We were asked by William from New Zealand about choosing between the NAD M10v3 or a Bluesound Node ICON and a power amplifier for his second system. Our ezpert, Ed Selley offers the following thoughts...
First up, if you need more than one analogue input or you intend to use a subwoofer, the excellent NAD M10v3 wins pretty much by default. It does these things while the ICON can't (at least in the case of a subwoofer, not that easily) so it takes the lead in the practicality stakes. Additionally, the M10v3 only needs one mains socket and will take up less room than an ICON and power amplifier together. The M10v3 is a formidable bit of kit and it’s simpler to get up and running and provides superb results.
Buuut, if you don't need these things, there is no escaping that the quality of the ICON partnered with a power amplifier is hard to ignore. I do like the Class D nCore amps that NAD uses in their products but I do feel that there are livelier and more engaging options available. In the UK at least, it would be possible to combine an ICON with a Cyrus Classic Power Amplifier for the same total price as the M10v3 and I am confident I'd prefer the two box system to the one box alternative. If you are willing to shop for power amps used or ex-dem, your options can grow even further. Long term, this also allows for the scope to upgrade the system in two parts in the future as well.
