OTHER TECH

The NV-M3 music server is unlike any other I've reviewed. It has no CD drive, no video output, and no network connection. Transferring music requires direct connection via USB to a computer running Windows Media Player version 11. NuVo will soon make available a wireless adapter so the server doesn't need to be carried to the computer for downloads, but USB file transfer is s-l-o-w any way you cut it. My transfer averaged 10 gigabytes (GB) an hour, and filling the server's entire 160-GB drive would take . . . a long time. Also, the server's compatibility with only Windows Media Player will be a limitation for some existing music collections.

Once it's running, however, the server handles its job admirably, packing a ton of technology into a chassis less than 2 inches high. The NV-M3 serves up three simultaneous streams of MP3, WAV, or WMA files, including those with WMDRM10 (Windows Media Digital Rights Management). It also has a cool front-panel display that scrolls what's currently playing on all outputs. But the best reason for buying this server is that it's a NuVoNet device that requires no programming and displays its metadata on the keypads.

Being able to stream music wirelessly from an iPod sounds like a terrific idea, and when the NV-WIPS wireless dock was within range, it worked perfectly. The receiver immediately recognized the dock and my iPod and let me access all my tunes via an interface similar to the NV-M3 server's. When even one wall was in the way, however, range was severely limited, and I could never get it to work through two walls. Depending on the size and construction of your home, the wired dock might be a safer bet.

Although digital amplifiers seem to be the wave of the future, I've yet to run across one that has won my heart. The Grand Concerto's are rated at 40 watts into 6 ohms (instead of the more typical 8 ohms) and 0.4% distortion at one-half power, meaning that hard driving isn't their specialty. In the real world, this translated to decent sound at low levels in typical-sized rooms. Output was low over nearly the first half of the volume-control range. Above halfway, the amp produced modestly loud sound until about 80%, where it started sounding pushed and strained. I wasn't able to drive my outdoor pool speakers to acceptable levels without excessive distortion. If you have large spaces, or areas requiring full-range output, you should definitely budget for additional amplification.

Bottom Line The NuVo Technologies Grand Concerto multiroom audio system is in many ways a do-it-yourselfer's dream. If you stick with NuVoNet sources and use the EZ Port hub, it'll work fine and look like it was installed by a pro. But beyond this simplicity, the sheer amount of technology and performance that NuVo has crammed into so little real estate is downright impressive: My entire system stood less than 9 inches high! The OLED keypads look great and will garner attention, virtually begging to be touched and played with. Replace the skimpy built-in amps with something more powerful, and you'll have a system that will satisfy practically anyone.

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