The NAD M51 DAC is a sleeper among this generation of DACs. IMO it shames some DACs costing thousands more that are highly reputed and often written about in reviews.
Once again, impressed by NAD
I bought an NAD receiver for a small due room system 18 years ago. The only thing that remains of that system is the NAD receiver which has been in my basement for years now.
Well, my Pass INT-150 developed an intermittent fault so I shipped it out for repair. In the interim I pressed the NAD into service. Presently the only source connected to it is phono. And guess what- it sounds quite, quite good! It's astonishing that a receiver that had a $300 list 18 years ago can come close to a current $7150 integrated amp. Oh, the Pass is quieter, has a more robust and developed low end but overall the NAD is much more that just listenable.
Makes me wonder how much we hobbyists pay for that's last 15-20% of sound quality.
Well, my Pass INT-150 developed an intermittent fault so I shipped it out for repair. In the interim I pressed the NAD into service. Presently the only source connected to it is phono. And guess what- it sounds quite, quite good! It's astonishing that a receiver that had a $300 list 18 years ago can come close to a current $7150 integrated amp. Oh, the Pass is quieter, has a more robust and developed low end but overall the NAD is much more that just listenable.
Makes me wonder how much we hobbyists pay for that's last 15-20% of sound quality.