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Observations on NAD's implementation of DLNA, AptX, AirPlay, SPDIF in the D 7050

Posted by RioTubes (A) on February 16, 2014 at 17:56:05

Some months ago, Soundchekk posted his early observations of the NAD D 7050 so I will not retrace its overall genetics other than to restate that it incorporates the CSR digital amp circuit used in the NAD M2 and C390DD. This enables a quality one box audio solution for those seeking a clutter free system. If this interests you, below I offer my observations on the 7050’s implementation of the various source interfaces, which is the reason to buy it.

Before I go into the details, here were my goals with this system: (1) decent SQ, (2) clutter free 2nd system (my spouse is an interior architect; need I say more?), (3) ability to control my music library using a highly functional app on my iPad, and (4) easily switch between my library and music services such as Spotify. This last parameter is important because the advent of these music services has been the biggest source of enjoyment for me in the last few years.

System architecture: Up until recently I have used Logitech Media Server. I wanted to experiment with JRiver Media Center and so my library is now accessible through each service. Although I will consolidate to Media Center, having the library on LMS allowed me to experiment with iPeng installed on an iPad. My files are stored on an external USB HDD connected to a win7 computer located in a different area of the house, accessible via wireless network.

The 7050 can play music from the following sources: DLNA, asynch USB, SPDIF, AirPlay, AptX, optical, iDevice dock (usb).

SPDIF: To set a baseline in order to evaluate the SQ of the other sources, I listened to the following setup: Win 8 ultrabook (with JPlay installed), a few WAV and FLAC files saved to its SSD, a self-powered (LifePo4 batteries) USB-SPDIF converter which plugs into the D 7050’s SPDIF input. I’m not holding SPDIF up as the gold standard; in my main system my DIY dac accepts a hardwired I2S input that is soldered onto an internal board that synchronously reclocks the signals right before the DAC chip—this is better. Yet, this USB/SPDIF converter is probably better than the average implementation inside moderately priced asynch USB dacs today. So this was the standard by which I measure the other source inputs mentioned below. Since I'm on the topic of the SPDIF input, I’ve also experimented with a Squeezebox Touch feeding the D 7050. This worked fine if not quite the SQ as when using the USB/SPDIF converter.

DLNA: Excellent quality that is on par with the USB/SPDIF converter. This is my preferred source input by a wide margin. I use JRemote on an iPad Air to control playback of the Media Center music library. I found JRemote to have significantly better functionality compared to UPnP controllers such as AudioNet iMM. I have not done an exhaustive comparison to other controllers, but am very happy with JRemote (which is actually a remote control device and not a true UPnP controller). The only shortfall is that my wireless network is not robust enough to play 24/96 files. Consequently, I’ll run CAT6 through the attic to the device.

AirPlay: This is the icing on the cake (given that I use iOS…but the same comments apply for AptX below if you use Android). I can switch on the fly from DLNA to Airplay (without touching the 7050) and stream Spotify (and previously MOG). I can go back and forth between Spotify and my library very easily. This is awesome! Just to document one other experiment, I used iPeng (with iPeng Player in-app purchase) on my iPad to control my LMS music library (on Win 7 pc) and then streamed music (via AirPlay) to the D 7050. Although this works, my wireless connection is not strong enough for this implementation and, consequently, I experienced some dropouts. As it happens, I like the JRemote interface better than iPeng (and I prefer Media Center over LMS), although I think iPeng is very good.

AptX: Haven’t tried it because iPad does not support the aptX codec. I bet this is even better than AirPlay. A next gen development to keep an eye on is the widespread adoption of AptX Lossless which is a step up from the basic AptX codec.

Optical: Have not used.

iDevice USB Dock: This is the simplest connection—albeit wired—and plays 24/96 material.

Overall, I think NAD has done a nice job with this device with respect to the number and quality of its source inputs. Is it as good as my main system? No, but that consists of 5 boxes, nearly a dozen transformers and chokes, a rats nest of cables and power cords, etc. etc. For anyone considering moderately priced powered speakers, this may be a better alternative cuz it opens up the spectrum of speakers you can pair with a single box that does amplification, volume control and digital to analog conversion.

• Photo of System   (Open in New Window)

Edits: 02/16/14 02/16/14 02/16/14

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