NAD C510 and M51 - really the same DAC ??

[JJK]

Hello All

I've read all I can find on these 2 DACs and it seems they are the same. People I have talked to say it's the same DAC. I have one on loan and I like it a lot. It eliminates my obsession with re-clocking airplay and very fine volume control of airplay. It's remote also works my AMP. It sounds better than the other DACs I have in my system (oppo 105, NAD MDC DAC 2, and the Bluesound node2 DAC)

I know it's not the latest DAC but I don't need DSD and I really like the loaner.

A new C510 is about the same price as a refurbished M51 so if they are indeed the same DAC I would get the C510 if for no other reason than to support my local dealer.

Has anyone tried both and found a difference?

 

2nd question - I can bypass the preamp in my NAD 356BEE and use the C510 or M51 directly into the "main-in" on the amp - is that the way to go or should I use the preamp in the 356bee?

 

Thanks

JJK

[wwaldmanfan]

I have a M51, so I asked the dealer what the difference is, aside from the obvious fact that the C510 has a volume knob on the front, and the M51 has nicer casework, and a longer warranty. He told me that the M51 has a better analog section. Maybe true, maybe a sell-job, I dunno.

No DSD, as you say, but the HDMI connectivity is nice.

 

Try the amp with and without the preamp in the circuit to see if you can hear a difference. Without it, the signal path is more direct, but with it, you have the tone and balance controls available.

[JJK]

Thanks wwaldmanfan

Exactly the same or not - I'm going ahead and buy it. A new one should be ready for pickup on Thursday.

The dealer I have one on loan from doesn't stock the M51 any longer because they can't discern a difference. They are large mid / hifi outfit with 3 floors of really nice stuff. They carry the rest of the NAD masters series.

I also called spearitsound - they told me the difference was better connections and "pride of ownership" and that some customers claimed to hear a difference but that they could not make that claim, but wouldn’t rule it out... They also said the sell lots more of the M51 - go figure...

 

Finally NAD got back to me and confirmed that the board and the power supply is exactly the same and that the chassis and the release date are the reason for the price difference. Looks like they are taking the Master series in a different direction with the M12 (too rich for my blood)

Seems like a good buy for what I listen to and how listen, and it is an upgrade in my small system. Not so much $$ that I feel locked in forever.

Thanks again.

JJK