Digital Processor Reviews

Electrocompaniet Classic ECD 2 D/A processor Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Remote-controlled, upsampling, stereo D/A processor. Digital inputs: 2 S/PDIF on coax, 2 S/PDIF on TosLink, 1 asynchronous USB 2.0 on USB type B connector. Analog outputs: 1 pair balanced on XLRs, 1 pair unbalanced on RCAs. Compatible sample rates: 44.1–192kHz, S/PDIF coaxial; 44.1–192kHz, USB; 44.1–96kHz S/PDIF TosLink. Frequency range: 0.5Hz–48kHz. Channel separation: not specified. Noise floor: <–145dB ref. 0dBFS. THD+noise: <0.0005%. Jitter: not specified. Maximum output level: 2.3V single-ended, 4.6V balanced. Output impedance: 300 ohms. Power consumption: 40W (10.2W standby).
Dimensions: 18.3" (465mm) W by 3" (78mm) H by 12.4" (316mm) D. Weight: 18 lbs (8kg) net.

Serial number of unit reviewed: 11412110004.
Price: $3099. Approximate number of dealers: 20.
Manufacturer: Electrocompaniet AS, Breivikveien 7, 4120 Tau, Norway. Tel: (47) 51741033. Fax: (47) 51741010. US distributor: Electrocompaniet Inc., 97 Linden Street, Oakland, CA 94607. Tel: (510) 291-1222. Web: www.electrocompaniet.com.

COMPANY INFO
Electrocompaniet AS
US distributor: Electrocompaniet Inc.
97 Linden Street
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 291-1222
www.electrocompaniet.com
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COMMENTS
SAAudio's picture
Submitted by SAAudio on December 5, 2013 - 9:02pm

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
Submitted by John Atkinson on December 6, 2013 - 4:02pm

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
Submitted by SAAudio on December 7, 2013 - 12:22pm

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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