NAD M23

[Matias]

And an enthusiastic recommendation from Doug.

 

[yyzsb]

I am listening to the NAD M23 in my second sound room (my office) on Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower speakers. Playing with Jriver through Motu 624 DAC. These are excellent amps. They have no sound signature, as they are very neutral. The only difference between these and my other amps is that they run coooool. After 8 hours of working in my office, the room can heat up like a sauna with my other amps class A/AB amps.

Compared to my reference Ayre VX5-SE amp. I have to put in my head in a vice to hear a less than 1% difference under non experimental conditions. If anything, the M23 sounds a hair more focused with better imaging, while the VX5-SE is a hair less focused giving it the sensation of slightly more "air." Otherwise, the tone and low level detail are identical to me. I have to say that if this were a blind test I probably would be wrong 50% of the time, so take this with a grain of salt. The amps sound identical if my head is not in a vice.

I have a KEF Blade 2 Meta on order, and I will compare this amp with others through the Blades when they come. I have a Benchmark AHB2 and a Perreaux 100p (an excellent under-rated amp) I will compare to. Maybe bring in my McIntosh MC601 monoblocks, but that might be backbreaking labor. Maybe have my friend bring over his Classe CA-2200 for a spin too. I can do a sound sweep with Acourate and an Earthworks microphone to see if I can measure any objective differences in the frequency response of the amp in my office. I will report back if I find any interesting facts. I doubt there will be big differences. I think Class D has reached the big leagues and can stand shoulder to shoulder with the big boys proudly.

@Couchshopper Did you have a chance to compare the AHB2 with the M23. I was about to buy the Blade 2 Meta but changed my mind due to concerns about kids poking the drivers and knocking it over. However, I would not have used my Benchmark AHB2 monos with them since I feel they lacked the bass of my other amps such as the CODA #16. I had a Thiel CS3.7 (sold) to come to that conclusion.

I just bought the Yamaha NS5000 and that speaker is much easier to drive than the Blade 2 Meta. I think the AHB2 stereo or mono may work nicely with them. I sold the AHB2 (for what I paid) and looking to get them back. I am also looking at others like the NAD M23. Have you compared the AHB2 and the M23 on your Blades? Did you prefer one over the other.

I have 2 preamps, the Benchmark LA4 and the Holo Serene. So they will both match well with the M23. In fact, the Topping pre90 would work well with both amps since they have the gain adjustments. I sold the pre90 because it ONLY played nicely with amps that had gain adjustments.

 

[Sparkles]

The NAD M66 streamer DAC preamp now validates the M23's existence. I'll stick with the down market c658 c298 combo which is good enough for my predominant TV, YouTube, and Spotify listening.

 

[pogo]

The NAD M66 streamer DAC preamp now validates the M23's existence

The M33 has done this before as well. Here, the M23 acts as the bridge mode extension for the M33, among other things.

 

[MacCali]

@Couchshopper Did you have a chance to compare the AHB2 with the M23. I was about to buy the Blade 2 Meta but changed my mind due to concerns about kids poking the drivers and knocking it over. However, I would not have used my Benchmark AHB2 monos with them since I feel they lacked the bass of my other amps such as the CODA #16. I had a Thiel CS3.7 (sold) to come to that conclusion.

I just bought the Yamaha NS5000 and that speaker is much easier to drive than the Blade 2 Meta. I think the AHB2 stereo or mono may work nicely with them. I sold the AHB2 (for what I paid) and looking to get them back. I am also looking at others like the NAD M23. Have you compared the AHB2 and the M23 on your Blades? Did you prefer one over the other.

I have 2 preamps, the Benchmark LA4 and the Holo Serene. So they will both match well with the M23. In fact, the Topping pre90 would work well with both amps since they have the gain adjustments. I sold the pre90 because it ONLY played nicely with amps that had gain adjustments.

I think it really depends on what you like, I have no true knowledge on the blades. But just something’s I understood, which is common knowledge for most of the audio community, that sealed speakers need more power or more power provides a better presentation.

Second to that, for me the M23 bass is definitely something you can live with but to my taste is still the only con of the product. This is a very biased opinion because I may enjoy sloppy thunderous bass over tight and coherent. I am still very new to the audio world.

But I will say I very much love the M23’s presentation.

Now with that bs aside I would say you should just bi amp your speakers for probably an insane result. A/B for the bass and D for mid and highs. In my book that would make a grand sonic reproduction.

Also I should note, as a disclaimer my previous favorite amp has been class A/B with the units first 8 watts biased into A.

Also what I use for home theater too, similar setup. Which is the type of bass I have become fond of.

I think since you can afford something like the blades this should be no issue

 

[epping4est]

You are wrong. They have identical dimensions.

where "They" = M33 & M23

M33: 435 x 133 x 396 mm (17 1/8 x 5 1/4 x 15 5/8 ”)
M23: 435 x 133 x 381 mm (17 1/8 x 5 1/4 x 15 “)

i.e. Same width and height, different depths.

 

[pogo]

You're right. The M23 does not have a volume control knob

 

[epping4est]

The M23 does not have a volume control knob

Yep, that [knob] would do it.