NAD M33 Streaming Amplifier Review

[Chrispy]

I tend to agree, but one counter example: the Anthem STR integrated retails for $4.5k in the US. Add a streamer like bluesound node and the price is comparable. The NAD appears to measure better.

All overpriced IMO for the results....can be pretty to look at more than some other stuff, tho.

 

[amirm]

Can you explain why this does not show up when you tested the speaker outs?

Different situations. In DAC testing the volume is set to -6 dB which means the amps are running at full power. In sharp contrast, the amplifier test is done at just 5 watts so the amp is not remotely stressed. Is this what were asking?

 

[TomJ]

The M33 and C 298 both look like a significant step forward from other Purifi builds with their custom SMPS for more peak power (IHF dynamic power) and other mods to support bridged operation (Section 4.3.2 of the 1ET400A Data Sheet: "...bridging two 1ET400A Designs will result in performance degradation as the circuit is not configured to sense the voltage differential that exists between the (now unused) OUT- terminals of the two 1ET400A Designs. Bridging is therefore not recommended. All operation and performance specs are void in this configuration").

 

[Koeitje]

I think this is still not worth the money, but its getting close. You can easily buy worse for the money.

 

[martin900]

I wouldn't buy it for the sole reason of becoming a doorstop in a few years after either the PSU or the processing part go bust, with custom firmware, no schematics and zero support from the manufacturer when it reaches EOL status.

At least it looks reasonably modular:

 

[watchnerd]

All overpriced IMO for the results....can be pretty to look at more than some other stuff, tho.

I admit:

I'll pay extra for pretty.

 

[Chrispy]

I admit:

I'll pay extra for pretty.

Not me.

 

[Beershaun]

@amirm how concerned should we be about the difference in channel performance? That seemed much worse than I recall seeing in other amplifiers or integrated products and not the norm. Is that a manufacturing defect or variation of some kind?

 

[SoundsGood2Me]

Thanks Amirm, You're doing Gods' Work.

 

[dougi]

Phono mm is 56kohms. Which should be perfectly OK. Still, the ADC sampling rate choice of 44.1kHz seems strange. Does that also mean if you use Dirac everything will be resampled to that, or the analog will be resampled again to something else?

 

[Xyrium]

I admit:

I'll pay extra for pretty.

I love the look of this box, it really is sharp as hell.

While I expect better from the sum of the components inside, the result is most likely a very satisfying audio experience. It would be nice if NAD would step up a bit and optimize the designs though, and really eek out the best from the internal components.

 

[AndrewDavis]

Here's mine. Same functionality, better SINAD. More boxes.

NAD stole my idea.

 

[YSC]

Decent performance in my book but price is really out of reach... that price I can buy two genelec 8341 and pair with cheap Chinese dac for the same functionality and much better sound

 

[watchnerd]

Here's mine. Same functionality, better SINAD. More boxes.

NAD stole my idea. View attachment 91759

Where's the phono stage?

 

[GimeDsp]

Thank you Amir for testing this vintage integrated amp. By vintage I mean...by the time I can afford it it will be very vintage!

 

[amirm]

@amirm how concerned should we be about the difference in channel performance? That seemed much worse than I recall seeing in other amplifiers or integrated products and not the norm. Is that a manufacturing defect or variation of some kind?

Hard to tell if it is a universal issue or just this one. Will have to test another to be sure. Maybe the owner can contact NAD and ask them if this is to spec and see what they say (I know, it is a long shot).

 

[gvl]

This or a family vacation in Hawaii?

 

[amirm]

This or a family vacation in Hawaii?

You can't just decide to go to Hawaii. You have to quarantine for 14 days or take COVID test. With NAD, you can go online and buy it now!

 

[PeteL]

Here's mine. Same functionality, better SINAD. More boxes.

NAD stole my idea. View attachment 91759

Close, just missing a phono preamp and an a few ADCs

 

[rodtor]

The M33 and C 298 both look like a significant step forward from other Purifi builds with their custom SMPS for more peak power (IHF dynamic power) and other mods for bridged operation which the standard Purifi amp module does not support (Section 4.3.2 of the 1ET400A Data Sheet: "...bridging two 1ET400A Designs will result in performance degradation as the circuit is not configured to sense the voltage differential that exists between the (now unused) OUT- terminals of the two 1ET400A Designs. Bridging is therefore not recommended. All operation and performance specs are void in this configuration").

Yes, it would be nice to see measurements for the C 298, which might be appealing for someone, like me, who prefers separates.