New NAD M15 HD Processor

[Streetrod]

As an owner of a complete master series set up I have been waiting on this bit of kit for ages. Apart from a couple of omissions its seems to be looking good. See what you think:

MASTER PERFORMANCE IN HIGH DEFINITION

When the M15 was introduced in 2005 it redefined the performance and value expectations for consumers worldwide. With a string of rave reviews and awards including the prestigious EISA Award for ‘Best Home Cinema’, the M15 has become a classic in its own right. There is now a new generation of video source and display products that support high resolution video and high definition audio. The new M15 HD has been re-engineered to take full advantage of these new High Definition formats. We have also added some interesting new features to enhance your enjoyment and protect your investment.

* 4 Digital HD AV Inputs with HDMI Repeating
* 4 Analogue AV Inputs with Composite and S-Video
* 3 HD Component Video Inputs
* 4 Coax and 4 Optical Digital inputs
* 3 Analogue Stereo Inputs
* 7.1 Direct Analogue Input
* Dolby TrueHD, DTS HD Master Audio, Linear PCM will run at 192kHz; Dolby Digital Plus, DTS HD High Resolution Audio, DTS 96/24
* DTS Neo:6 [Cinema/Music], Dolby ProLogic IIx [Movies/Music], EARS, Enhanced Stereo
* Audyssey XT Pro
* Video upconversion; Composite and S-Video inputs available on Component Video output and HDMI output
* Sigma VXP Image Processing with HD scaling to 1080p
* MP Data Port for connection to NAD Dock for iPod
* Lip sync compensation – (option to 200mS)
* Flexible Bass Management including individual crossover frequencies for Front, Centre, and Surround speakers
* Tone controls
* RS-232 interface for advanced custom installations
* 12V Triggers for advanced control options, 1 In and 3 Out
* 3.5mm IR Control jacks, 1 In and 4 Out
* Zone 2 Independent AV output
* Zone 3 and Zone 4 Independent Audio output
* Dual differential 24-bit, 192 kHz DACs
* Dynamic Headroom Scaling for
* optimum resolution and S/N ratio for all program and decoding combinations Switch Mode Power Supply for Digital Audio and Video Stages
* Linear Power Supply with Custom C-Core Transformer for Analogue Audio Stages
* Detachable AC cord
* 8 Device HTRM Illuminated Learning Remote control with LCD display
* ZR 5 Second Zone Remote

[rjrodders]

any news/info on price and release date ? would be good to see how this compares to Arcam Avr888 and new forthcoming Parasound HD processor !!!

[Streetrod]

No news at the moment I'm afraid, I only found out about today when the distributors called me to give me an update on the service of my Master Series DVD player. I complained that i was waiting for the HD version of my processor and during the conversation he looked at the website and noticed it had been updated with the info above. So it is very new at the moment

[welwynnick]

I don't think we will needs specs or reviews with this one.

Its predecessor was mentioned in the same breath as the Proceed AVP2 by Zissou.

If that means anything to you at all, you'll realise that expectation will come no higher.

US MSRP is $3999, so expect similar £.

Here's part of a press release:

NAD Electronics, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio and audio/video components, introduces upgraded HD versions of the T 785, T 775, T765 AV Receivers and the T 175 AV Tuner Preamp-Processor. Additionally, NAD premieres Modular Design Construction (MDC) in the new Masters Series M15HD AV Preamp-Processor. These new high-value, High-Definition audio/video components preview at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show.

The MDC-enhanced components embody NAD’s unique mechanical design architecture introduced last year, providing enhanced performance, features, flexibility, upgradeability and simplified service.

The MDC-based products include four new entries in NAD’s popular Theater Series — the T 785 HD AV Receiver, T 775 HD AV Receiver, T 765 HD AV Receiver, and T 175 HD Preamp-Tuner-Processor. It also includes NAD’s first MDC-based Masters Series component, the M15HD Surround Sound Processor. All are based on current models that have been significantly upgraded with the new MDC architecture and various high-definition and advanced features.

NAD’s exclusive MDC program employs a series of modules that add valuable features, capabilities and connectivity. The initial plug-in modules (AM 100, AM 200, VM 100 and VM 200) cover digital audio and HDMI functions, component and analog video functions, and two-channel and multi-channel analog audio functions.

The T 785 HD AV Receiver, T 175 HD AV Tuner Preamp-Processor and the M15HD AV Preamp-Processor come equipped with NAD’s new AM 200 and VM 200 Modules. As a result, new features include dual 32-bit Aureus™ 7.1 high-speed digital signal processors (DSPs) by Texas Instruments, Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume by Audyssey; decoding for several advanced audio formats, including Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD Master Audio; and Sigma Designs’ VXP broadcast
studio quality image processor.

To complete the listening experience, NAD includes two new and complementary technologies from Audyssey — Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume. Audyssey Dynamic EQ preserves the full impact of movie soundtracks at all listening levels, while Dynamic Volume prevents large jumps in loudness when commercials come on and when TV channels or video sources are changed.

[KAZER]

Originally Posted by Streetrod

No news at the moment I'm afraid, I only found out about today when the distributors called me to give me an update on the service of my Master Series DVD player. I complained that i was waiting for the HD version of my processor and during the conversation he looked at the website and noticed it had been updated with the info above. So it is very new at the moment

Hi Streetrod,

Have you had a chance to see/hear the new NAD M15HD yet. I'm looking into moving to a pre/power setup and owning the NAD M25 Power amp thought it might be worth hearing other peeps opinions.

Oh also found the follwing which may be of interest to you.

The SoundStageNetwork.com's AV Tour 2009 Special Show Site

Sorry if this is the wrong forums to mention this!!

KAZER

[AngelEyes]

I believe Kent Home Cinema will have stocks and a demo unit imminently.

I think the price is around the £2k mark.

Adam

[KAZER]

Originally Posted by AngelEyes

I believe Kent Home Cinema will have stocks and a demo unit imminently.

I think the price is around the £2k mark.

Adam

Hi Adam,

Did PM Kent Home Cinema (Alastair Collie) a while back and was told the price would be in the £4k region .

Anything around the £2k mark would be most welcome with me!!

KAZER

[AngelEyes]

Perhaps my source gave me incorrect info or a typo... I'll ask for confirmation.

Adam

[Buckster]

£2k would be a bargain if true

Originally Posted by AngelEyes

I believe Kent Home Cinema will have stocks and a demo unit imminently.

I think the price is around the £2k mark.

Adam

[Streetrod]

Originally Posted by KAZER

Hi Streetrod,

Have you had a chance to see/hear the new NAD M15HD yet. I'm looking into moving to a pre/power setup and owning the NAD M25 Power amp thought it might be worth hearing other peeps opinions.

Oh also found the follwing which may be of interest to you.

The SoundStageNetwork.com's AV Tour 2009 Special Show Site

Sorry if this is the wrong forums to mention this!!

KAZER

Not had anymore info yet. I hope the price comes in at no more that 2K, anymore could take it out of my price bracket as I have all ready spent 5k on my other Nad kit.

Its also interesting to see the MS Blu Ray player, I cureently have the MS DVD player and am currently using my PS3 for Blu ray playback, I wonder how much that is going to cost?

[AngelEyes]

Alistair is waiting to hear back from the NAD rep for confirmation, hopefully we will know for sure before too long.

Adam

[Streetrod]

Ouch! I have just heard that the US price for the M15 HD is likely to be $3999 which means it will be no less than £4000 when it comes here

[AngelEyes]

Yes, the info I was given was incorrect, looks like £4k ish expected. Damn.

[KAZER]

Yeap, thats a fair wack of cash they are looking for and it puts it up against some serious competition.

Still look forward to having a demo and seeing how it stacks up against the other at this price point.

Had my current amp and dvd pretty much since they first came out so feel I can justify an upgrade at this time

KAZER

[Max N]

Why would you go for this instead of the T175HD?