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Features shared with the N1-S38 flagship include its design, platform, chassis, casework and mainboard. The company says the N5-H50 gains an extreme grade of low-jitter system clock from NDK, industrial quality RJ45 connectors for Melco’s trademark LAN port and dedicated PLAYER port, plus SFP Fibre (Small Form Factor Pluggable) connectivity, allowing the use of noise-isolating optical connectivity with SFP-ready devices or Melco’s entry-level S100/2 and flagship S10 data switches.

USB connectivity is via Amphenol connectors at the rear and an additional front panel USB socket is included for convenience. USB formatting is both USB 2.0 for audiophile-grade DACs and USB 3.0 for higher speed data transfers, such as CD importing with Melco’s dedicated D100 drive/ripper or expansion storage.

A high-performance power connection is also specified, using an EMC-filtered IEC connector giving true system ground reference. The N5-H50’s power supply uses multi-stage linear regulation following a high-spec audio-grade toroidal transformer on a special vibration-cushion mount.

Hand-made in Japan, the N5-H50’s precision-machined two-tone metalwork draws from the industrial design of the N1-S38 and benefits from what Melco calls a highly stable chassis construction centred around a 3mm stainless steel base plate intended to minimise unwanted vibration.

The new fascia design features the Melco logo, illuminated positive-click fascia control buttons, an OLED display panel, plus concealed shadow lighting – which changes colour in response to machine status. The N5-H50 comes in black or silver.

Available to buy now for £7,500, the N5-H50 will be distributed in the UK by ADMM.