NAD M5 C/AH User manual

The Masters Series – M5 CD/SACD Player
- Plays SACD, CD, CD-R, CD-RW
- AES/EBU balanced digital out for PCM sources
- Coax and TosLink PCM digital audio outputs
- Separate 2 channel and 5.1 channel analog
outputs
- Balanced 600 Ohm Stereo Outputs
- HDCD, MP3, and WMA decoding
- Bass Management for SACD
- 24 bit 192kHz DACs with DSD mode
- NAD Pure Class A Discrete Gain Modules
- Separate power supplies; switch mode for
digital circuits, linear for audio circuits.
- Composite Video Output (switchable On/Off)
- RS-232 port
- IR Input
- 12V Trigger Input
- Detachable AC cord
- M5 Remote Control
SUPER AUDIO FOR ALL CD’s
The Super Audio Compact Disc offers a signifi cant improvement in
sonic performance when compared with a standard CD. SACD uses a
fundamentally different approach to transferring the analog musical
waveform into the digital domain for storage on the disc. This is called
Direct Stream Digital, and is widely considered to be a fundamentally
better approach to digital encoding. This requires very high speed
processing that simply wasn’t available at the birth of the CD format. This
high data rate process avoids the quantization errors inherent in the Pulse
Code Modulation process used for the traditional CD and DVD. Extended
high frequency response, enhanced detail and a more analog-like sound
quality are often stated improvements of SACD over CD.
Many of us still have extensive CD collections, however, and luckily the M5
has sophisticated circuitry designed to also get the best possible sound
quality from your existing CD recordings. In addition, the M5 includes an
HDCD decoder which can increase the dynamic range of CD by 6dB with
specially encoded and widely available CDs. CDR and CDRW recordable
discs are fully supported, and even MP3 and WMA can be played on the
M5 CD/SACD Player offering many hours of playback from a single disc.
But the SACD format also offers the possibility of 5.1 surround sound
playback, and the M5 is equipped to take full advantage of these exciting
new multi-channel recordings. We have even included comprehensive
bass management (redirection) for the 5.1 output. Several popular speaker
confi gurations can be easily accessed from the front panel controls and
navigated via the VFD display. A higher level of fi ne tuning is available via
the Composite Video output using the M5’s On Screen Display. This video
output is also useful for managing MP3 playback. Since we expect most
M5’s to be used in music only systems, the video circuit can be switched
off to afford the cleanest possible audio performance.
LUXURIOUS DESIGN
The design brief reads: “The industrial design must create a physical
presence that is powerful, dynamic, and solid, yet refi ned and elegant”.
We wanted a design that will still look fresh and new a decade from now,
a design with classic proportions and understated details.
Intelligent use of aluminum extrusions, zinc castings, and heavy gauge
steel results in a chassis that is as rugged as it is handsome. Innovative
use of specialized coatings and plating results in a product that will retain
its good looks for many, many years to come.
Since the high-density data recorded on SACD must be read with absolute
accuracy, vibrations from outside or from internal sources, such as the

power supply, will adversely affect sound and picture quality.
A variety of special measures have been incorporated in
the NAD M5 to suppress these unwanted vibrations, from
the carefully engineered heavy gauge steel chassis, to the
vibration isolating silicon rubber foot design.
AUDIO PERFORMANCE
Separately confi gured signal paths for the CD and SACD
audio maintain the highest possible levels of CD and SACD
sound quality. PCM Digital audio outputs are available in
AES/EBU (balanced), coaxial, and optical (TosLink) SPDIF
formats.
The NAD M5 uses professional grade D/A converters with
24-bit, 192-kHz resolution for PCM (CD) signals, and a special
DSD mode for SACD. These premium devices are well
protected from noise caused by even minute fl uctuations
in current from the power supply. Separate digital fi lters are
employed for the SACD and CD signal paths to perfectly
compliment these uniquely different signal formats. The
level of quantization noise within the frequency range is
uniform for all frequencies and very well suppressed. This
D/A converter ensures that all the sound you hear is as clear
and noise-free as possible, regardless of recorded format.
NAD’s specially designed discrete Class A gain modules
keep all the detail in high resolution SACD perfectly intact,
and offer very low output impedance across the frequency
spectrum. These are the same high performance modules
fi rst seen in the M3 preamplifi er stage, with distortion levels
that are at the lower limits of measurement combined with
ample undistorted output current to effortlessly drive even
long cable runs. A set of balanced stereo analog outputs
are included for very long runs and easy integration with
professional studio equipment.
The audio stage of the M5 is fed from a separate linear power
supply utilizing a specially designed C-core transformer for
the lowest possible noise and best supply regulation. The
mechanical and digital circuits have their own independent
NAD designed switch mode supply.
Digital Bass Management is available for the SACD surround
sound format. This prevents bass frequencies from
overloading and distorting your speakers by ‘redirecting’
them to your subwoofer which is specially designed to
handle the lowest octaves. When playing Super Audio CD
sources, it is possi¬ble to preset 5.1 speaker confi gurations.
The crossover point is selectable with 12 dB high and 24 dB
low pass fi lter slopes.
VALUE
Musical performance at the highest levels of attainment;
inspired industrial design; Build Artistry construction; the
M5 CD/SACD Player is without peer for its unique blend
of features and performance at an incredibly affordable
price. The M5 has the power and performance to literally
transform your current CD collection, opening new musical
vistas in your favorite recordings. The M5 also fully exploits
the latest recorded music formats. From High Defi nition
SACD, to compressed MP3 and WMA, the emotive value of
music is always clearly communicated. If music is important
in your life, listen to the NAD Masters Series M5.

Audio
Frequency Response CD Audio
Frequency Response SACD Audio
Output Level
HDCD, SACD, CD RCA Out
Balanced
Signal/noise ratio, A-weighted
2 ch out: RCA Out CD:
2 ch out: RCA Out SACD:
2 ch out: Balanced CD:
2 ch out: Balanced SACD:
6 Ch out:
THD (at 0dB, 1kHz)
Wow and Flutter
Channel separation CD
Dynamic range
CD
SACD
Number of discs
Output
Digital Coaxial - PCM, DTS, MPEG, AC3
Digital Optical - PCM, DTS, MPEG, AC3
Composite Video
Remote Control
Physical Specifi cations
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Net Weight
Shipping Weight
4Hz to 20kHz
10Hz to 41kHz
2V rms
4.24V
-110dB
-116dB
-112.5dB
-121dB
-95dB
0.0018%
Quartz Accuracy
100dB
96dB
110dB
1
0.5 p-p 75Ω, RCA x 1
3V p-p 75Ω
1v p-p 75Ω 1 x RCA
NAD M5
17 1/8 x 3 7/8 x 11 4/5”
(436 x 100 x 300mm)
20.3 lbs (9.2kg)
31.5 lbs (14.3kg)
Specifi cations
Specifi cations

NAD Electronics International reserves the right to change specifi cations or features without notice as design improvements are incorporated. NAD is a registered
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written permission of NAD Electronics. International. Printed in Canada 12/05.
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