Trying to Decide on my next Purchase


I'm new to digital music and decided on the NAD Master Series M12 and M22 v2 for my music room.  With the M12/M22 setup, I'm using a McIntosh MCD7008 (that I borrowed from my rec room Mac analog system).  My next purchase will be a CD transport to replace the Mac MCD or a digital music streamer.  My budget is ~$3500. 

I'm considering the NAD M50.2, but I'm concerned about usability issues that I read about, in particular, it has no remote and the app must be used to initially play a CD. The blog noted the M12 remote cannot be used to start playing a CD.  Does anyone know if the M12 remote can be used or programmed to control the following 50.2 functions:
  1. Open the tray
  2. Close the tray
  3. Play a CD in the tray
  4. Play any CD stored on the device
The idea of ripping my CD library all over again isn't that appealing, but with the 50.2 I won't need another CD player :-).   
128x128oldschool1948
caphill, I purchased an Innuos Zenith MK2 and I’m quite happy with it. Having said that, I might have gone the Naim route if I read your email beforehand. A close friend of mine purchased a Naim Unity Star with some Focal speakers and the combo sounds really good.

I also upgraded my turntable to a Technics SL-1200G w/ Ortofon Quintet Black cart. I’m in vinyl heaven.

I still have the NAD gear, and I must say as it's broken-in along with the power cords and interconnects that I purchased, it sounds pretty good.  But, I do plan to replace the NAD gear with something else; I'm not yet sure what that might be.  I'm looking for a better pre-amp/amp or integrated amp match for my Tannoy 8 dcti speakers.  
avlee -  The excellent hardware features are more than negated by truly horrible software support
This is another reason why I'm ditching my NAD gear.  My experience has been that their support is non-existent.  For example, I needed to apply a firmware update to the M12's BluOS module that I purchased and installed.  You can easily download the software from their site, but there are NO instructions on how to install it.  And the install package has two files with no information on which one to use.

There was no way to get help from NAD.  After 4 or 5 emails with BluOS support I gave up because they were no help either.  I asked very specific questions and got vague answers, or references to the NAD site - which I already tried to use. 

I've been a computer geek since 1968, so I finally figured it out for myself. BluOS support said they'd update the documentation to provide step-by-step instruction about 6 months ago but have not, but did release another firmware update - with the same NO instructions.

@oldschool1948 

The Naim Uniti Star is a step down from the Uniti Nova. The Nova is by far better than the Star. The Nova is the top of line within the Uniti series. The Uniti series is Naim's entry level series. But the Star is very good for its price point. While the Nova isn't exactly cheap at $7500 but if you must go Naim analog integrated amp + Naim digital front end components you will end up spending a lot more than the Uniti Nova. The Naim separates (digital front end + analog linestage preamp + power amp) will cost you even way more but they are awesome. Naim makes very musical sounding gears but can be pricey. Depending on your budget later down the road or when it's time for you to upgrade, I highly recommend Naim separates. They might pair quite well with your Tannoy. 

caphill - thanks for the information.  I haven't set a budget.  This is my retirement system, so I'm going to get what I want - but at the same time, spend as little as possible. 

I've considered an integrated tube amp, but then I'd need a good DAC and phone preamp.  I've considered a McIntosh integrated amp that comes with everything, but I've always like separate components.  

I've considered keeping the M12 and buying a better DAC, phone preamp, and either SS or tube power amp.  I'm doing research, talking to folks with more knowledge and better gear that I have, and auditioning dealer gear.  I hope to have everything I need before Christmas :-).
That's sloppy support from NAD, downloaded updates  should always contain a text file with instructions. Shouldn't have to run around looking for it.