True 1-bit technology, enhanced clocking and hybrid oven controlled power supply added to the best USB connection and MF Super Isolation Unit puts NADAC-D ahead of the
NADAC S Technology Overview
NADAC S is a super music server developed by Master Fidelity specifically for working in conjunction with NADAC D and NADAC C. The “S” stands for Server. Its core value lies not only in handling music file storage and playback services, but also in participating as a synchronization node in the entire digital audio system, ensuring the server platform itself maintains consistency with the system’s time base.
External Synchronization
For digital audio systems, time base consistency is crucial. Based on this design principle, NADAC S is equipped with a 10MHz external clock input port, enabling it to work synchronously with NADAC D and third-party devices with 10MHz external clock inputs, and even Word Clock inputs, within the unified clock architecture of NADAC C. Therefore, NADAC S does not operate in an independent asynchronous manner, but rather becomes a synchronous component in the entire digital domain, working collaboratively under a unified time base. This capability is one of the core technical features of NADAC S.
Platform Optimization
NADAC S utilizes a dedicated motherboard deeply optimized by Master Fidelity for music playback applications. The platform optimization focuses primarily on two aspects: the power supply architecture and the specially optimized Windows 11 operating system. While ensuring system stability, the NADAC S aims to provide a more suitable operating environment for music playback and related services.
Storage System: As the system disk for loading and running the operating system and applications, the NADAC S utilizes U.2 SSDs designed for enterprise servers, data center storage arrays, and high-performance workstations. U.2 SSDs offer power-loss data retention, supporting 24/7 uninterrupted stable operation, and typically outperform ordinary consumer-grade SSDs in write endurance and long-term high-load stability, with endurance generally several to tens of times greater. Simultaneously, the U.2 SSD connects to the CPU via a high-speed interface path, providing excellent random read and write performance, further enhancing overall system responsiveness and audio service performance. To ensure long-term stable operation, the NADAC S also features a large-size finned heatsink for this U.2 system disk, providing ample heat dissipation area.
For music file storage, the NADAC S uses an enterprise-grade SATA SSD. For music files, the storage medium must first and foremost provide high data security. Enterprise-grade SATA SSDs can support 24/7 high-load continuous operation, possessing high concurrency capabilities and excellent steady-state performance. Their write endurance is typically several to tens of times higher than that of ordinary consumer-grade SSDs. This data drive connects to the system platform via a separate high-speed interface path, theoretically providing a shorter data transfer path and further reducing the impact of interference and signal attenuation. For valuable music files, users can also achieve security redundancy through Software RAID-1. It should be noted that this function requires third-party software and a certain level of user expertise, and requires the purchase of the NADAC S PC S4 version.
Connectivity
NADAC S offers a large set of highly optimized communication ports…
USB Interface
Regarding the USB interface configuration, the NADAC S has been optimized for different uses. The motherboard features a dedicated USB Type-C port for internal NADAC system-to-NADAC D audio data connection. This port does not provide power; it ensures consistency across the NADAC system and provides a more suitable connection path for digital audio data transmission between NADACs.
In addition, the motherboard includes eight USB 3.2 compatible 2.0 Type-A ports, each with a differentiated power supply design depending on its intended use. Two USB ports for computer peripherals such as mice and keyboards are powered by the system itself; four general-purpose USB ports are powered by a low-noise switching power supply; and two additional USB ports for third-party digital audio data transmission, which can connect to SSDs, HDDs, USB flash drives, or third-party DACs, are powered by an ultra-low-noise linear power supply.
Network Interface
To fully utilize the NADAC S’s 10MHz external clock synchronization capability, Master Fidelity has independently developed a pair of Hi-End PCIe Gigabit Ethernet controllers called MF-PSL (Precise Synchronization Locking), which are included as standard equipment in the NADAC S. One controller has an RJ-45 network interface, and the other has an SFP fiber optic interface. Through these controllers, the NADAC S’s network clock no longer relies solely on the sub-microsecond synchronization of the IEEE 1588v2 (PPT) protocol, but can be further improved to achieve the precision of locking with the NADAC C.
Meanwhile, the motherboard also features four 2.5Gbps RJ-45 network ports, providing the NADAC S with the hardware foundation for building built-in routing functionality. This functionality requires users to configure appropriate third-party software according to their needs.
Display and Control
For convenient operation, the NADAC S features a 7-inch color display on the front panel with a resolution of 1920 × 1080. The rear panel offers DP 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 display output interfaces, allowing connection to external monitors and supporting up to 4K 60P output.
Considering the typical placement of high-end audio systems, where equipment is usually positioned between the left and right speakers, the NADAC S also includes a wireless KVM transmitter/receiver kit capable of stable transmission up to 100 meters, along with a small keyboard and mouse, for convenient user control from the listening position. The monitor used at the listening position must be provided by the user.
Currently, the initial exhibited sample will be equipped with this KVM kit. Whether it will be included as a standard accessory in the future mass-production version will be finalized based on the actual user experience of Weishen and Dom, as well as feedback from the exhibition.
Heat Dissipation and Quiet Operation
The NADAC S employs a self-cooling design without forced cooling, and all system storage uses solid-state drives (SSDs). Therefore, there is no fan airflow noise or mechanical hard drive operating noise during operation.
Design Overview
As a new member of the NADAC family, the NADAC S maintains a unified family design style with the NADAC C, NADAC D, and NADAC L. The chassis width and depth are the same, only the height differs, being twice that of the NADAC C, D, and L.
Software Description
Regarding the local music file player software and online streaming player configured in the NADAC S, the relevant solutions will be explained separately as the design progresses.
Factory Verification
Each NADAC S undergoes a 30-minute AIDA64 stability load test before shipment to ensure the entire unit is in a normal and stable working state.
