The NAD M10 V2 is EVERYTHING
Vložit
- čas přidán 16. 06. 2024
- 👉🏻 This video is brought to you by AudioQuest:
www.audioquest.com/
🎥 Camera: Olaf von Voss
🎬 Editor: John Darko
🕺🏻 Motion GFX: John Darko
💰 Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
🛋 My listening room in 2022:
darko.audio/darkos-listening-...
🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video - and other videos - can be found on PATREON: / johndarko
0:00 Intro
0:43 vs. Naim Uniti Atom
8:10 Bass management & Dirac Live
14:36 vs. Lyngdorf TDAI-1120
17:28 Vinyl & 'home theatre'
👉🏻 As seen in this video...
PJ Harvey - Rid of Me:
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3uN9d4o
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3xy2mh9
Kraftwerk - Remixes:
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3jI0U3l
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3rw2BFA
Deadbeat - The Double Bongcloud:
blkrtz.bandcamp.com/album/the...
Terry Ellis Dirac Live Calibration:
www.diraclivecalibration.com/
Samsung Neo QLED 4K TV QN90A
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3xpvcAc
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3jxEQIC
Naim Uniti Atom:
• The HOLY TRINITY of mu...
Lyngdorf TDAI-1120:
darko.audio/2021/11/a-short-f...
GoldenEar BRX:
• GoldenEar's BRX offers...
GoldenEar Forcefield 3:
darko.audio/2022/02/a-short-f...
XIAOMI Mi Box S:
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3qjorf6
🛒 (DE) amzn.to/3fT3z8y
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3H2yDhY
#NAD #hifi #audiophile
__________________________________________________________________
⏰ HOW OUR CZcams VIDEOS GET MADE:
darko.audio/2021/10/how-our-y...
Darko.Audio FAQ:
darko.audio/faq/
Why are/were comments turned OFF?
darko.audio/2020/10/why-im-sw...
What the bloody hell am I talking about?
• What the bloody hell a...
How is Darko.Audio funded?
darko.audio/funding/
Darko.Audio may earn a small commission from items purchased via affiliate links.
__________________________________________________________________
DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE A PODCAST?
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
open.spotify.com/show/1mnKixp...
/ johnhdarko
__________________________________________________________________
Darko.Audio is a web magazine covering new and exciting developments in the audio world and we aren’t afraid of indie rock or techno.
Web: Darko.Audio
Instagram: / darkoaudio
Facebook: / darkodotaudio - Zábava
PLEASE READ *before commenting*!
1) Got a question? Please ask it of the Darko.Audio CZcams community (and not me) as I'm off making the NEXT video
2) All comments here are moderated by a third party: instagram.com/p/CTWcokaszpW/
3) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome (but no URLs, racist/sexist remarks or conspiracy theories, please)
Darko and Andrew continue doing "god's work" for audiophiles... The camera shots, lighting, room quality, and review content are just top notch between both of these channels!
I love that with your videos I feel like I'm watching a series, not just reviews in isolation. Not only does every episode have a story, those stories are interconnected.
Truly John is levels above any other audio youtuber.
Thank you for great review! Glad to see Terry! Would be nice to see more of these collaborations with others CZcamsrs :)
Jon your videos are simply the best. Your articulation is so relatable, as is your approach to music, equipment, and that fine line between insanity and enjoyment most of us are walking. Thank you so much for this. I was a NAD user for the first 20 years of my “adult” audio journey and now use McIntosh equipment - however - I want to set my daughter up as she becomes independent and this seems like it could be a great fit. Something I don’t believe you covered in the vid but would be of interest in a future podcast or video is what speaker pairing you most enjoyed with the NAD. Thanks again - you are brilliant, and I love that you are working with Terry. He is amazing as well and basically convinced me to buy Bowers & Wilkins 802D4 speakers (almost) blind.
Great review as always! I heard the original version of the M10 when it first came out, and was very impressed, nice to see they have continued expand its capabilities.
This is a GREAT review. Thank you for talking about the NAD in conjunction with a TV, etc. I spend most of my free time listening to music. But we just picked up an OLED (LG), and would adore watching concerts. You've given me a LOT to think about. Thanks!
We use our setup in much the way you describe - mostly for music, but also to watch a lot of concerts and livestreams. Hifi and TV and the internet together is a great combination these days.
I use the M10v2 in conjunction with a recently acquired philips TV via HDMI eArc integration. Mostly the auto-sensing works, nnit always.. but 9 out of 10. Recently discovered: There is aneat trick the M10v2 can do: Learn remotes..so when we switch on the TV now the M10v2 goes automatically into HDMI eArc mode.. works like a charm so far..
I continue to believe you are the best of the best when it comes to reviewing a product. I always leave a review and have a lot to mull over and consider, even if I have no interest in ever owning said product. That is high praise. I’m relishing the comparison format and you seem to be as well. Win/win. I’m also so pleased about your openness and support for room correction in all its forms. My Buchardt A500 are vastly improved after correcting for my low-ceiling window-surrounded apartment. A lot to consider in this review. Very surprised to see a product that excites you more than the Naim. I suppose it was inevitable at some point.
Excellent video John. Great point about digitising an analogue turntable signal too.
Perfect for most people's needs. Awesome review!
Great collab. Big fan of both channels.
Have it. Love it. Thanks man. Accurate review.
As always: a quality review! As an owner of a NAD M10 I really think about changing to the v2 because of the bluesound wireless rear option. And thank you so much for the bloopers ^_^ Frohe Ostern!
Which speakers are you running the NAD on? And have you heard any benefits of using Dirac?
excellent again, thanks Mate!!
I just love this channel.
Glad I found your channel. Very entertaining.
Another great episode!
I’m not an audiophile but I really enjoy John’s channel. This was hugely entertaining. I bout my first NAD kit 40 years ago. They’ve come in somewhat!
A great video and good to see spatial/surround audio being discussed. I don’t have the luxury of running separate stereo/AV systems, so it would be good to see the channel addressing AV amps/receivers in a dual setup and also a full review of spatial audio (Tidal, Apple etc) through this approach. In my case I’m running an Arcam AVR 30 for AV, streaming and stereo vinyl playback with DIRAC, Tidal and ROON. Tidal ATMOS is streamed from an LG C1 via eARC.
I did a home trail of the Nad M10 V2 with the powernode driving the rear surrounds in a 4.1 set up. I can confirm Dirac will only calibrate the front speakers and the sub. You will have to manually measure the rear surrounds yourself using the bluesound app. I thought to mention this as I can see people are asking.
Very nice review.. Best yet!
Thanks for your genuinely great review of the M10 V2. I loved the „appearances“ of the Naim Uniti Atom and especially the Lyngdorf TDAI 1120!
Long life to the 1120!, I've owned one before getting the M10 V2 and I was so in love with the whole custom configurations you can do but there's so many other things that the M10 is better than the Lyngdorf.. such a pity.. but to achieve that they have the TDAI 3400 but it's much more expensive than the M10 V2
Bruno. I want to get either the Lyngdorf or the NAD. The deciding factor for me is the ease of use for both TV watching with the HDMI eARC and music listening to Tidal, maybe Roon. As I want my wife to be able to enjoy the system too, I need to get the one that is simpler to use. Suggestions?
Great review .... Loved the link up with Terry Ellis 🙂
Excellent Review, I LOVE your delivery and the astute analysis of whatever subject your critiquing. I like your imparting a warm, personal perspective on the use of the equipment in a real environment & the interactions with the various parts of a Hi-Fi System. While I cling to my favorite Hi-Fi pieces which I've curated over the decades; I still use my 1985 NAD 7140 40W Receiver with my Linn KAN Mk.1 Stand Monitors. My multi-channel systems are KEF Q & JBL Studio II dating to the early '00s, so I appreciate your take on the Here & Now, especially for smaller spaces, and incorporating newer/older components together. This NAD really fires my imagination for a minimalist HT Audiophile System that will finally be approved by my Better Half. Those GoldenEar BRX Monitors are perfect for my tastes (Everything except HipHop & Punk), (Where did you get those Stands?) though I'm partial to SVS Subwoofers (Sealed) and my future living space will be a 115 year old bungalow which I'm renovating this year. Perhaps this will allow me to part with my vast collection of vintage HiFi Gear. Mahalo for another great review, faux pas included.👍
Bruh, you just killed the CZcams video game again with this video. BRAVO!! NO CAP, as my young nephew would say, meaning honestly 🤣🤣🤣. In the years I've spent with your various outlets...I've seen a lot of people copy a lot of things techniques and innovations you and you team come up. From the way you do your video introductions(Jay), your b-roll footage, the music you select, the outtakes, even your ethical standards, all have seemingly made their way across CZcams, making you a true "influencer" so to speak. However, the switch to Terry Ellis was just awesome and hilarious, and I cannot wait to see where this shows up next, although I have no doubt that it will..Soon. 🤣🤣🤣. Anyway, please keep up the great work. It's is definitely appreciated and helpful and downright entertaining.
Fantastic! Thank you John. This subject has been a struggle for me. I will normally prefer my 2-channel system for music and I rarely watch movies and don’t watch television- BUT - I am open to finding products to help bridge that gap, and simplicity would have to be key. This sounds like an interesting place to start.
Nice to see Terry Ellis here! Love his channel too! 👍🏼
Love your reviews
Great vid as always! Yes I’d like to see John review the Arcam sa30 to see his take on the musicality of that feature-ful integrated amp including Dirac live
Purchased the NAD M10 v2 a couple months ago after watching you, Ron at New Record Day reviews on the unit. Couldn't be happier with the M10. Have it running through and old Pioneer Spec 4 into the new Polk Audio R60 tower speakers. Fantastic sound. Thanks for all you do.
Have you heard any benefits of using Dirac?
Hey, wonderful as always :) I just thought I'd say that I would love to hear you review new music, outside of gear. I like your taste, and would love to hear you talk about it more in depth. Thanks!
Great review! I allso have the M10v2, and using a powernode to feed the rears. This just is the best all-in-one solution there is ATM.
NICE! I like this option/idea!
when I went to sound test the blue sound powernode last month, they had this set up too. I could not believe the difference. I did stay disciplined - I purchased the powernode. I hope to upgrade one day to this. The bass was SO accurate and full. Highs were crisp and clean. Loved it.
I'm actually upgrading to a NAD M10 V2 from a 7 months old Powernode, without listening to the NAD! Your comment is reassuring. The €3K were hard to swallow with a blind decision. I am receiving it next week.
@@chrisp.916 how is it? A lot better than powernode, is it worth to upgrade from powernode?
@@stevesentanoe6730 I have uploaded many sound demos on my profile , check them out! In short, the NAD M10 v2 is an upgrade from the Bluesound and aesthetically is much more appealing than the Powernode. Lots of power and the biggest advantage is the room correction software (Dirac Live).
Hi John
Thanks for including me in this video, it was great to work with you, hope this is ok to post.
For anyone interested there is not a "Terry Ellis Target Curve" that I can give you that will work for you. There is a specific process I follow that I know works and its unlikely anyone else is doing. But for target curves this has to be specific for every system room and person and its the bit that takes the time and experience to get right but getting it right makes all the difference and the level of fine tune flexibility Dirac offers is what makes it stand out.
Great video John, thanks again
PPS you Rock! 👍🏻🇮🇹
Thank you John, I think I have finally found the box that I need and want. The eARC input is the clincher, along with all the other features. I just need to find and get the best book shelf speakers to go along with this unit.
Wow! A “10” in Darko “enthusiasm” for sure! Love how you compared to two top integrated amps! 💪🏽🔥❤️
You have some sick sounding track at the start❤
Always love it when Terry gives you a tickle in the top end.
Thank you for this very comprehensive review. I‘ve been using the M10 V2 for half a year now with my KEFs (Meta+Sub). Especially with Dirac enabled the sound it delivers is just amazing, very clear highs, a punchy bass and a wide sound stage. I also like the small form factor and the simple design. It‘s a wonderful package for music AND movies. I haven‘t had the chance to try the 4.0 mode with wireless speakers, yet.
What would you rate the sound before and after Dirac out of 10?
Love your reviews. So balanced, and you are an audiophile who doesn't buy into the audiophile BS. I had a NAD M33 and I recently downsized the M10 V2. Honestly it sounds as good, am totally blown away with the unit. So much power, flawless operation. I had a Naim Uniti Nova before and it was hopeless with HDMI and no room correction.
What can you say how Good is m10v2 to m33? I have too m33
I can get a great deal on a M12. You think the M10 will be as good?
@@CedricRachmad if you don't need the connections or future upgradeability with MDC slots (which are now being replaced with MDC2 anyway) I think it is worth the consideration.
Im looking at NAIM star vx NAD M10 any thoughts?
nice collab with people's favorite hifi geek !
I would love to see a review on the Arcam SA30. Class G amp with Dirac built in, HDMI eARC, small form factor, 120 watts into 8 ohms for around the same price as the NAD.
There was a review on that .I’m just trying to remember who did that but it was done just recently.
Finally! Save it to watch it with a coffe latter
Nice review as always. Thx...Any plans to review NAD T778 ?
another great review , i have the 1st edition m10 and love it i drive a pair of mission 782se speakers they sound absolutely fantastic imo , i programmed my old nad c350 amp remote to do the basic functions like vol and skip etc , not sure i can warrant getting the v2 just yet though
Future if indeed. I had no idea Blue os app was available on Apple Watch until I watched this. Looked at my apps on the watch and it’s already there and working perfectly. Amazing!!!👍🏻
BETTER?!
I agree with what you say, had the M10 at home driving my Magnepan 1.6 and was pleased with the
result when applaying DIRAC. It also handles my TV, and listening radio with the M10 is fun, because
with the BluOS-App you can manage to have the same level of volume when switching between TV, radio or
streaming. Roon works out of the box. All in all a good WAF !
My old T&A E-MusicReceiver comes not even close to this.
The bigest deficiency however is ... you can't connect a headphone via cable like my Beyer T70 and I refuse to
use bluetooth headpohne at home !
Thats why it went back. I realy hope the NAD will come up with a solution for the M10 ! Maybe a V3 ?
I'm a full-size component guy with a dedicated listening room. However, this M10 V2 would be a fabulous solution for our daughter's apartment. It seems to check all the boxes for a small footprint system. Thanks again.
You can add a blusound wireless amp as well as wireless rear speakers
I find it rather expensive for a "daughters appartment" solution. I like the looks of it though. You basically pay for the looks of it...
@@obiwan007 if price is a concern there is the NAD C700 or the Powernode, almost all the same capabilities minus room correction.
I can be ur new son, and my apartment needs some new audio gear too, dad. Cmon now.
@@kas4751 That made me chuckle.
Really good review this one.. It seems like NAD have 'thrown the kitchen sink' at this unit. Amongst many things, DIRAC and rear surround feature is a real added bonus. I need a demo on this fantastic piece of kit.
Loving thr Eurythmics tribute room treatment (see Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) ,,,,,,all joking aside, nice video, big Bluesound fan in Canada only wish they built the products here too. Keep up the entertaining videos, thanks Ken
"We don't all listen for the same things." Bang on.
i just ordered the NAD m10v2 pairing it with Paradigm founders 80f. thanks
As always very enjoyable review that really helps to understand differences that would make me chose one option over the other.
As I’m under the impression you aim for making the best videos possible, I’ld like to point at the text in white (@ 17:36) over a partly white background. I couldn’t read it ( on my phone)
Now, it truly is everything. The M10 (both versions) finally got a balance [trim] control in the latest firmware update. I’d like to see a source trim next, but this is enough for now.
Good review, as always. I really prefer the Naim app (on a MusoQb2 and formally a Uniti Star) to the BluOS app - on my Bluesound Node.
Great video and a lot of useful info on Dirac. I've had a similar issue with Dirac on bass frequencies, I like a smidge more. Perhaps I'm simply used to a bass gain in my room (I am) and can't cope with the flattening 😁. Terry's channel is great too.
Thanks very much appreciate it 👍
Splendid, nice to hear someone who appreciates the analog organic appeal of vinyl but embraces the possibilities of enhancing the experience with Dirac/Room Perfect.
But my OCD got me. Room Correction or Room Compensation. I can live with both. But John - pick one and stick with it. 😜😂
I have the original M10 paired with Totem Tribe Towers in my bedroom. Makes watching movies more enjoyable as well as discovering new music through BluOs. Keep up the bloopers!
I have Totem Tribe III on walls as my L,C,R in my Living room. Continually impressed by their performance for size for TV, Movies and Music. The Tribe Towers in a bedroom sounds like a killer setup!!
@@joshmcgowan4 Indeed they are. They can be placed near a rear wall and provide a surprising bass for its size. On a side note, today I received a pair of Lumina 2 and they sound fantastic! I don't want to plug the Totems again hahaha. Oh, this hobby...
M10V2 is indeed one damn amazing unit, saw the actual unit, such a beauty
If you like the flexibility of the M10 but can't afford the price tag the Bluesound Powernode (HDMI version) can also do surround sound with the Bluesound Flex speakers or a second Powernode (any model) and passive speakers.
I agree with Bryan. Just to note there is no Dirac in the power node.
Another option if starting from new, the Bluesound Soundbar+ which has ATMOS, HDMI eArc, bass management, and supports rear wireless speakers. I have this in my Bedroom, as well as 3 other NAD systems in my home, including a M28
@@Wozzaatwozza good point about no Dirac in the Powernode
Thank you, noted!
What's the NAD V2 vs Powernode verdic with respect to sound ?
what about the NAD C700?
Thanks for the review! I wish this unit had a HT input
LMAO. I just ordered the NAD M10 V2 today. Going to connect it with a pair of KEF LS50 Metas AND a pair of JL Audio e100 subwoofers. I love the dual sub control on this NAD M10 V2. That is brilliant.
Great review! When using the 2.1 and internal frequency filter what were you setting the crossover at? Were you going higher than the typical 5hz above that of the speakers lowest frequency response? Or did you just let Dirac’s recommendations sort that out? Thanks!
Another great video!. thanks John. I am seeing a slight difference in the video.. Has Olaf switched to a BlackMagic Pocket 6K camera for this? 😁
Fantastic. Super helpful and entertaining. NAD M10v2 a real contender. One follow up - what did you do with your headphones when using the M10v2?
Bluetooth: Apple AirPods Max 👍🏻
Well done John I love your reviews especially since you got into this all in one system is very convenient I must say there’s definitely a place for it but I still prefer my separate preamp amplifier and Dac.
Me too (kind of), I recently bought mono blocks, but now need the matching Pre and a new DAC. I prefer minimalism and I’m missing my surround sound, so this could be the answer.
@@Percival1919 yes it can Not too shabby lol
As an owner of an Atom and original M10, I echo all of John’s comments!
I’d describe the M10 as clean and clear, but a slight bit lean sounding. By comparison the Naim is meaty but fuzzy. It has more weight but much less definition in the bass.
I flip flopped between which I prefer and it really took living with each for an extended time to choose.
I’m going to stick with the M10.
John love the video. Any word on lossless bluetooth integration?
I have a T778. Love it. I auditioned a M10V2. Returned it due to its weak 🪶& hot 🥵 amplifier section. Otherwise, brilliant & gorgeous unit.
I owned one and after running Dirac the sound was great. The app was great. I ended up returning because it kept making LOUD pops, the maximum volume is really quite low, and it seemed to do a poor job of driving my sub. The bass was there, but the impact and drive was gone. I actually may have kept it if it had 1 more HDMI input.
hi John, thanks for this great review! Which stands are you using for the speakers? Couldn’t figure that out. Kind regards
Great review and the bloopers at the end were a great finish! I do have to ask though why prices are given in USD and not including any other currencies?
Dirac murdered my imaging and shrunk my soundstage to a small speaker bound wall of sound! Every copy needs to come with Terry Ellis or they need to provide much better training and guidance for people who follow their guidelines and get s… results 😄 Thankfully this was a trial on my computer and not an amp I bought to get Dirac 😅 For reference, I spent some of my past doing recording and mixing, I used a calibrated mic on a stand, did 5 different measurements and 8 different target curves. Only when I turned everything off and curtained below 500hz, did it do more good than harm.
Same thing happened here; They need a Terry Ellis stock filter. Lol.
Same, turned it off. Then sold it.
Well, their flat target curve is generally wrong as well. Of course you can customize it but most people don’t understand where to put this.
Generally, it’s trying to do a bit too much
Dirac is fully customizable to your listening desires. Take some time with it
@@eltongoemans1080 I do t believe people buy a 3K amp and don't even bother customizing it.
It is possible to program the remote control to do more than just the functions you mention. The numbered buttons can be assigned to different inputs via the BluOS app making it much more versatile. I own the M10 (V1) and I think its biggest downside is its ability to drive low sensitivity speakers. I would love to see how it handles some ZU Audio speakers in the future.
Merry Crispness John.
Watched this review last week and bought the M10 V2 to replace my Cambridge Audio Cx81 & CXN Streamer. Now I’m no audio snob, can’t hear a difference in cables etc but as soon as I turned this thing on I could hear a clear difference. Sounded like shhhit! Thin and weak treble with no bass coming from my SVS 3000. I immediately ran the room correction thinking that might help but it only made things worse. It was a bit shocking really. Anyway, Crutchfield was super cool and it only cost me $12 shipping to return it. Lesson learned and no mo fomo. Gave me a real appreciation for my old gear so it was a good experience overall.
I really enjoy your enthusiastic, detailed and colorful reviews of audio equipment. I'm actually in the process of changing my Linn Majik DSM / 4 for the Naim Unity Atom or the NAD M10 v2..The Linn does not seems to be a good match with my actual speakers (Fyneaudio F501). The sound is too bright even using the Space Optimization option. This was the review that I needed. Just one question: when you said that de NAD "blows out of the water" the Atom, "when Dirac is set up properly and engaged", is it with the Standard Mode or with the Terry's adjustments? Or the Standard Mode and some other local adjustments will be enough?
I have the original M10, a T778, and the M33 and I never use the touch screen. The BluOS app is all I use. It also works on the Powernode for the pool and the Node in the kitchen.
Hi Mike here. I really enjoy your videos and your podcasts - great production values, nicely balanced views, stay on point and well structured so thanks. I am just starting to consider room correction so was interested in the NAD and Arcam 30. I was wondering, have you ever reviewed/considered reviewing a MiniDSP product? It looks like it could bring room correction as an option to most hifi owners without having to completely rebuy an amp - it looks like you just need to have ta separate pre / power combo. What are your thoughts? Thanks Mike
I'm watching this with my nad m10 v2.
💯⚡
These reviews are so superior to almost anything else out there, but, as always, they lead to more questions. I listen to a 4.0 setup exclusively for music, as you discuss here, but my surround speakers are wired. I assume this cannot work with the M10 v 2, but suggests an add-on for the future that would be useful. I also thought of using the pre-out to connect a second amp for the surround speakers. Do you think that is viable?
Nice review thanks. Can't decide between this and the NAD C399 with additional MDC2 module for room correction. Not sure if I'd make use of the display, or even want it on all the time, in which case I lean towards the C399 which also has extra power. But then I see this thing and just fall in love with it. Torn.
I see on the 'measurements' for this on 4ohm is 232Wpc at 4ohm and comes to 179Wpc 6ohm unlike the c700 method of amp algorithm. This is to push those 'hard to push speakers' new algorithms. Just wanted to add to the conversation. ⚡
Ps: I was considering the 399 until I found this information on soundstage network's measurements page about the M10v2. I am now looking for 4ohm speakers to pair with it for purchase. Check it out.
Great review Darko. I recently purchased Exposure 3010 Mono blocks. I'm using an Arcam A39 as a Pre until I plan to get an Exposure dedicated Pre. But now I've watched this, I'm wondering how this will do the job as a Pre, especially as I do like Surround sound for watching TV and films? This can then replace my Macbook Pro and Cambridge Audio Dac100.
Great review, but having both the NAD C658 streaming to our (vintage) stereo downstairs and the NAD T758 v3 for the TV room upstairs, I still have to scratch my head and wonder why the M10 has no analog bypass while the C & T do.
Without using Dirac (waiting to get rear speakers wired) vinyl sounds fuller on both of my....uh....NADs than digitized (which also sounds really good).
Just seems like something the M series would offer.
Great video John, this looks like a real "entertainment hub" dare I say it.🎧🙂👍
Terrific video John. I'm a BluOS fan. I have two Nodes. I'm considering replacing my vintage Yamaha CA 2010 (circa 1975 ish) with the NAD. Your thoughts on the quality of the internal DAC on the NAD vs the Node (3rd gen)? Cheers, JM
Great review! Too bad you didn’t talk about the pre out option for power amps and larger speakers upgrades
Great review as always, John! Couldn’t help but notice in the b-roll you had a new MacBook Pro 14”. How do you like it? Is it a replacement for your gold MacBook Air?
I might have missed you say it, but does the DIRAC incorporate the wireless satellite speakers in the 4.1 setup?
Great review John. I own the M10v2 and purchased the two flex's (w. Battery packs also for versatility) - albeit they are still on backorder...
Terrific unit - my only frustrations are
No source selection on the remote
The unit won't flick back to BluOS source when jumping into Tidal connect whilst HDMI earc is engaged (you have to use touchscreen)
The TV will always boot up assuming the audio system is in use. Using the tv remote you always have to change back to TV speakers (HDMI glitch it seems)
Which speakers are you running the NAD on? And have you heard any benefits of using Dirac?
Great comparison. If your speakers are very easy to drive, would that change your view?
Interesting about the PULSE FLEX 2i speakers. I'm a fan of these speakers and use two in stereo for desk speakers. The high frequencies aren't as smooth as I would like but I love the fat midrange. I really can't recommend them enough.
I've seen reliability issues with an NAD amplifier and an NAD DAC in the last 8-9 years so I'm hoping Bluesound products last longer.
Viewers who skip the blooper reel at the end are missing out.
Thanks for another good video and review.. The Nad is a true all in one box.. And i do get the point of the Lyngdorf and Naim.
Wish the Lyngdorf had just alittle more power and the SCREEN from the NAD.. Just strange why they have so much releaste on the front looking like a screen, and not so much behind it..
Happy Easter and hope you have alot of good hifi experience! :)
Thanks for the video! As always very enjoyable to watch. I actually have an m10v2 and I'm going back and forth between spending 700 euro for the surrounds or not. Also they seem to be all sold out at least where I am. Wondering if they have been discontinued or just supply chain issues.
Which speakers are you running the NAD on? And have you heard any benefits of using Dirac?
Would like to see more in depth comparisons in this super relevant/competitive segment (atom/m10/tdai1120) with some more detailed conclusions and preferences. Like… which would you buy?
Does the v2 version still get as hot as the original version? So is the cooling better or has it a mover efficient way to generate the power for the speakers?
Nad looks great and has many useful features. Have you tried hard to drive speakers? Because 100 watt at 4 ohm and no specification for 2 ohm, on the paper it doesn’t seem to have a great driving potential.
Love much of your videos John, this one in particular…thank you. A question for anyone who has a point of view on balanced vs single ended (SE)…the NAD M10 V2 is SE but if I am going to be investing in a single hub, is this an important parameter? I do not know of similar products which offer XLR, but I wonder if price and better compatibility are the only things that went into SE only for the NAD or is there a design philosophy that believes that SE is genuinely as good or better? Any thoughts or opinions by anyone would be much welcomed. Along with forgiveness if this is a naive question…thanks
Had the M10 V1. And I also tried it as a pre-amp. The sound actually improved using an Arcam amp. In the past, I’ve used SE and balanced out of a good DAC and heard no difference. Unless you’re in a studio with tons of cable or running the cables 30+ feet or so, it’s not going to make a difference. Some of the best headphone amps I’ve had only have single ended input and they sound better than any amp with balanced input I’ve used.
Everything
this thing is a allrounder. but you could also go with a yamaha cx a5000/5100/5200 surround preamp. it also has room mesurment and you can tune it by yourself...okay a usb streamer and a high end dac is also needed. but you can go crazy with amps.
i only have a oppo sonica dac (i use the preamp)with the zen stream in front of it. a accuphase p4200 as amp...b&w 804D2 speakers. everything hooked up with nordost tyr2 and frey2 cables. ps audio p5 for power delivery. realy good room treatment an i have no need for a dsp in my system.
now i ordered a smsl vmv d2 dac so it will get even better. it is no soundstage...there is a sphere around the speakers...at some songs there is a surround effekt that you turn your head arround every time you hear it...crazy good soundstage would i say. if you got a realy good setup and room treatment, there is no need for that dsp/equalizer/ dirac live things. but if its not the case...your audio performance will improof alot with those services.
what i found out about controlling the speakers is that the accuphase amps are realy awesome. first i got a yamaha a s2000 and the bass was more upper base roar and lower base wasnt realy there. than i switched to an accuphase e350 integrated amp and the bass was wow...realy low and controlled...almost no roaring anymore. the treble of the a s2000 was also not us much like the e350 but at the same time it was harsher.
but finally i got the p4200 amp....uff..another level in controlling the speakers. deeper bass, more controlled but also warmer sort off...you feel the bass much more. i think its also about phaseshift arround the whole frequenzy spectrum. every thing sounds bigger and much more real and natural. didnt acspect the such a nice step up from the realy good e350 integrated.
just an awesome performance without any dsp and stuff. xd