Features
Input and Output Notes
Features
Direct Stream Digital (DSD) Encoding: The Super Audio CD
standard is based on Direct Stream Digital (DSD) technology. The DSD format is
a 1-bit system that has a digital sampling frequency 64 times that of conventional
audio CD, 2,822,400 samples per second. The result is spectacular: a frequency
response of over 100k Hz and a 120 dB dynamic range over the entire audible
spectrum. Mixed with as many of the original frequencies as possible, the audio
information audible for human ears sounds much more natural.
Power Supplies: The NAD M5 uses two discrete power supplies;
a linear C-core transformer powers the audio stage, while the mechanical and
digital circuits use a separate switching power supply.
Disc Compatibility: The M5 plays SACD, CD, CD-R, and CD-RW
discs. There are decoders built-in for playing HDCD, MP3, and WMA encoded discs.
Signal Path: Internally there are separate signal paths for
CD and SACD playback to optimize the sound quality for either format. NAD uses
professional grade digital to analog converters with 192 kHz/24-bit resolution
for PCM (CD) signals, and a special DSD mode for SACD.
Digital Filters: The M5 has separate digital filters for the
SACD and CD signal paths to compliment these unique signal formats. The CD filter
has a user adjustable bandwidth:
- Normal: standard CD high-pass filter
slope; active on the two channel analog stereo audio jacks
- Slow: engages a gentle high-pass
filter slope for added spatial feeling; particularly
useful for higher bit rate recordings; active on the
two channel analog stereo audio jacks
Bass Management: The SACD format offers multi-channel
surround sound playback, and the M5 is equipped to take advantage of these
recordings. Bass management controls are built in to adjust the level, size,
delay, and crossover point individually for each of the six analog output
channels.
Display Dimmer: The Vacuum Fluorescent Display (VFD) has
three brightness settings.
Wireless Remote Control: In addition to the unit's front panel
controls, the player includes a dedicated full-feature IR wireless remote control
for easy operation.
Input and Output Notes
Digital Outputs: Three digital outputs transfer the audio
signal from a CD (including CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 and WMA; the SACD signal cannot
be output digitally); one optical (Toslink), one coaxial (RCA), and one AES/EBU
(balanced XLR, the serial data output is taken after error correction but before
digital-to-analog conversion and filtering and is transformer-isolated from the
built-in digital to analog circuits). The digital outputs have two settings:
- PCM: select when connected to a
two-channel digital stereo preamplifier; multi-channel
CDs will automatically be down-mixed to two-channel
PCM audio
- Stream/PCM: select if connected
to a surround sound processor or other equipment with
a decoder
Analog Output: The M5 has stereo RCA outputs and balanced
XLR outputs for CDs and SACDs, and 5.1 channel RCA outputs for SACDs, utilizing
the high quality 192 kHz/24-bit digital to analog converters.
Video Output: A composite video output is used to display
the setup menu.
12 Volt Trigger In: This unit can be turned on/off by another
device; the +12 volt trigger input is a 3.5mm mini-jack. When a cable is plugged
into this jack the front panel and remote power controls are disabled.
RS 232: The RS-232 port allows connection to a compatible PC
or external whole-house control system from companies such as AMX or Crestron.
IR In: This 3.5mm mini-jack input is used to control this unit
using an optional infrared repeater or the IR output of another component.
