NAD M33 Streaming Amplifier Review

[fcracer]

The SVS input sensitivity is about 350 mV at full gain. The M33 is not the problem

Thanks. May I ask where you found this info? I searched high and low and couldn’t find the spec. I was on the verge of emailing SVS support.

 

[pogo]

Link

 

[fcracer]

Link

I reached out to SVS and they confirmed the following which sounds like it will work well with the M33:

“The wakeup voltage from standby is 5mv and the amp can be driven to full power at 350mv (gain sensitivity) if the gain is set to full, this is for all of our subwoofers.

No more than 4v on the input otherwise it will clip and oversaturate the input stage.”

 

[pogo]

Again, use the trigger input

 

[Baki]

I’d like to know if the low output voltage of the M33 is sufficient to reach maximum output on the SVS. Unfortunately I can’t find any input sensitivity information on the SVS.

The problem is in the quality of sub outs.

 

[pogo]

???
In addition, the M33 has no sub-out L/R
The new M66 uses the same type of DAC for the subs.

 

[Baki]

The new M66 uses the same type of DAC for the subs.

Like I was repeating many times: NAD priorities a weird. They are cutting the costs where they should not. Many far less expensive Chinese devices which have been subject of the reviews here contain better parts, both active and passive ones. Hats off only to Purify module.

 

[pogo]

And what is explicitly wrong with the sub out?
Btw. the Purifi modules built under license are of higher quality, otherwise a bridge-mode operation would be Russian roulette

 

[pogo]

A bit dissapointed actually...

I would also have liked to see the measurements in bridge-mode setting, as you can definitely hear a difference.
A measurement at 192kHz ADC sample frequency also seems to be missing.

 

[Baki]

And what is explicitly wrong with the sub out?

Cheap low performance DAC. You can easily find the tech sheet on the web.

 

[pogo]

And what disadvantages are to be expected with the subs?

NAD engineering has put a lot of effort into the selection and tuning of the ADC/DACs, see also here:
ADC Chipset
AKM AK5578 (8 channel ADC with 4 channels used per stereo channel to improve SNR and distortion)
DAC Chipset
Dual ESS ES9028QM (each run in mono mode)

Btw. NAD has also accepted a few dB more noise in the inaudible range in order to achieve a better listening experience. You shouldn't be so fixated on measurements of individual components. The interaction must fit

 

[Baki]

Btw. the Purifi modules built under license are of higher quality, otherwise a bridge-mode operation would be Russian roulette

Btw. You do not connect dac output with computer ribbon cable to the Purifi module...
And the dac module is a separate small board with its own pins connected to the socket on the motherboard. Pretty audiophile approach, isn't it?

 

[Baki]

You shouldn't be so fixated on measurements of individual components. The interaction must fit

I am always just listening. The skillful engineer is doing the rest what I prefer to be done. Why ES9028QM plus I/V converter opamp has not been engaged for sub out? That is the question.
There is no point to by expensive sub(s) with such sub out.

 

[pogo]

And which of these 'issues' now has an audible impact?

 

[Baki]

And which of these 'issues' now has an audible impact?

Sorry, with all due respect but this is the border which I am not crossing over.
You can privately contact me if you really want to know.

 

[pogo]

OK, I don't understand why, as it might interest others, but I accept that.
In any case, no abnormalities can be heard with horn loudspeakers with high sensitivity.

 

[pogo]

BluOS 4.6.3
Released September 17, 2024
• New MQA Libraries
• New chassis firmware for the NAD C 399, C 389, C 379 and C 3050
• Initial support for the Bluesound NODE (gen 5) and NAD C700 V2

 

[pogo]

These should be the new MQA Libraries: Link

 

[pogo]

If you are still looking for an alternative remote control, you should also take a look at the new NAD BC1.
My alternative tip in the past was the Bluesound RC1. The new BC1 feels better in my hand.
The SRM1 of the M66, which has the same functions, is exactly the opposite

 

[pogo]

@Baki
FYI - The successor modules to the 1ET400A (--> 1ET6525SA) are probably pin-compatible and can possibly be easily replaced. Unfortunately, the data sheet has not yet been published.
As your M33 has already been modified, this could be the next step