M5

About the M5

The NAD M5 is a Masters Series CD/SACD player designed for audiophiles seeking superior sound quality in both stereo and multi-channel formats. It plays SACD, CD, CD-R, and CD-RW discs, supporting HDCD, MP3, and WMA decoding. The player uses professional-grade D/A converters with 24-bit/192kHz resolution for PCM signals and a special DSD mode for SACD playback. It features separate signal paths for CD and SACD to optimize audio fidelity, with user-adjustable digital filters for CD playback. The M5 includes stereo RCA and balanced XLR outputs for CD and SACD, plus 5.1 channel RCA outputs for SACD multi-channel audio, complete with bass management controls for level, size, delay, and crossover adjustments per channel. The unit employs two discrete power supplies—a linear C-core transformer for audio circuits and a switching supply for digital/mechanical circuits—to minimize noise. Its chassis is engineered with heavy gauge steel and vibration-isolating feet to reduce mechanical interference. Additional features include a vacuum fluorescent display with adjustable brightness, a full-feature IR remote control, and multiple digital outputs (AES/EBU, coaxial, optical). Dimensions are 435 x 100 x 300 mm, weighing approximately 9.2 kg. The M5 is noted for its excellent SACD sound quality and robust build, though some reviews mention CD playback as less impactful compared to SACD. It was priced around £1600 at release and is considered a high-performance player for serious HiFi enthusiasts.