NAD is a brand that specializes in high-fidelity audio equipment and electronics.

2100


**London, UK** - In a significant move that blends the old with the new, Musical Fidelity has announced the launch of its latest masterpiece, the Nu-Vista DAC. This flagship digital-to-analog converter harmoniously merges the revered Nuvistor tube technology with cutting-edge digital innovation, setting a new benchmark in the high-fidelity audio landscape.

### Embracing the Past, Enhancing the Future

At the heart of the Nu-Vista DAC is the ESS 32-bit HyperStream II DAC architecture, revered for its precise audio processing capabilities. What truly sets it apart is the incorporation of Nuvistor 7586 triode tubes in each channel, a nod to the classic era of tube sound that audiophiles have long cherished. These tubes are part of a fully balanced Class A amplifier buffer, ensuring a warm and authentic audio reproduction.

### Expansive Connectivity for the Modern Audiophile

Understanding the diverse needs of today's listeners, Musical Fidelity has equipped the Nu-Vista DAC with an array of connectivity options. It features RCA and XLR outputs, multiple SPDIF inputs, USB and AES/EBU inputs, and an I2S input for future compatibility with a Nu-Vista CD-player. This array of inputs and outputs ensures the Nu-Vista DAC's versatility in various audio setups.

### The Technical Edge

Musical Fidelity doesn't stop at nostalgic tube technology. The Nu-Vista DAC uses two ES9038Q2M chips in a dual differential mode, a design choice that caters to pristine dual mono sound. It can handle high-resolution audio files up to 768 kHz in PCM and native DSD512 via USB, covering almost any digital file available for purchase or streaming today. Additionally, the improved SPDIF inputs now support MQA and DSD, further enhancing its capability.

### Unparalleled Audio Experience

The Nu-Vista DAC's low-noise, low-dropout regulator, optimized for high-resolution audio, and the inclusion of a Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, result in a superb signal-to-noise ratio and total harmonic distortion plus noise performance. The listeners are treated to an unbelievably detailed and smooth transient response, a quality often sought but rarely found in digital audio devices.

### Design and Build: A Testament to Durability and Elegance

Musical Fidelity's dedication to quality is evident in the build of the Nu-Vista DAC. The robust, vibration-resistant construction, featuring a massive aluminum case, acts as a Faraday cage, protecting the sensitive internals from electromagnetic interference. This solid construction not only ensures longevity but also enhances the audio performance by isolating it from environmental disturbances.

### The Nu-Vista Legacy

Musical Fidelity's journey with Nuvistor tubes began in the 1990s and continues to be a labor of love. The use of these tubes, known for their reliability and exceptional sound quality, in conjunction with modern digital technology, showcases Musical Fidelity's commitment to innovation while respecting the rich heritage of audio design.

### In Conclusion

The Nu-Vista DAC represents a bold step forward for Musical Fidelity, blending the best of vintage audio technology with the advancements of the digital age. It's more than just a DAC; it's a bridge between the warm, lush sound of the past and the crisp, detailed audio of the future. For the discerning audiophile, the Nu-Vista DAC is not just a piece of equipment but a gateway to an immersive, high-fidelity auditory experience.

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Dual ES9038Q2M Chips in Nu-Vista DAC: A New Era of Pristine Dual Mono Sound

Nu-Vista DAC: Experience the richness of fully balanced Class A output stage, delivering superior sound quality.


The Audiovector QR Special Edition series, a significant upgrade to the acclaimed original QR series, has been introduced, promising enhanced audio performance. This new line from Audiovector is designed to deliver a more open, dynamic, and detailed sound, aiming to bring listeners closer to the soul of the original music.

Key features of the QR Special Edition series include:

1.  **In-House Designed Capacitors**: These capacitors are engineered to produce a cleaner treble and improved detailing, leading to a more refined sound experience.
2.  **Advanced Technology**: The series employs cryogenically treated internal wiring and metal-housed resistors to improve dynamics, detailing, and high-power precision. Nano Pore dampening material is used to enhance midrange openness.
3.  **Custom Drive Units**: The QR Special Edition series features in-house developed drive units, including low-hysteresis coil technology, large powerful magnets, and rigid turbulence-suppressing baskets.
4.  **Air Motion Transformer (AMT) Treble Drivers**: These drivers, based on Dr. Oscar Heil's revolutionary technology from the 1960s, offer fast response and reach over 40,000 Hz with optimal dispersion.
5.  **Enclosure Design**: The speakers are housed in high-density hardwood HDF enclosures, designed for strength and low resonance.
6.  **3D Soundstage**: The series aims to deliver a superb 3D soundstage that accurately positions musicians, facilitated by the AMT, Pure Piston drivers, and specified crossovers.
7.  **Minimum Distortion**: The use of Dynamic Feed Forward and high-precision components reduces crossover losses and improves dynamics.
8.  **Design Aesthetics**: The models feature subtle, elegant gold brass badges on the front panels and cloth grills, combining acoustic capabilities with discreet style.

The QR Special Edition series includes several models at varying price points. The range-topping QR 7 SE is priced at around £5,250/€5,700, with other models like the QR 1 SE standmounter starting at £1,350/€1,500. This series is expected to offer enhanced bass/mid response frequency characteristics, improved heat dissipation, and optimized bass reflex systems for a more precise and detailed performance.

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Audiovector QR Special Edition's Cryogenically Treated Wiring: A New Era of Sound Dynamics

The cutting-edge AMT Treble Drivers in Audiovector's QR Special Edition, offering unparalleled sound clarity and detail.


In an era where our music choices are merely a few clicks away, the digital vs physical media debate takes center stage among audiophiles. As traditional physical formats like CDs and vinyl contend with digital music libraries and streaming services, each format vies for its claim to sonic supremacy. This in-depth article evaluates the pros and cons of each approach, from the ritualistic joys of physical media to the unmatched convenience of digital libraries.

### Physical Media: The Resurgence and the Nostalgia

#### Quality and Rituals

For many, physical formats like CDs and vinyl aren't merely a medium for listening to music; they're an experience. A CD or vinyl record is tactile, ritualistic, and provides a form of interaction that digital media cannot replicate. Brands like Harman/Kardon offer high-end CD transports that, when paired with a top-tier DAC, can reveal layers of audio depth that may escape even high-bitrate digital formats.

#### Reliability and Ownership

A significant advantage of physical media is its long-lasting nature. Properly cared for CDs and vinyl can last decades without losing their original quality. Additionally, owning a physical copy provides a sense of ownership and permanence that digital platforms can't always guarantee, given the terms and conditions that may lead to the removal of particular albums or tracks.

### Digital Media: The Age of Convenience

#### Instant Access and Versatility

Digital formats have fundamentally transformed the way we consume music. Platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have democratized access to extensive music libraries that can be streamed on-demand. Software like PlexAmp takes this a step further with features such as "Sonic Adventure" and AI-driven playlist tools, offering a tailored listening experience.

#### Storage and Organization

Digital media can be stored in various forms of Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems or specialized audio equipment like Eversolo DMP-A6 or Bluesound Node. These devices, equipped with large-capacity drives, can host ripped FLAC libraries or even high-resolution SACD rips, offering a level of quality and convenience that is hard to beat.

### Cost vs Quality: A Balancing Act

#### The Financial Angle

Streaming services can appear cheaper initially, but they require ongoing subscriptions. Meanwhile, establishing a high-quality digital library or accumulating a vast physical collection also comes with costs. Devices like the SMSL SD-9 offer a mid-range digital option at around $450, but keep in mind that storage can get expensive. On the flip side, physical media also have their costs, especially when factoring in high-end playback equipment.

#### Audio Quality Debates

Services like Tidal and Qobuz offer high-fidelity, near-lossless audio streaming, but these usually come at a premium price. The ongoing debate remains whether the human ear can truly discern these nuances in audio quality, particularly when listening through high-end equipment like McIntosh systems.

### Conclusion

The physical vs digital debate among audiophiles is likely to continue as technology evolves and listening habits change. Whether you're an enthusiast who enjoys the tactile experience of handling a vinyl record or someone who values the convenience of accessing thousands of tracks within seconds, each medium offers its unique set of advantages and compromises. The best choice, as it often turns ou

the digital vs physical media debate in music

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The Debate Over Physical vs Digital Media for Audiophiles

Explore the nuanced debate between physical and digital audio formats. This article dissects the pros and cons of CDs, vinyl, and digital libraries, providing invaluable insights for audiophiles and music enthusiasts.

2100

by NAD

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