Nad M51, Nad C510 OR Cambridge Audio CXN

[AlurkA]

Have decided to move on from my Parasound P5 to a dedicated PRE and DAC driven via USB and my mac mini.  Have read heaps of positive feedback on the M51 and am wondering how different the C510 is in comparison to this, sound wise and components.  Also toying with the idea of moving to a streamer like the Cambridge Audio CXN and was hoping someone out there in SNLand has heard/compared the M51/C510 with the CXN and may be able to provide some advice/commentary on the listening experience of these devices.

 

Cheers

 

 

Edited May 7, 2017 by AlurkA

[Bunno77]

JC2? I'd be going a bit better dac than each of these if going to a JC2. None are bad but they are a bit 'digital' sounding.

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[Addicted to music]

The m51 is no different to the C510.   The difference is the that the C510'has a volume control knob and a different cabinetry.   

The volume control on the m51 is second to none IMO as it advertise a 35bit control.  How it compares to the CA I have no idea.  The thing I can say is that the m51 would suit bright equipment.   I'm about to release my m51 if the price is right, a decision that I may regret.  So if you're interested PM me and let me know.

[AlurkA]

Thanks Bunno77, Addicted to music. 

 

I probably should have mentioned my other gear. Currently listening to Dynaudio Focus 380's paired with one of Arthur's older Elektra Theatron.  You gotta start somewhere and moving on and hopefully up is the plan!!

 

Cheers 

 

[blybo]

1 hour ago, AlurkA said:

Thanks Bunno77, Addicted to music. 

 

I probably should have mentioned my other gear. Currently listening to Dynaudio Focus 380's paired with one of Arthur's older Elektra Theatron.  You gotta start somewhere and moving on and hopefully up is the plan!!

 

Cheers 

 

A matching Elektra Pre and 2 ch Reference amp may be available quite soon. Just saying

[AlurkA]

Thanks blybo,  now thats just not fair....teasing someone like that :-)

[blybo]

3 minutes ago, AlurkA said:

Thanks blybo,  now thats just not fair....teasing someone like that :-)

 

You'll probably also want to know I'll also be selling my Audiolab 8200CD when the Elektra gear goes on the market then, which is basically a high quality DAC with a CD Transport built in . I've had it about 2.5 years and it would be lucky to have played 2 dozen CD's, and the USB is said to be the best connection, I've only ever used Co-ax or optical.

[getdisdude]

I've currently got both the CXN and M51 and have paired them with various amps with good and better outcomes. 

 

The CXN is a little bass heavy compared to the M51. But the Nad has more detail and a bit on the warmer side. 

 

The CXN probably offers more bang for buck especially if using Spotify. The M51 does heaps better with good source material and can be revealing. 

 

Also comes down with the amp you plan to use. I found the CXN pairs excellent with Primare while the M51 did better with Arcam.

 

Just some thoughts, hope it helps

[AlurkA]

Thanks heaps getdisdude.  That gives me a reasonable idea.  I do prefer a slightly warmer sound.  Tend to run everything from a mac mini, spotify, Jriver media center, vlc etc. Like the idea of the CXN and looks but the price of an M51 second hand is certainly more attractive.