NAD M10/PSB Alpha T20/Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i multiroom system

It’s a similarly gratifying story when listening to the NAD/PSB combination from other sources. A Netflix stream of George Clooney’s snail’s-paced The Midnight Sky via the HDMI ARC input enjoys a wide-open soundstage, with the NAD alive to even the most minor detail or peripheral harmonic variation. Plug in a CD player using one of the two digital sockets, or a (phono stage-equipped) turntable using one of the stereo RCA inputs, and the effect is pretty much the same. The amp and speakers demonstrate a real understanding of attack and decay, of texture and timbre, and seem absolutely adamant that decorum and good taste trumps dynamism and forcefulness every time.

As far as control of the overall system goes, the BluOS control app proves about as capable and reliable as any alternative that doesn’t say ‘Sonos’. It looks clean and reasonably uncluttered, and the ability to integrate any number of streaming services and internet radio services is very welcome. It’s not the most intuitive, it’s true, and it’s possible to flummox it by switching inputs much more easily than it really should be – anyone who (like me) is disproportionately annoyed by electronics not doing what they really ought to is going to find themselves frustrated on occasion. But as far as organising and operating a wireless multiroom audio system goes, BluOS is one of the very best of the rest. Even if you decide your system should feature 64 players.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

NAD M10

Amplifier section

• Type: Class D integrated amplifier
• Analogue inputs: stereo RCA × 2
• Digital inputs: Coaxial; optical; HDMI ARC; LAN
• Analogue outputs: stereo RCA pre-out; subwoofer pre‑out × 2
• Supported sample rates: up to 32bit/384kHz
• Input impedance: Not quoted
• Output impedance (preamp): Not quoted
• Power Output: 100watts
• Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz
• Harmonic distortion (80% power, 8Ohms @ 1kHz): 0.03%
• Signal to Noise Ratio (dB): 90

DAC

• Type: ESS Sabre 9028
• Resolution: 32bit/192kHz
• Supported sample rates (kHz) (coaxial): 32bit/192kHz
• Supported sample rates (kHz) (optical): 24bot/192kHz
• Distortion (THD + Noise): Not quoted
• Overall

Dimensions: (H×W×D)  10 × 22 × 26cm

• Weight (kg): 5
• Price: £2,199

Manufacturer: NAD

URL: nadelectronics.com

PSB Alpha T20

• Type: Two-way; bass reflex port loudspeaker
• Driver complement: 19mm aluminium dome tweeter; 2 × 13cm mid/bass driver
• Frequency response: 36Hz–21kHz
• Crossover frequency: 2.5kHz
• Impedance: 8 Ohms nominal, 6 Ohms minimum
• Sensitivity: 90dB/W/m
• Dimensions: (H×W×D)
  83 × 17 × 24cm
• Weight: 11.9kg/each
• Price: £599/pair

Manufacturer: PSB

URL: psbspeakers.com

Bluesound Pulse Mini 2i

• Type: Class D wireless speaker
• Driver complement: 2 x 19mm tweeter; 2 x 102mm mid/bass
• Frequency response: 50Hz–20kHz
• Crossover frequencies: not quoted
• Dimensions (hwd, cm): 17 × 34 × 16
• Weight (kg): 3.6
• Price: £499

Manufacturer: Bluesound

URL: bluesound.com

UK Distributor: Lenbrook UK Ltd

URL: lenbrook.com

Tel: +44(0)1908 222245

Back to Reviews