Product Previews

NAD Master Series M50.2 Digital Music Player Preview

I find it beyond ironic that in today’s resurgence of analogue audio and vinyl in particular, that we quietly, confidently, move forward with digital music, hating to say, the TRUE future of music playback.

I’m a vinyl lover, always will be as there is nothing more gratifying than an evening with several albums on your lap, a glass of wine and the music.

But NAD makes digital sexy and alluring! Taking my analogue hat off for the moment, I’m just absolutely stoked about reviewing the new Media Player from NAD Electronics!

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What is the NAD M50.2 Digital Music Player? A handsome computer exclusively for music; it has software, hardware, storage, a touch panel screen, a CD drive, and connects to the internet – Steve Jobs couldn’t have envisioned it any better. It combines the legacy NAD M50 Digital Music Player and the M52 Digital Music Vault into one all-digital component.

The M50.2 incorporates the use of Wifi, Bluetooth aptX, Streaming, BluOS (Bluesound) and USB connectivity. The main premise is to play high-resolution audio with sampling rates up to 192kHz and bit depths up to 24 bits. In fact it will rip CD’s into 24bit/192kHz and store them on a 2TB drive with a mirrored backup. It will play literally every audio file out there including the new MQA format.

Using the available app for your phone or tablet, stream virtually any online service, the short list includes Tidal, Spotify and HighResAudio along with internet radio. Using the HDMI output, you can view your selections on your larger display.

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What you will need besides free time is a DAC, an amplifier and speakers!

See the complete review of the NAD Master Series M50.2 Digital Music Player

Piero Gabucci

As a kid I wasn’t frugal with money, but so glad my brother was. He worked and saved to buy audio gear that I was able to enjoy. I was hooked on hifi. When I graduated from college, I rewarded myself with a pair of KEF speakers and a Denon Turntable and amplifier. They were my prized possessions. Today as an architect, my passion for music and film match my joy for architecture - art is art. Involved with Secrets for many years now, I’m able to enjoy some great gear and I do love it all, analog (vinyl and tubes) and digital (high-res and solid state). My approach to reviewing is with an openness and unbiased enthusiasm as I do think the art of high fidelity is subjective. Whether you believe the goal of hifi equipment is to capture the quality of a live performance or to faithfully reproduce the artist’s studio recording isn’t relevant, it’s the pure enjoyment at all levels that matter.