Dynaudio Focus 30 XD and NAD M50-2 Review
Dynaudio and NAD have both, each in their own right, been at the forefront for a long time. Now the most innovative products of both also fit perfectly together: Active speaker and comfortable music server form the digital chain of the future.
Klaus Laumann
The classic HiFi altar will sooner rather than later become obsolete, because a clear trend is emerging: In the future, the stereo system will be reduced to a digital universal player with internet connection, to which high-quality active speakers are connected, enabling a completely conversion-free and lossless transmission. Lovingly assembled HiFi towers or sprawling equipment parks with heavy pre/power amplifier combinations, separate D/A converters, and various sources will likely become obsolete with this pinnacle of purism.
At Dynaudio, this trend has been observable for some time. The Danish speaker specialist brought the Focus XD series to the market over two years ago, which was advertised with the slogan “24 bit/192 kHz from source to driver”. This means that the digital signal processor of the active speaker operates internally at this high resolution before it distributes the signal directly to the individual chassis for playback. Separate amplifier modules, perfectly tuned to the individual driver types, ensure optimal drive and best sound quality.
Here’s where it gets wireless!
DSP-controlled active speakers and high-resolution signal processing have been around for a while. The groundbreaking aspect of the Focus XD series back then was the wireless system, with which the master could transmit the signal to the slave wirelessly at 24 bit/96 kHz, or a separate transmitter could send the hi-res signals completely wirelessly to the speakers.
With the 2017 models introduced in February, Dynaudio has now completely revamped the Focus XD series—from the compact speaker to the medium-sized 2.5-way bass-reflex floor-standing speaker shown here, up to the top closed 3-way model. Externally, there are high-quality finishes corresponding to the price range in the form of noble wood veneers; internally, the improvements mainly focus on digital signal processing, into which the know-how from Dynaudio’s latest studio speaker series LYD has flowed. It promises better timing accuracy, more harmonious transitions between chassis, and better adaptation to the respective listening room.
The future begins now!
As a playing partner, the new music player from NAD’s Master series is recommended. This technological marvel combines the advantages of NAD’s M50 and M52 and is a network streamer and at the same time a music server with a storage capacity of two terabytes and rip function. Since it outputs only digital signals, it is tailor-made for the “hi-res from source to driver” concept of the Focus XD. The core of the device is the extremely powerful operating system from Bluesound, which offers a range of functions otherwise not found in this size category.
In the listening room, music server and active speaker harmonized perfectly. The completely hi-res capable combination stood out with subtle sound and highest user comfort. Compared to the “old” XD, the new one gained in timing, depth, and homogeneity. This is how HiFi should look nowadays!
BluOS Controller – The app control for the NAD M50.2
As is usual with network streamers, the full functionality of the M50.2 can only be used when you control it remotely via smartphone, tablet, or computer. NAD cooperates with the streaming experts from Bluesound, who also belong to the Canadian Lenbrook Group, and uses the powerful software core BluOS, which provides the extensive streaming functions on the M50.2. The software is controlled with the “BluOS Controller”, available either as an app for Android, iOS, and FireOS (the mobile operating system of Amazon’s Kindle) or as software for MacOS and Windows.
The possibilities of the system are enormous. The classic basic functions, i.e., decoding and playing digital audio data of all kinds up to a maximum resolution of 192 kHz/24 bit, are handled perfectly by the software. DSD is not included, but the much-discussed MQA format is. In addition, it offers direct support of countless internet-based services, such as web radio and of course all common and even the less known streaming and download portals. So far, so good. But BluOS is also multi-room capable, compatible with Roon, and can even be integrated into home automation. A true multi-talent!
Externally and internally, the NAD M50.2 appears modest, but it’s got it all: On the tidy mainboard works an ARM processor, which due to its low power consumption does not require cooling and is therefore also used in tablets and smartphones.
On the output side, the M50.2 offers only digital interfaces, but in abundance: In addition to the obligatory S/PDIF outputs, there are AES and HDMI connections. In addition, various inputs (analog and digital as well as USB, Bluetooth, and network) are available.
Despite the rather inconspicuous connection panel, the Focus 30 XD has an enormous range of functions including room correction and multi-room configuration.
Burmester B18 Review
Founded in July 2014, 7Review is a free audio resource for beginners, and we're dedicated to helping you create the ultimate movie-watching experience right at home. We pull insights from top audio magazines and trusted industry sources to bring you well-researched, reliable reviews and tips. Whether you're a home cinema pro or just starting out, we aim to give you the info you need to make the best choices for your setup.
