I have just purchased a Wiim Pro Plus, and wondering whether I should use this as the primary DAC or the older NAD M51. Hi end active speakers, modest Cambridge Audio Azur 840E preamp. I think the NAD sounds better but early listening days.

The M51 was one of my best audio purchases in terms of value for money. I would not be surprised if it were still comparing favourably. I used it directly with active speakers (Neumann KH 120) without preamp.

Agree - If you’re using  active speakers, why not run the nad or the Wiim direct?  I was one of the first people in Oz to acquire the M51 and running it direct as pre/dac was a revelation at the time.

1 hour ago, Lil Caesar said:

Agree - If you’re using  active speakers, why not run the nad or the Wiim direct?  I was one of the first people in Oz to acquire the M51 and running it direct as pre/dac was a revelation at the time.

I bought mine because of your early reports.

On 27/04/2025 at 4:47 PM, Lil Caesar said:

Agree - If you’re using  active speakers, why not run the nad or the Wiim direct?  I was one of the first people in Oz to acquire the M51 and running it direct as pre/dac was a revelation at the time.

So I ended up going to the Wiim Ultra with the extra specs and functionality. Then I took out the Cambridge Audio, preamp out (think it needs a service), hooked up the NAD M51 and now it sounds amazing. I can't go direct from the Wiim as no balanced outputs. 

 

And if you had or could operate FW 1.39 or lower on the M51……

Interesting, might see what mine is.