NAD Electronics has unveiled the third generation of its M10 streaming amplifier, the NAD M10 V3. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the original five-star M10 released in 2019 and the M10 V2 in 2021, the M10 V3 introduces several notable upgrades while maintaining the core features that have made the M10 series popular among audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
The most significant update in the M10 V3 is the addition of a dedicated phono input designed for turntables with moving magnet (MM) cartridges. This new input replaces one of the analog line-in ports found on the M10 V2, catering to vinyl enthusiasts by providing RIAA equalization to recreate the warm sound characteristic of vinyl records. This feature makes the M10 V3 a more versatile option for users who appreciate the analog charm of vinyl while also enjoying digital streaming.
Another major enhancement is the integration of Dirac Live Bass Control, available as an optional upgrade. This feature allows users to optimize subwoofer placement and performance, providing a seamless and smooth integration between the subwoofers and main speakers. The M10 V3 retains the Dirac Live Room Correction functionality, which can adjust up to 500Hz, but now offers users the opportunity to upgrade to the full-bandwidth version, providing more comprehensive room acoustic management.
“The original M10 was first introduced in 2019, and it was well beyond our expectations in design and performance, The M10 V3 builds on this success through the advancement of new DAC technology and blending the convenience of modern music streaming with the rich listening experience of vinyl," said Cas Oostvogel, Product Manager at NAD Electronics.
“With Dirac Live Bass Control available on the NAD M10 V3, we’ve seamlessly integrated Dirac’s advanced bass management algorithms to ensure optimized performance and the most precise and immersive low-frequency experience,…Our partnership with Dirac exemplifies our commitment to elevating audio quality, providing listeners with unparalleled sound clarity and depth for stereo and home theater.”
At the heart of the M10 V3 is the ESS SABRE ES9039 digital-to-analog converter (DAC), an upgrade from the ES9028 used in the M10 V2. This DAC is renowned for its high dynamic range and ultra-low distortion, promising improved audio performance.
The amplifier section of the M10 V3 remains largely unchanged, featuring NAD’s HybridDigital nCore technology, which delivers 100 watts of continuous power per channel into both 8 and 4 ohms, with dynamic power reaching up to 300 watts at 4 ohms. This ensures that the M10 V3 can drive a wide range of speakers with precision and clarity, making it a solid choice for both music and home theater applications.
The M10 V3 offers a wide array of connectivity options, catering to both digital and analog sources. In addition to the new MM phono input, users have access to RCA stereo analog, Optical, and Coaxial inputs, as well as a USB Type-A input for connecting a computer or music drive. The HDMI input has been upgraded from ARC to eARC, enabling compatibility with a broader range of televisions and support for lossless Dolby Audio formats.
The streaming capabilities of the M10 V3 are powered by BluOS, a multi-room music platform that allows users to stream high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz from a variety of sources, including popular streaming services, internet radio, and personal music libraries stored on network drives or computers.
BluOS also supports multi-room audio, enabling users to connect the M10 V3 to other BluOS-enabled speakers and audio systems throughout the home for a seamless music experience.
The NAD M10 V3 has retained the sleek and modern design language of its predecessors, featuring a full-color touchscreen display and a brushed aluminum chassis with Gorilla Glass on the front and top surfaces. This minimalist design not only makes the M10 V3 an attractive addition to any home but should also improve usability by providing intuitive control over the amplifier’s features.
For those who prefer traditional controls, the M10 V3 comes with the new BC1 remote control, which includes dedicated buttons for accessing the Dirac Room Correction settings and selecting programmed Dirac filter profiles. This adds a layer of convenience for users who want to fine-tune their listening experience without needing to interact directly with the touchscreen or the BluOS app.
The NAD M10 V3 is expected to be available globally in late Fall 2024, with a price tag of $2,499 (€2,499 / £1,999). You can explore more NAD products at Crutchfield.
