NAD Launches New MDC Upgrade Module, MDC USB DSD

By: HiFiAudio.Guru

February 23rd, 2021

New module allows users to add the convenience of high-resolution PCM and DSD computer music playback and streaming through popular NAD amplifiers

PICKERING, ONTARIO, CANADA FEBRUARY 23, 2021 – NAD Electronics, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-performance audio/video components, announced the immediate availability of the latest module in their Modular Design Construction (MDC) portfolio, the MDC USB DSD ($499 U.S. MSRP) adding USB Audio 2 for both PCM and DSD playback capability to six of NAD’s most popular stereo (pre-) amplifiers – M33, M32, M12, C 388, C 368 and C 658*.

With NAD’s Modular Design Construction (MDC), adding the latest cutting-edge technology can be as simple as a software upgrade and adding a new hardware module into your stereo amplifier. The MDC USB DSD module allows users to experience the convenience of computer music playback and streaming, in high resolution up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD up to DSD256, combined with the music performance of their NAD hi-fi system.

Thanks to the Asynchronous USB connection with the MDC USB DSD module, computer sound has been eliminated so music flows freely. The module bypasses the computer’s low-quality DAC, clocks and associated circuitry that cause jitter and distortion by using the high-quality DAC in select NAD amplifiers. Users can listen to the details and dynamics reproduced from the original recording in their full glory rather than the noise and distortion of the typically mediocre computer audio stages.

With the ever-growing amount of high-resolution content up to 24-bit/192kHz available for download or streaming, experiencing music as it was originally recorded in the studio or at a live concert has never been easier. Users can enjoy the convenience of playing their favourite music from their computer’s USB connection to stream from a local hard drive, or popular music streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal or Qobuz. With MDC, the ability to easily upgrade a component to include other digital formats is totally unique and unprecedented.

* C 658 support is expected in April 2021.

Key Features of the NAD MDC USB DSD Module:

Asynchronous USB connection
Audio resolution up to 24bit and 192kHz
USB Audio 2
DSD up to DSD256 (DSD is converted to 24-bit/192kHz PCM)

About NAD Electronics

Founded in 1972 and now sold in over 80 countries, NAD Electronics is renowned for its award-winning line of high-quality components for audio, home theatre and custom installation applications. Since the beginning, NAD’s commitment to four core values – innovation, innovation, simplicity, performance, and value – have earned it a cult-like following that catapulted it to becoming a household name amongst audiophiles and music lovers alike. To this day, the brand continues to design and manufacture some of the most acclaimed and affordable hi-fi components that include modern features and technologies meant to appeal to a new generation of audiophiles.