NAD has once again upgraded its M10 streaming amplifier, and this time the company’s midrange option has received some significant improvements. The M10 V3 now boasts a dedicated phono input for turntables with moving magnet cartridges, allowing vinyl enthusiasts to easily integrate their turntables into their audio setup. This upgrade, combined with an improved DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and the option to utilize Dirac Live Bass Control, offers enhanced audio fidelity and greater flexibility for music lovers.
The M10 V3 retains many of the key features found in its predecessor, the V2 model. It features a full-color touchscreen for intuitive control, an aluminum enclosure with Gorilla Glass on the front and top surfaces, and comes with a dedicated remote control. The new BC1 remote boasts dedicated buttons for the Dirac Room Correction settings, providing easy access to adjust your audio experience to the specifics of your listening room.
One of the most notable enhancements in the V3 is the inclusion of Dirac’s Bass Control. While the M10 V2 already offered Dirac Live Room Correction, the V3 allows you to upgrade to the full-bandwidth version and also incorporates Dirac’s Bass Control feature. This feature provides greater control over subwoofer placement, allowing for more precise and balanced bass response.
The M10 V3 retains its impressive 100-watt per channel amplification, with dynamic power of up to 300 watts at 4 ohms. However, the digital signals are now processed by the ESS ES9039 DAC, which NAD claims is “one of the world’s best digital-to-analogue converters with unprecedented dynamic range and ultra-low distortion.” This upgraded DAC replaces the older ES9028 found in the V2 model and contributes to the enhanced audio quality of the V3.
In addition to the new phono input, the V3 also upgrades the HDMI input from ARC (Audio Return Channel) to eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). This ensures compatibility with a wider range of TVs and supports lossless Dolby Audio formats for even more immersive sound. Despite these upgrades, the M10 V3 still provides a pre-out for connecting to a dedicated amplifier, as well as two subwoofer outputs for those who prefer a more powerful bass experience.
The M10 V3 continues to leverage the powerful BluOS streaming platform, which enables high-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz from various sources, including streaming services, your personal music library, or directly connected devices via the USB port. The V3 can fully decode and render MQA streams and also plays converted DSD files, ensuring a seamless and high-quality listening experience.
For added convenience, the M10 V3 boasts compatibility with popular streaming services like Apple AirPlay 2, Tidal Connect, and Spotify Connect. It is also Roon Ready and supports two-way Bluetooth streaming with the aptX HD Bluetooth codec, offering flexibility and connectivity for a wide range of music lovers.
With its comprehensive suite of features and upgraded audio performance, the NAD M10 V3 promises to deliver a compelling listening experience for music enthusiasts of all stripes. Available in late fall at the same price as its predecessor, the M10 V3 is set to become a popular choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile streaming amplifier.
