Electrocompaniet Classic ECD 2 D/A processor Associated Equipment

Sidebar 2: Associated Equipment

Analog Source: Linn Sondek LP12 turntable with Lingo power supply, Linn Ekos tonearm, Linn Arkiv B phono cartridge.
Digital Sources: Marantz Reference NA-11S1 media player; Ayre Acoustics C-5xeMP universal player; Apple 2.7GHz i7 Mac mini laptop running OS10.7, iTunes 10, Pure Music 1.86; Arcam FMJ D33, NAD M51 D/A converters; Ayre Acoustics QA-9 USB A/D converter; dCS 972 format converter.
Preamplification: Linn Linto phono preamplifier, Pass Labs XP-30 line preamplifier.
Power Amplifiers: Classé CT-M600, Lamm M1.2 Reference, MBL 9007 (all monoblocks).
Loudspeakers: Rogers LS3/5a, Sony SS-NA9ES, Wilson Audio Specialties Alexia.
Cables: Digital: DH Labs Silver Sonic, AES/EBU; AudioQuest Coffee, Belkin Gold USB; AudioQuest FireWire 400 (prototype); AudioQuest Diamond, Ethernet. Interconnect: AudioQuest Wild, Kubala-Sosna Elation! (balanced). Speaker: Kubala-Sosna Elation!. AC: Kubala-Sosna Elation!, XLO Reference 3, manufacturers' own.
Accessories: Audio Power Industries 116 Mk.II & PE-1, APC S-15 AC line conditioners (computers, hard drive); ASC Tube Traps, RPG Abffusor panels; Target TT-5 equipment racks; Ayre Acoustics Myrtle Blocks; Shunyata Research Dark Field cable elevators. AC power comes from two dedicated 20A circuits, each just 6' from breaker box.—John Atkinson

COMPANY INFO
Electrocompaniet AS
US distributor: Electrocompaniet Inc.
97 Linden Street
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 291-1222
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
SAAudio's picture

Several listeners have reported that different firmware versions have an influence on the sound of the M51. General consensus seems to be that v1.39 is the best sounding with v1.41 having less bass and is not quite as dynamic. It would be interesting to know what version firmware the latest sample runs. As a long term user of a NAD M51 I find your further thoughts on this remarkable device very interesting.

John Atkinson's picture

SAAudio wrote:
Several listeners have reported that different firmware versions have an influence on the sound of the M51. General consensus seems to be that v1.39 is the best sounding with v1.41 having less bass and is not quite as dynamic. It would be interesting to know what version firmware the latest sample runs.

Turning on the M51 with the Input button pressed reveals that our new sample is running the v.1.41 firmware. I have no idea how to roll it back to v.1.39 or if that is even possible.

John Atkinson

Editor, Stereophile

SAAudio's picture

Thanks John. It is easy to change firmware versions. V1.39 can be found here: http://www.fileswap.com/dl/BlRT7tfhYl/ . V1.41 can be found on NAD's web page. It would be very interesting to know your thoughts on any differences.

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