NAD M51 Leaflet
The M51 Direct Digital DAC uses the same high precision digital processing as our groundbreaking M2 Direct Digital Amplifi er,
but in a new format that easily interfaces with high performance analogue components, including our M3 Dual Mono Integrated
Amplifi er. Part of NAD’s Masters Digital Suite, the M51 features extremely low noise, low distortion, wide dynamic range, superb
linearity and extremely low digital jitter. The M51 accepts PCM data rates up to 24 bit 192 kHz making it perfect for listening to
increasingly popular high resolution downloads.
M51 Direct Digital DAC
Features
> Digital Innovation
NAD’s exclusive Direct Digital technology was fi rst introduced
in our groundbreaking M2 Direct Digital Amplifi er. The M51 is
the fi rst standalone DAC to exploit the extreme precision and
speed that only Direct Digital technology can offer. Instead
of using the Direct Digital processor to drive the high power
output stage of a power amplifi er, the M51 employs a line level
analogue output that will perfectly interface with any analogue
system.
> The Advantage of Direct Digital
NAD’s unique technology uses a very powerful processing
engine that operates at much higher speed and with much
greater accuracy than typical D-to-A converters. Running
at 108MHz, the M51 resamples the incoming PCM (pulse
code modulated) signal and converts it to PWM (pulse width
modulation) with a sampling rate of 844kHz. Operating in a
differential mode with double precision the M51 has state-of-
the-art specifi cations for low noise and freedom from distortion.
Digital jitter at the output, both uncorrelated and correlated, is
vanishingly low even if the incoming signal is corrupted.
> Next Generation Connectivity
While the M51 includes the industry standard SPDIF inputs,
including AES/EBU, Optical and Coaxial. The M51 also
includes the latest USB technology fully supporting 192kHz
sample rates, allowing direct connection of a PC or Mac. HDMI
provides an encrypted HD Audio connection in PCM’s native
I2S format up to 24 bit 192kHz.
> Home Theatre 2.0
The M51 offers two HDMI inputs and one output with video
pass through. This opens up the possibility of using the M51
Direct Digital DAC as the heart of a Home Cinema 2.0 system
using the linear PCM soundtrack from Blu-ray or DVD to make
a compelling 2-channel high defi nition theatre presentation.
Many symphony orchestras and some specialty music labels
are also releasing HD recordings on Blu-ray.
> Pure Performance
The incredible precision of the M51’s processing engine gives
music a vibrancy and transient accuracy that must be heard
to be appreciated. A pure Class A analogue stage with very
low output impedance provides the perfect interface to your
favourite amplifi er. A patented real-time digital error correction
circuit corrects for any nonlinearities in the output buffer and
digital reconstruction fi lter. Both balanced and single-ended
outputs are available.
> More Than Just a DAC
M51 is a fully functional digital preamp with six digital inputs
and one of the world’s best volume controls. As a ‘preamp’ it
is totally noise and distortion free because all switching and
volume control is done in the digital domain. Whether you want
to get into Computer Audio, Home Cinema 2.0 or just want to
upgrade your CD Player, the M51 Direct Digital DAC will get
the best possible performance from every digital format. All this
innovation, performance and fl exibility comes with legendary
NAD sound quality and affordability.