NAD M66 - finally someone makes a decent 2-channel preamp!

[Nocko!]

Nope.
I read in another forum that someone had massive difficulties installing an update. I suspect (hope...) that this update will make future firmware updates easier.

I still hope that NAD will first fix the obvious errors and actually take care of the M66 and not just distribute some threadbare updates for BluOS.

 

[pogo]

The M66 was tested with the result 'very good' in the German STEREO 9/2024 magazine

 

[pogo]

 

[pogo]

NAD press release: Link

 

[mags65]

Anyone else had problems with Dirac detecting the microphone? I’ve followed all the steps in the procedure - created profile, downloaded Dirac Live to both ipad and mac mini, attached dongle to M66 (which lights up green ) and mic to dongle. The M66 shows up in the Dirac app, but I get an error message that the NAD is not a recording device and that there is no microphone attached. Has this happened to anyone else? Screenshot from Dirac app below:

 

[Nocko!]

Never tried to connect the microphone to the NAD. Did you try to connect the microphone to your Mac Mini?

I usually only use a UMIK-1 on the MacBook with good results, but recently I also tried the ugly NAD micro with the dongle on the MacBook. At least that worked. Unfortunately I couldn't check the result.

By the way: Better do not use the iOS app.

 

[mags65]

Yes, I tried the mic on the Mac, and it showed up there. Unfortunately, the M66 and Mac Mini are on separate floors, so no luck in using it from downstairs. Also, I want this to work as it is an inherent feature and might impact second-hand value if there is something wrong on the M66.

By iOS-app, do you mean Dirac?

 

[Nocko!]

Ok, I understand.
I would try your setup, but unfortunately my stupidity and the even greater stupidity of the NAD programmers destroyed my tweeters, so I'm a bit helpless at the moment..

Yes, I meant the Dirac iOS app. I've never tried it, but I've read several times that it's better to stay away from it because it's probably not well maintained. Maybe another user knows more about it.

Just a shot in the dark: Could it possibly be that you still need to adjust the permissions for the NAD or the microphone in the MacOS safety settings?

 

[mags65]

Dirac app seems like a bit of a POS so far. Not impressed.

Not sure how MacOS permissions come into this? The mic actually shows up and seems to be functional when attached to the Mini. The problem only occurs when plugging into the M66. And I can’t for the life of me see how I would get access to M66-settings from the Mini. BlueOS is hopeless (as you are well aware!).

 

[mags65]

Here’s the error message:

 

[canjondo]

Mags65...I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one having this issue. I contacted NAD tech support via email and they were nice, ie, they acknowledged that there was an issue...but no fix in sight. They just recommended that I stick with Mac OS (as opposed to iOS) for my Dirac needs. And Dirac works flawlessly using MacOS. Yes, it's annoying to have to move my desktop Mac (which is in my bedroom) to the listening room (which is in my living room)...but it's worth it (to me). Dirac is not perfect, but it's worth trying. Especially in regards to bass...it's a huge improvement. But in regards to mids and highs...things could get a little weird. All in all, I'm happy with my m66. Just looking at it makes me smile. Oh, I forget to mention that in addition to the supplied puck mic, I tried using the umik-1 with iOS...same issue...No recording device detected. Sucks, I know.

 

[mags65]

@canjondo »good» to hear that it is a know issue and not something wrong our respective M66s. However, absolutely atrocious that this has passed through product testing/QC at NAD without being picked up. Am seriously considering taking it back to the dealer.

 

[canjondo]

I don't blame you mags65, I also thought of returning my m66 and seeing $5,400 back in my checking account, happy to have dodged a bullet. But the flesh is weak.

My hope is that the issue will get fixed if enough m66 owners contact NAD about it. I used to have a NAD c399...no issue with iOS detecting my mic. NAD should fix this on the m66, no excuse.

 

[fcracer]

It’s sad to read this forum. NAD really has to improve their QC for software and hardware integration and their support infrastructure. While I love my M33, I’m still waiting for the Dirac live bass control feature that was promised when the product was launched. Several years later and we have nothing, probably because their engineers are trying to fix the M66… They also never did seem to get the intersample clipping issue resolved either.

As a Masters series client, it’s reasonable that you should be getting a better support experience. I’d politely ask to have the overall situation escalated either at the local retailer or to someone who can help you at NAD. When I got my M33, there were also some firmware issues and I got connected with a senior person at NAD who took care of my issues and kept me informed of the progress they were making. I can dig up his email address and send it over PM if it would be helpful.

 

[pogo]

Yes, I meant the Dirac iOS app. I've never tried it, but I've read several times that it's better to stay away from it because it's probably not well maintained.

Version 3.10.6 was rolled out a few days ago

 

[mags65]

Talked to the dealer yesterday. They were not aware of this issue, but would test on their recently received demo unit to see if they could replicate the problem, and also reach out to NAD/Dirac. Got a callback today. This was indeed a known issue from NADs side, and apparently known at/prior to release (which means that the manual is deceiful/incorrect in this respect). The root cause is said to be the Dirac Live iOS-app, which is not yet updated/configured to be compatible with DLBC. Which to me seemed like a bit of BS, as the mic was not recognosed even when trying from the MacOS-app on the Mac Mini. Anyways, there was no clear roadmap for a fix - the only statement from NAD was that using the mic directly in the M66 «would be supported sometime in the future» or words to that effect. So the M66 is going back to the dealer - who were very understanding and supportive. And I will probably not buy a NAD product again.

 

[Nocko!]

Not sure how MacOS permissions come into this?

Ups, sorry, was confused a little bit here. I thought you meant the MacOS app... - my fault.

Still I wonder if we should tolerate all the faults of the M66. It is not about getting my money back - I want a device that fulfills the promises NAD makes.

 

[pogo]

even when trying from the MacOS-app on the Mac Mini

 

[mags65]

You misunderstand. As I wrote above, DL MacOS saw the mic when it was plugged into the Mac Mini. When plugged into the M66, it was not discovered. Neither on the ipad nor on the Mac Mini.

 

[pogo]

Were microphones allowed on the Mac Mini for Dirac Live?
Was the field set?