveals the dynamic performance capabilities contained within its sturdy forms.
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.
EASE-OF-OPERATION AND INSTALLATION
The ergonomically designed M5 remote handset puts all the important features right under your thumb for easy and convenient operation.
Just one look at the M5 and you know it is a serious audiophile product. While it meets the sonic standards of even the most critical listener it must still have the flexibility and features to meet the demands of today’s complex custom installations. The M5 was supplied with a 12-volt trigger input and IR input for advanced theater installations. An RS-232 port, allows the M55 to be controlled by the most advanced control systems such as AMX and Crestron.
The M5 SACD/CD 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 the musical experience from current CD collections and 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 SACD/CD Player.
The M5 SACD/CD Player will ship in 4th Qtr. ’06 with a US MSRP of $1,799. It can be seen with the rest of the Masters Series components in Booth #122 at the Colorado Convention Center during CEDIA Expo ’06.
