NAD M10 V3 Streaming BluOs Amplifier - Best Audiophile Meets Modern Audio Product?

I first saw NAD’s M10 BluOs streaming amplifier back in 2019 and was seriously impressed by the number of features packed into this small-size streaming DAC. The brushed extruded aluminum chassis and 7-inch LCD touchscreen screamed sophistication, but the notable inclusion of Dirac Room Correction made it one of our top picks of 2019. The M10 V1 packed an amp, DAC, streaming device, touchscreen interface, and BluOS multi-room audio endpoint into a single chassis. The amplifier was geared toward audiophiles wanting an easy-to-use yet sleek audio amplifier.  In 2021 NAD upgraded to an M10 V2 adding Dolby Digital Surround decoding, updated gain algorithms for both the speakers and dual subwoofer outputs, and Dirac Live processing.

Now, NAD has released details of the M10 V3 BluOs Streaming Amplifier at CEDIA 2024.  Building on the success of its predecessor, the M10 V3 brings even more cutting-edge audio technologies and improved performance to audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.

The original M10 set a new standard in design and performance when it was first introduced in 2019. With the M10 V3, we’ve taken another significant step forward, integrating the latest DAC technology and adding features like Dirac Live Bass Control to enhance both stereo and home theater experiences. This new model truly bridges the gap between modern streaming convenience and the rich, immersive sound that vinyl lovers cherish.

-Cas Oostvogel, Product Manager at NAD Electronics

NAD M10 V3 Enhanced Performance with State-of-the-Art Technology

Like previous versions, the M10 V3 is equipped with 100 watts per channel, but new to the V3 comes with HybridDigital nCore amplification for what NAD claims “ensures powerful, distortion-free sound across a wide range of speakers.” Another updated feature includes the industry-leading ESS SABRE ES9039 DAC to “further elevates the audio performance, delivering exceptional dynamic range and ultra-low distortion.”
Audioholics.com is always been a leader in promoting enhanced room correction software and was impressed by the inclusion of Dirac room correction in the original M10 and Dirac Live processing in V2. Now, the V3 is Dirac Live Bass Control ready, enabling precise bass management in multi-subwoofer setups. This advanced feature, combined with Dirac Live Room Correction, provides an “immersive listening experience by eliminating unwanted distortions and optimizing sound for any room.” Additionally, the M10 V3 can store multiple Dirac profiles for different listening positions or room conditions—for example, whether the drapes are open or closed—and each of these presets can be accessed at the touch of a button of the supplied BC1 IR remote control.

NAD M10 V3 Aesthetic and Functional Design

NAD has not only focused on performance but also on the aesthetics and usability of the M10 V3. The amplifier still features a full-color touchscreen display and a brushed aluminum chassis to complement any living space. The new BC1 Remote Control, included with the M10 V3, allows you to control your listening experience, including selecting programmed Dirac filter profiles with the touch of a button.

NAD M10 V3 Connectivity and Streaming Options

The M10 V3 offers a comprehensive array of inputs and outputs to connect to many different audio sources. New to this model is a dedicated MM phono input, allowing vinyl enthusiasts to enjoy the warm, authentic sound of their record collections with RIAA equalization. The amplifier also includes HDMI eARC for enhanced audio quality when watching TV, alongside traditional RCA stereo, Optical, Coaxial, and USB Type A inputs.

With BluOS, NAD’s powerful multi-room music platform, the M10 V3 can stream high-resolution audio from popular streaming services, internet radio stations, and personal music libraries. It supports streaming up to 24-bit/192kHz and can integrate seamlessly with other BluOS-enabled devices, transforming a simple stereo setup into a wireless Dolby Digital home theater system.

Like the M10 V2, the M10 V3 offers an abundance of control options, in addition to the BC1 remote control. With the BluOS app, you play music from your favourite streaming services, as well as files stored on USB and network drives, using your smartphone, tablet, or PC. The M10 V3 supports AirPlay 2, so you can stream music directly from an iPhone, iPad, or iTunes library. It also supports Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, so you can play music using the apps for those services, and is Roon Ready. Numerous other streaming services are supported directly from within the BluOS app, including Amazon Music Ultra HD, Deezer, Qobuz, and many others.

What We Think of the NAD M10 V3

We appreciate that NAD continues to update its latest products with state-of-the-art room calibration software while embracing high-performance Class D amplification from Hypex. With proper implementation of Dirac Live Bass Control in a multi-subwoofer system and an acoustically optimized listening space, you can achieve exceptional fidelity with this product without needing the calibration services of a professional like our own Matthew Poes. We also like that NAD has maintained the price at $2,500 since its 2019 launch, even with the inclusion of all the latest features and performance enhancements.

This might be the best affordable audiophile meets modern audio product on the market!

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.