NAD M10 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier Review

From NAD’s Masters Series comes the updated M10 V2 Streaming Amplifier, a compact stereo integrated amp with built-in BluOS streaming with both Bluetooth (aptX HD) and AirPlay 2. A seven-inch screen on the front can display the artist’s name, titles, and album art as well as other details. Though it has a remote, the screen responds to the user’s touch, so selecting a source and controlling the volume are a snap. The potent 100-watt-per-channel Class D amplifier allows for connecting a pair of speakers and an additional pair wirelessly for Dolby Digital 4.2 surround sound. Is it the unicorn of audio? Can it become the only one-box device you need to listen to your digital/analog high-resolution music? Let’s see.

Founded in 1972, NAD is renowned for its line of award-winning, high-quality audio components. I remember when the high-end audio shop in town had some of their first amps powering the latest top-of-the-line Infinity speakers. All NAD products of the period had a very utilitarian and minimalist look, finished in a dull olive green/grey color that reminded me of military gear. For several years, I owned a NAD receiver (7220PE) that let me enjoy vinyl LPs in all their glory. The 1970s were the Golden Age of HiFi when we still had HiFi shops to peruse…but I digress.

The M10 V2 is an updated version of the popular M10, and the improvements are significant. The nCore amp has updated gain algorithms and is stable into four ohms, which allows it to drive almost any speaker on the market. Two-way Bluetooth lets you connect a second set of wireless speakers for Dolby Digital surround in four channels. It now also has two subwoofer outputs to create a 4.2 surround system for movie watching. It has an HDMI input for TV audio, but curiously, no way to play the center channel. It supports high-resolution audio formats such as MQA, FLAC, WAV, and AIFF files and you can stream from Apple or Android devices with the BluOS Controller app which is a free download.

For connections, it offers two analog stereo RCA audio inputs, one each of TOSLink and coax digital inputs, a single HDMI eARC input, one type-A USB input for storage or a thumb drive, a gigabit ethernet port for a hardwire connection to your network, an RCA pre-out to an amp of your choosing, two mono sub outputs, a pair of speaker posts, and IR in & 12-volt trigger out. The remote is basic, yet elegant and simple to use. As if the touchscreen or remote were not enough, it can also be voice-controlled by Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri.

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The M10 V2 came double boxed and I was surprised by how compact it was. The M10 V2 cannot be rack-mounted, nor is it meant to be hidden away behind a cabinet door. Its clean design and functionality will allow you to leave it out in the open so you can access the controls on its glass touch screen and enjoy the seven-inch display. I set mine on top of a stack of audio gear and ran cables from a pair of Sonus faber Sonetto V speakers into the back of the M10. Next, I connected the unit with an ethernet cable and got it onto the network. I downloaded the BluOS app, and it quickly found the M10 V2. From this point, I was ready to go. I logged into Qobuz and started listening to my Favorites List.

Soon after, I ran the Dirac program from a laptop, and after a few false starts, completed the correction for a single-seat arrangement (with the included mic placed in six different locations). I could not get Dirac to work consistently with my iPhone 11, but the laptop version worked with only a few restarts.

I like Dirac, but it’s a bit more cumbersome than Audyssey XT32 on my Marantz SR6015 AV Receiver. However, the Dirac program does a very good job at EQing the M10 V2. The microphone interface (on the back) was easy to set up and certainly gave me results that I liked. You can spend more money for the full Dirac version if you are a tweaker and want more control over the soundscape and frequency curtain.

I loved the display screen, but it comes with so many different display options that you may have trouble deciding which one is the best. Album covers are displayed large enough to be seen from across the room. Artist and song titles were easy to read as well. Like VU meters? You can have those on the screen. Don’t care for them? They can be changed to digital meters.

I eventually settled for the album cover, song title, and artist name. With the remote, you can blank out or dim the display if you want to listen in absolute darkness. The remote is very basic and controls the power, volume, skip forward or back, mute, and input selections. Really, less is more as these are the only features you are likely to use once the M10 V2 is up and running. The remote is slim, and it felt comfortable in my hand. It is not backlit, but I never had trouble using it in the dark.

You can use the M10 V2 as a preamp and connect to amplifiers of your choice, but for my review, I used it as a stand-alone product. I was able to listen to my Sonus faber Sonetto Vs and the TAD ME1 stand mount speakers that I had on hand for review. It had no trouble driving them to very loud volumes. I also connected my SVS 3000 Micro subwoofer into the mix as the M10 V2 supports two powered subwoofers. I think the dual sub outs, Dirac, and large touch-screen display set this device well above most other streaming amps. It exudes quality and premium design to get all these features into a compact unit with no buttons or knobs on the faceplate. It’s just well thought out and designed. It really is meant to be seen as well as heard.

Though I could have hooked my TV up to the M10 V2, I decided to use it just for music. The HDMI input allows for home theater listening with the addition of wireless surround speakers for a 4.2 experience, but oddly, there is no inclusion of a center channel. Sure, you could “phantom” it, but it is an unfortunate exclusion. In fairness, this device is not designed to be a home theater receiver and the fact that you can hook in your TV is really a bonus anyway.

I played music from all genres and found the M10 V2 to be detailed, dynamic, and easy to use. The unit ran warm after hours of use but never got hot to the touch. I never sounded strained or overtaxed. The touchscreen volume wheel was very sensitive, and the remote volume was quite responsive as well. The BluOS app has everything you need to control the sound of the M10 V2 and offers almost all the major streaming services. You can adjust the tone, the subs and turn Dirac on/off on the fly. A nice touch is the transition from one song to another. The volume fades in and out briefly so you don’t blast your speakers or ears. It is a subtle effect, but pleasant.

The NAD MASTERS M10 V2 STREAMING AMPLIFIER is priced in between the value and premium categories. But its performance and versatility are squarely in the high-end category.

There are many streaming devices out on the market right now, but the NAD M10 V2 is a super performer that includes state-of-the-art electronics, an awesome touchscreen display with the flexibility to stream or play digital and analog sources all in a solidly built, compact form. The NAD M10 V2 and a pair of good-quality speakers are all you’ll need for a killer stereo system.

NAD has produced a component that is almost the unicorn of audio products. It is a streamer, a top-quality DAC, an amplifier (and pre-amp), dual sub outs and with BluOS, a plethora of streaming services at your command. HDMI allows for a simple home theater set up. The screen is customizable and easy to use and see from across the room. Besides all the great sound, the NAD M10 V2 is just fun to use. Highly recommended!