NAD M23 Stereo Amplifier Review

[mullerhun]

You are correct! I thought NAD just made different power supplies for their amps, but it turns out they make custom modules too.

However, as the measurements state, I would be amazed if any difference is perceived in a blind test.
There are benefits to buying M23 instead of other brands: longevity, guarantee, and design, just not anything we can hear. So I stand by my previous joke post.

I very much would like to buy my amp used for my first hifi system. Any recommendation? Should do atleast 200wpc 4 ohms!

 

[jimbones]

You are correct! I thought NAD just made different power supplies for their amps, but it turns out they make custom modules too.

However, as the measurements state, I would be amazed if any difference is perceived in a blind test.
There are benefits to buying M23 instead of other brands: longevity, guarantee, and design, just not anything we can hear. So I stand by my previous joke post.

totally agree, i would bet they measure the same. They are excellent I own the M23, it is a fine product

 

[MacCali]

The M23 uses Purifi Eigentakt modules. What advantage is the M23 vs a VTV Eigentakt amp and a Topping Pre90 preamp for less than half the price?

*You can skip to my third paragraph

I don’t know about vtv. Even as pleased as I maybe and I did clearly spend substantially more my decision was based on both objective and subjective performance.

I’ve stated previously my other option was a bel canto black which is also some form of class D, you do the research, but that unit varied from 7-15k depending on the case.

I’ve never heard them, but I would suggest the other two class D amps one by Audiophonics and the Buckeye, both reviewed by Amir cheaper and fairly equal performance for a lower price with the same module. I know members on here say there’s no difference in sound between amps, which can be potentially true. But I like to hear my amps before buying them even when they are objectively phenomenal. @mullerhun

 

[Julf]

But I like to hear my amps before buying them even when they are objectively phenomenal.

In your home or in a showroom? At this point, the audible differences between the top amps are so small that they can only be detected in a proper level-matched double-blind ABX listening test (if even then).

 

[jimbones]

In your home or in a showroom? At this point, the audible differences between the top amps are so small that they can only be detected in a proper level-matched double-blind ABX listening test (if even then).

i agree that the class d amps are getting really close. Almost a "if you heard one you heard them all". I may be wrong but I find the differences very small

 

[Jim Creek]

*You can skip to my third paragraph

I don’t know about vtv. Even as pleased as I maybe and I did clearly spend substantially more my decision was based on both objective and subjective performance.

I’ve stated previously my other option was a bel canto black which is also some form of class D, you do the research, but that unit varied from 7-15k depending on the case.

I’ve never heard them, but I would suggest the other two class D amps one by Audiophonics and the Buckeye, both reviewed by Amir cheaper and fairly equal performance for a lower price with the same module. I know members on here say there’s no difference in sound between amps, which can be potentially true. But I like to hear my amps before buying them even when they are objectively phenomenal. @mullerhun

I’m not judging your purchase. The NAD M23 is a fantastic amp but too pricey for me. I also went for the Purify Eigentakt technology but I took a less expensive route.

 

[mullerhun]

I’m not judging your purchase. The NAD M23 is a fantastic amp but too pricey for me. I also went for the Purify Eigentakt technology but I took a less expensive route.

which one exactly?

 

[Jim Creek]

which one exactly?

I purchased a VTV Purifi Eigentakt Eval 1 last year for $1K.

 

[Hear Here]

The M23 uses Purifi Eigentakt modules. What advantage is the M23 vs a VTV Eigentakt amp and a Topping Pre90 preamp for less than half the price?

The cheaper amp "probably" uses the cheap Purifi Eval(uation) board, intended for DIY and evaluation purposes, whereas the M23 builds the board under license after maximising its performance and sound quality. Also, the more costly amp "probably" uses a superior power supply, greater rfi-avoidance features, better sockets, casework, feet, etc. Compare the NAD C298 with the M23 and you'll see that not all Purifi amps are the same, even of the same brand. However, I'm sure cheaper ones will be pretty good and may compare with the C298.

 

[MacCali]

I’m not judging your purchase. The NAD M23 is a fantastic amp but too pricey for me. I also went for the Purify Eigentakt technology but I took a less expensive route.

My post 448 points that out. My purchase decision was based on being able to demo the unit with multiple speakers of varying price and sonic presentation yet still being extremely awesome.

Gene from Audioholics tested it about two weeks after this and that sealed the deal for me.

I personally prior to this, and being told by many members about hypex modules etc, in demonstrations did not like class D by any means.

Clearly, people will say all amps sound the same. Next, this same module amongst the amps sounds the same. I’m not going to really refute any of those claims. However, when I got it and put it in my reference system that’s where I had decided this is the amp for me. I’m not buying another amp for another 3+ years at least and again the cheapest Bel Canto black was nearly double that price.

But I do agree it’s definitely a load of cash, most likely if anything for just a little better performance. Hence why I suggested two other amps which are nearly half the price and very similar in performance.

 

[Julf]

I personally prior to this, and being told by many members about hypex modules etc, in demonstrations did not like class D by any means.

By "demonstrations" I assume you mean sighted listening without matching levels, on varying speakers, in varying listening rooms?

 

[Julf]

Gene from Audioholics tested it about two weeks after this and that sealed the deal for me.

Tested or "tested"?

 

[Julf]

However, I'm sure cheaper ones will be pretty good and may compare with the C298.

And as we know, more expensive gear is usually perceived subjectively as "better" by their owners.

 

[antcollinet]

The cheaper amp "probably" use the cheap Purifi Eval(uation) board

It's not cheap, and certainly not cheaply made. The purify design has been optimised primarily for sound quality over cost.

the M23 builds the board under license after maximising its performance and sound quality.

I doubt they have done anything at all to improve the sound quality. At most they might have made changes to adapt the mechanical design to suit their housing, or possibly integrated buffer stages to suit their input stage, or similar types of mod.

Also, the more costly amp "probably" uses a superior power supply, greater rfi-avoidance features, better sockets, case, feet,

Some of this may or may not be true. But don't assume that because an amp is more expensive you are getting better components. Mostly what you are paying for in this case is branding.

 

[NADKEF listener]

I noticed that the reselling value of a more iconic/famous/known brand/model is much higher. I sold my M23 for a M33 and depreciation was neglectable.

 

[mike70]

Many subscribers of Stereophile here

They need to read some fixed threads about amps, measurements, mind effects in sighted listening, etc. and then take their conclusions ... or run away for the subjective publications / forums, where audio depends on your wallet, because only a 8mm aluminum case is capable of better sound, unicorn sweat in cables, golden contacts, ...

 

[Hear Here]

It's not cheap, and certainly not cheaply made. The purify design has been optimised primarily for sound quality over cost.

Read my words. I said "cheaper" not "cheap"

Some of this may or may not be true. But don't assume that because an amp is more expensive you are getting better components. Mostly what you are paying for in this case is branding.

Believe what you like, but improvements in any and all parts of audio gear will all contribute towards a higher quality unit.

I doubt they have done anything at all to improve the sound quality. At most they might have made changes to adapt the mechanical design to suit their housing, or possibly integrated buffer stages to suit their input stage, or similar types of mod.

Why should they bother to build the board under license if not to add quality? Just look at the rated outputs of the 2 NAD amps I illustrated. NAD has developed the M23 board to deliver a higher output - amongst other things.

As I said before, not all Purifi amps are equal, even though all are likely to be good.

 

[ahofer]

even though all are likely to be good.

...and sound the same, barring some engineering mistake or unusual power draw situation (Apogee Duettas, etc.).

 

[Julf]

Many subscribers of Stereophile here

They need to read some fixed threads about amps, measurements, mind effects in sighted listening, etc. and then take their conclusions ... or run away for the subjective publications / forums, where audio depends on your wallet, because only a 8mm aluminum case is capable of better sound, unicorn sweat in cables, golden contacts, ...

This!

 

[antcollinet]

Why should they bother to build the board under license if not to add quality?

Because:

1 - there is pretty much no additional sound quality to be found. The Purify amps are already audibly transparent.
2 - Bruno's team are at the absolute pinnacle of this technology: They have been developing it for years. It is very unlikely that Nad has the technical capability to improve on it - or else why use it at all? If they could do better, they wouldn't have to buy it in.