NAD Master Series (why am I disappointed?)

[kkobi]

I know I am new at this as well as very particular.

That makes me an uninformed complainer but still I have buyer’s remorse that I think can go away with the correct knowledge and tweaking. I really need advise here.

My family bought me (to get this party started):
Rotel RMB-1095 5 channel x 200 amp
B&W 703 speakers with Tara labs bi-wire speakers
A Rotel 5 CD changer RCC-1055
As well as a Rotel tuner RT-1080

I bought, to complete at least the Two channel set up:
NAD M15 Processor
NAD M55 Digital disc player
Rel Signature III Sub (older model and gift from friend)

1- For the 1st few days I was very disappointed in the sound. I have found the break in period long but there is an extremely noticeable difference. With the right recording the sound is really good but with the average recordings I am not really impressed. Maybe I am naive to think that much better equipment should make even an average recording sound much better but I thought it would. I understand it is all relative but I don’t find that the cost of the equipment is worth the increased fidelity unless I am playing a really good recording. Is this just how it is and I need to buy better recordings or do I have to keep learning how to get the most from the recording I have (in addition to new stuff as well). Frankly I am having a bit or buyer remorse when I compare the sound to my car Stereo. After all $10K worth of equipment should sound measurable better than any car stereo. I am never satisfied but I am afraid laws of diminishing returns may have bit me in the ass here. Maybe with more tweaking I can change my opinion? (Need some encouragement)

2- I am pretty sure the room I am in is an acoustical challenge if not night mare and I have to try something different - den 23’ x 21’ with vaulted ceilings, open on one side to the kitchen and only one area rug on a wood floor. I am actually thinking about moving the equipment to the living room 14’ x 16 ‘ x 9’ ceilings and I can go wall to wall carpet as well as any other changes necessary for great acoustics (i.e. large curtains etc.). Then, if possible, I would like to set up the big family room with 5.1 this is where the TV will be and for my family’s basic music the enhanced stereo might be a great option there. I assume the 5 channel amp would stay in the family room and I would leave the sub and get 5 decent speakers for 5.1 and enhanced stereo or what NAD calls Ears. The smaller room would be a better choice for the true two channel music I enjoy. Does this sound practical and can set this equipment up this way? In Other words; what is the best way to set it up, if possible, so that the 5.1 is in the family room and the 2 channel in the living room? Would the zone two just be the two channel where the equipment is and then can I have an IR in the family room for the 5.1?

3- Will I get the same quality Two channel sound from the Zone Two?

4- The M55 has Audio outputs that state mixed signal outputs. As well as outputs that are specific to 5.1 speakers. The M15 has audio typical inputs for each source but also there is an allowance for inputs specific to 7.1 setups. I have read in the manuals where I would connect all the 5.1 outputs on the M55 to the 7.1 inputs on the M15 so that is clear. What I am not clear about is if I am using these ports do I also use the output “mixed signal” to a source impute i.e. DVD. (Currently I am using mixed signal to DVD but I don’t have the surround sound speakers yet so it seamed appropriate). I just wonder if the 7.1 outputs for front R/L are the same signal as the mixed signal output which offers Front R/L only. And does this answer change if I am playing an SACD

5- Regarding recordings it is clear that the NAD M55 and M15 are set up for SACD’s. But if I only have Front R/L and a Sub, am I getting any or all the benefit of SACD’s? I have not read anywhere where this equipment will read Audio DVD’s. Does it? And Last which is better for Two channel listening DVD or SACD?

6- Anyway forgive my ignorance I am new to this passion and wish to learn all I can. I would also love any suggestions for recordings that will be impressive to listen to. I like all types of music but hip hop / Rap.

Thanks very much,
Kobi

[Greg_R]

Maybe I am naive to think that much better equipment should make even an average recording sound much better but I thought it would.

Yes, you are naive. Unfortunately garbage in = garbage out. This is why you hear a lot of people complaining about the current state of recorded music... it tends to be mastered for a boom box. Some processing filters (external device or in your pre/pro) can improve the sound by altering the frequency response (expand the sound, boost the bass, etc.)... you may want to play around with them a bit.

Your system should sound much better than your car stereo (except for bass output). Your room is not ideal (near square / cube is very bad). I'd try your alternative room and read up on room treatments. A few properly positioned acoustic panels (<$500 total) can make a world of difference. The wood floor might be OK for 2ch listening (a bit more lively) but the room likely needs deadening for multichannel (optimum room acoustic setup differs depending on your application). You can have a $100k system that will sound HORRIBLE in a bad room and a cheap system that will sound very nice in a properly treated listening environment. This is more important that speakers, amps or any other part of your system!

Recommendations:
- Bring some CDs to the dealer where you got the speakers and listen to the sound there... is it similar, better or worse? Maybe you don't like the voicing of the B&Ws?
- Get a Radio Shack SPL meter and ensure that all channels are calibrated correctly (in phase, appropriate output levels, etc.). Avia or Video essentials will help you with HT sound.
- Get a test tone CD (or computer to generate test tones) and a Radio Shack SPL meter. Plot the frequency response at your listening position. Post the results here and people can help you with further suggestions. Fix and resolve your primary acoustic problems in the room.

Try e-mailing or calling NAD support (they may have a web forum?) if no one can help you with your equipment specific issues.

For ultra-clean recordings, take a look at the Reference Recordings label. I like "Pomp and Pipes" a lot but you'll probably want to upgrade your subwoofer after hearing it with the REL.

[Greg_R]

Oh yes, Good Luck!

[kkobi]

Thanks I have started to read about properly treating a room and see now that this is very important.
As for the SPL meter and test tone, this is a something I currently know nothing about but look forward to learning and experimenting with in the future weeks. I will post my experience with this, I’m sure the feed back will be helpful.
I determined that there is a manufacture defect with my M15 and the vendor has a few in stock, so next week I will be exchanging it for one that can transmit the video in color. It is good advice to ask NAD directly regarding the quality of the zone two as well as the difference from the 5.1 outputs to the mixed signal outputs.
I look forward to checking out the reference recordings including the "pomp and pipes”
Looks like my CD collection is obsolete… Oh Well.

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.
Kobi

[gillcup]

Kobi,

Sorry that you were disappointed with your system. I have found that the search for audio nirvana can be pretty frustrating too. One major problem is defining good sound. What you are looking for may not be what others who are advising your purchases consider good sound. Even on good quality source recordings there is considerable disagreement. For example on this forum, most people tend to view the Elton John SACD's as having outstanding sound, whereas on the Steve Hoffman (audiophile) forum they view those SACD's as being too bright and tend to prefer the older 1st generation CD's.

If you don't mind answering, what are some examples of recordings which you felt didn't sound good and ones that you felt did sound good? Also what about the sound didn't you like?