NAD M52 DAC

[machinehead]

So it's in my main system... A couple comparisons to the Bryston.. Bryston is warmer sounding and more laid back. I'd say the Bryston is still a pretty neutral sounding Dac though. The Nad is not forward sounding either. The Nad makes instruments sound far more real, especially piano. The Nad has less bass, more detail and control than the Bryston. I notice great separation between left and right. Mids are nice. I think you notice more because their is less bass bloom. It doesn't sound thin, but is very different in presentation. The Dac is very fast and captures a ridiculous amount of detail, it's still musical though.
This is just listening to it as a Dac, without the pre function.

[machinehead]

Imaging seems a bit sharper too.

[BobM]

Which one sounds "better" subjectively given the type of music you like to listen to?

[machinehead]

Well it definitely helps in that there is no bass overload. More controlled, also the Bryston seems a bit grainy so I'd have to give the win to the Nad. The Bryston is a tad warmer and is like an old sock comfy, but you only have one and when you put two feet in it rips. Wah.

[machinehead]

NAD went back to dealer. Remote doesn't work. I mean the remote works but the DAC locks up or overheats. I tested using supplied remote and Universal... Logitech. No now I am Dacless. I put in an old Theta Chroma 396.. ugh what a piece of crap.
Nads are sold out everywhere. Have to wait until June. wah.

[richidoo]

Well, that sucks. Bryston gone?

[machinehead]

Bryston is going...

[mfsoa]

Maybe the saying is true - NAD stands for Nearly Always Defective.

Hope you get your dac back soon!

[machinehead]

I heard that.  And so it was... Lol

[machinehead]

Review from HiFi News is out...
http://nadelectronics.com/articles/Hi-Fi-News-and-Record-Reviews-Highly-Recommend-NAD-M51-Direct-Digital-DAC