NAD M51 and PMC PB1i Signatures a good match ?

Theo

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Nov 16, 2011
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I have enjoyed several years of great audio with my setup and currently looking to upgrade. The idea is to get a NAD M51 as an external DAC to my slimdevices transporter and also to run it direct to power amps. I didn't get a chance for a home demo to try this out but just wanted to check whether the experts here might have an opinion.

Rest of the system ? Slimdevices Transporter -> Stereoknight TVC Passive Pre -> Emotiva XPA-1 -> PMC PB1i Signatures

How does it sound? Extremely transparent, lots of detail, great big soundstage and fantastic at low SPL listening

What do I want to improve on with a new DAC? All aspects plus more scale & authority particularly with lesser quality recordings.

The worry I have is that the M51 is known to be a bit laid back so might not pair well with the PMC PB1i Signatures which are already on the warm side.

Any thoughts or suggestions ?
 

mpapo

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Jan 15, 2011
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I can only vouch for the M51, nice step up from my Benchmark DAC1 that was a bit too clinical paired with my studio monitors.

Sounds is very natural and detailed right now.

I won't describe the sound as laid-back though. Same advice as always, try to listen to it first in your own system..
 

TheHomeCinemaCentre

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Oct 1, 2008
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The PB1 sigs are great as is the NAD but I have a reservation on using the M51 as a pre-amp. I seem to recall from when I was a NAD dealer that the pre-out was a weak point - certainly with revealing speakers on the other end. I always set it up just as a DAC. If you do wish to go down this route I look to a home demo first.
 

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