NAD M33 Streaming Amplifier

Here we have Streaming DAC Amplifier from electronics specialists NAD. This all-in-one unit just needs a pair of speakers and you’re good to go. The M33 is able to stream music via the BluOS app or you can take advantage of its vast array of digital and analogue inputs to expand your music playing system. Our unit is in very good condition with a couple of minor blemishes – please refer to photographs. It is supplied in original factory packaging along with remote control unit, mains cable, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth antennas, Dirac microphone, USB stick and our standards three month warranty.
NAD Say….
In its simplest form, the M33 BluOS™ enabled DAC/amplifier is an ultra-high-performance streaming amplifier with superb audiophile sound. As a BluOS enabled component, the M33 can be combined with other players in a BluOS ecosystem of wirelessly networked music players throughout the home for an outstanding whole-home audio system. With the employment of the new Purifi Eigentakt™ Hybrid Digital amplifier technology, the M33 follows NAD’s long-standing tradition in identifying and developing cutting-edge amplification technology. With a minimum of 200W per channel on tap, the result is lifelike performance, exemplified by ultra-low distortion and noise.
Part of a growing ecosystem of compatible products, BluOS tightly integrates hardware and software for an exceptional user experience. The only true wireless High-Resolution multi-room system available today, BluOS supports the new standard for High Res streaming, Master Quality Authenticated (MQA). BluOS also supports over 20 free and paid subscription services as well as supporting locally stored music libraries. With BluOS, the M33 retains all the audiophile features and further adds a range of facilities that will expand its capabilities yet simplifies ease-of-use at the same time. Operable with the BluOS app, the supplied remote control or through hands-free control with any Amazon Alexa device, the M33’s front panel never needs to be touched.
Experts agree that room acoustics are the weakest link in most sound systems with room reflections deteriorating tonal balance and dynamics. Dirac, one of the most highly regarded Room Correction systems available, not only adjusts for frequency response, but unlike other room correction systems, it also optimises the impulse response. By optimizing the speaker/room interface, music sounds more natural and lifelike. Supplied with the M33 is a precision microphone to measure the room at and around the listening position so your system can be precisely calibrated for optimum performance. Even the most sophisticated loudspeakers can be markedly improved using Dirac calibration. Each of the 5 Dirac memory slots can store a unique room measurement or different frequency target curves to suit a particular musical taste or genre.
In its standard form, the M33 is very complete with a wide range of in/outputs, BluOS, Dirac, HDMI and more already fully integrated. It will meet the requirements of the most demanding users. To minimize the risk of future obsolescence, the M33 comes with two MDC (Modular Design Construction) slots that allow for further expansion. NAD introduced the MDC platform well over a decade ago and allowed updating products with new technologies which didn’t even exist at time of introduction
Whether looking to connect digital or analogue sources, the M33 comes well equipped to accommodate for all of these: 6 digital inputs and 3 analogue inputs, including MM phono. Around back, the rear panel hosts two sets of speaker outputs capable of bi-wiring and a stereo Subwoofer Output with a fully configurable Digital Crossover. Airplay 2 and Bluetooth AptX-HD allow for local wireless streaming from a phone or tablet.
The M33 has a high-quality MM Phono Input that rivals specialized outboard units. Accurate RIAA equalization, a clever phase cancelling infrasonic filter, and a huge overload margin combine to bring out the best in LPs. Furthermore, headphone enthusiasts will delight at the sound of the discrete headphone amplifier, which is able to drive even planar and high impedance studio phones. With high voltage and low output impedance, headphones will sound their best. For those who wish to enjoy their headphones but not be tethered to a cable, the integrated Bluetooth AptX-HD module makes it possible to enjoy wireless headphones as well.
The all alloy casework is elegant yet practical. The single control knob for volume is supplemented by a colour LCD touchscreen display. Rigid panels with magnetic iso-point feet provide a solid foundation for the multi-layer circuit boards and intricate internal construction. The M33 employs a completely modern and fresh take on the traditional stereo amplifier, with features and performance from the future.
BluOS provides hands-free control with full integration of any Amazon Alexa device. Through Airplay 2, control is also possible with Siri. Considerable effort has been spent to make the M33 fully compatible with all the leading smart home systems from leading companies like Apple, Crestron, Control4, Lutron, KNX and many others. This means that along with lighting, shades, HVAC, and security, the integrator or user can seamlessly control the BluOS multi-room music system from a common interface. All integrations are certified for reliable operation. The custom BluOS Apps for iOS and Android tablets and phones, as well as desktop control from Windows and Apple OS are available free-of-charge and are updated regularly.
Features:
BluOS Streaming DAC Amplifier
HybridDigital Purifi Eigentakt™ Amplifier Technology
Continuous Power: 200W into 8/4 Ohms
32-Bit/384 kHz ESS Sabre DAC
Dirac Live Room LE Correction
Colour LCD touch display
BluOS multi-room Integration
Wireless control with AirPlay 2 and aptX HD Bluetooth Integration
Comprehensive digital and analogue connectivity including HDMI eARC
Integrates seamlessly with leading smart home control systems
MDC (Modular Design Construction) offers ability to upgrade to future digital formats as they become available. Two MDC slots provided.
Specifications:
AMPLIFIER SECTION
Rated Output Power: > 200 W into 8 ohms; > 380 W into 4 ohms (ref. 20 Hz – 20 kHz at rated THD, both channels driven)
Input Sensitivity: 865 mV (ref. 200 W 8 ohms, Volume maximum)
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): < 0.003 % (1 W to 200 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 98 dB (A-weighted, ref. 1 W out in 8 ohms); > 120 dB (A-weighted, ref. 200 W out in 8 ohms)
Clipping Power: > 210 W (0.1 % THD 1 kHz 8 ohms)
IHF Dynamic Power: 8 ohms: 260 W; 4 ohms: 520 W
Peak Output Current: ≥ 25 A (in 1 ohm, 1 ms)
Damping Factor: > 800 (ref. 8 ohms, 20 Hz to 6.5 kHz)
Frequency Response: ± 0.2 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz); -3 dB at 60 kHz
Input Impedance (R and C): 47 kΩ/180 pF
Input Sensitivity: 280 mV (ref. 500 mV out, Volume Maximum)
Maximum input level 20 Hz – 20 kHz: 2 Vrms/8 Vrms (low sensitivity mode)
Tone Controls: Treble: ± 6 dB at 10 kHz; Bass: ± 6 dB at 100 Hz
Max Output Signal: 4 Vrms (ref. 0.1 % THD)
Maximum Output Level: 3.9 Vrms (ref. 0.1 % THD)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 120 dB (A-weighted, ref. 2 V out)
Output impedance: 100 ohms
SUBOUT:
Maximum Output Level: 1.1 Vrms (ref. 0.1 % THD 100 Hz)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 102 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz, ref. 1 V out)
THD+N: < 0.005 % (refer 1.1 V 20 Hz – 200 Hz)
Output Impedance: 680 ohms
PHONO:
Input Sensitivity: MM: 1.2 mV; MC: 100 µV
Input Impedance (R and C): MM: 56 kOhms/100 pF; MC: 100 ohms/280 pF
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (ref. 2 V Pre-out A-weighted): MM: > 92 dB; MC: > 76 dB
THD+N (ref 2V Pre-out 1 kHz): MM: < 0.003 %; MC: < 0.02 %
RIAA response accuracy MM/MC: ± 0.2 dB 20 Hz – 20 kHz
HEADPHONES:
Output Impedance: 2.2 ohms
Output power: > 100 mW/32 ohms
BluOS SECTION
AUDIO:
Supported Audio File Format: MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, ALAC, OPUS
Supported High- Resolution Audio File Format: FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF
Sampling Rate: up to 192 kHz
Bit Depths: 16 – 24
Supported Operating System: Music playback from network shares on the following desktop operating systems: Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, Vista, 7, 8 to current Windows Operating Systems and macOS versions
Mobile Application: Free BluOS Controller App available for download from the respective App stores of Apple iOS devices (iPad, iPhone and iPod), Android devices, Kindle Fire and Windows or macOS desktops
Remote Control: HTRM 2 remote control
Auto Standby ON: < 0.5 W
Idle Power: < 40 W
Dimensions: 435 (W) x 396 (D) x 133 (H) mm
Weight: 9.7 kg

To read a review from Hi-Fi Choice magazine please click here