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NAD M66 - finally someone makes a decent 2-channel preamp!
- Thread starter jhaider
- Start date
I use Dirac since 2019, this is not the point, reading so many softare issues on the unit my question is: is the unit ready to manage a 2.2 system?
Thank you.
Nocko!
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@Stefano
I'm probably one of the biggest and loudest critics of the M66 here.
What bothers me the most is that they have promised functions that I need and that NAD is wasting an incredible amount of potential because they are too stupid to deliver proper firmware. So most of what I write is out of disappointment and feeling betrayed.
In addition, I don't believe that NAD will fix any significant errors or add functions. An M66 V2 is probably already being worked on behind the scenes...
I assume you have read the entire thread here. You also know the M33 (unlike me). If operation and special functions are not really important to you, but mainly the sound and you intend to use DLBC, then you can trade in your M33 and get the M66. Regardless of the price/performance ratio, I find Dirac Live Bass Control to be a significant improvement with two full-range speakers and two additional subwoofers. If you don't want to use Dirac, there's no point in buying the M66. The best thing to do is to negotiate a return option with your dealer.
Nocko!
Edit: Sorry, didn't read your last post - yes: The M66 can manage a 2.2 setup.
I'm probably one of the biggest and loudest critics of the M66 here.
What bothers me the most is that they have promised functions that I need and that NAD is wasting an incredible amount of potential because they are too stupid to deliver proper firmware. So most of what I write is out of disappointment and feeling betrayed.
In addition, I don't believe that NAD will fix any significant errors or add functions. An M66 V2 is probably already being worked on behind the scenes...
I assume you have read the entire thread here. You also know the M33 (unlike me). If operation and special functions are not really important to you, but mainly the sound and you intend to use DLBC, then you can trade in your M33 and get the M66. Regardless of the price/performance ratio, I find Dirac Live Bass Control to be a significant improvement with two full-range speakers and two additional subwoofers. If you don't want to use Dirac, there's no point in buying the M66. The best thing to do is to negotiate a return option with your dealer.
Nocko!
Edit: Sorry, didn't read your last post - yes: The M66 can manage a 2.2 setup.
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Nocko!
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Does anyone know whether the measurements published here can be trusted?
https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/i...atid=433:preamplifier-measurements&Itemid=142
Cpopovic had already linked to the "test", but it is superficial as always... just paid advertising. So I don't know whether you can trust the published, fairly decent measurement results. I don't trust anyone regarding NAD...
Nocko!
https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/i...atid=433:preamplifier-measurements&Itemid=142
Cpopovic had already linked to the "test", but it is superficial as always... just paid advertising. So I don't know whether you can trust the published, fairly decent measurement results. I don't trust anyone regarding NAD...
Nocko!
pogo
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How does your separate power amp sound on the M33 in preamp mode compared to the M33 with the 'improved' 1ET400A?
I trust measurements from the Soundstage Network. They have been doing this for a long time.
pogo
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That is not quite correct.
DLBC will probably be available towards the end of the year. This could also be the time for the M33.
If DLART were then rolled out next year, we would have arrived
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Cpopovic
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Allelujah
Nocko!
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Just a quick response:
Didn't test the Trigger In "improvement" - at the moment I have no device that could trigger the M66.
"Auto Sense": This option doesn't make any sense for me, because I realized a crippled "Home Theater Bypass" with a preset. Any auto-switching to an active input while the preamp is set to full volume would kill my speakers (again). NAD should give up the idea of "Presets" and should assign functions (like Auto Sense, Dirac Slot and so on) to inputs only or vice versa.
So for now I see no improvement at all. Perhaps someone can show me what is "improved"...
Nocko!
Didn't test the Trigger In "improvement" - at the moment I have no device that could trigger the M66.
"Auto Sense": This option doesn't make any sense for me, because I realized a crippled "Home Theater Bypass" with a preset. Any auto-switching to an active input while the preamp is set to full volume would kill my speakers (again). NAD should give up the idea of "Presets" and should assign functions (like Auto Sense, Dirac Slot and so on) to inputs only or vice versa.
So for now I see no improvement at all. Perhaps someone can show me what is "improved"...
Nocko!
pogo
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You would first have to activate the Auto-Sense function on the device for the respective input source. At least this is the case with the M33.
Hephaestus
Active Member
Option to enable Auto Sense for following inputs:
Optical 1 & 2
Coaxial 1 & 2
AES/EBU
Line 1 & 2
Could not test it though as I do not have anything connected in the above mentioned inputs.
M66 waking from standby is still slow with relay clicks. This was so stupid move from NAD. Initial standby was a joy to use, quick and silent. Now there is basically two different slow standby options + complete power off.
FOR CLARIFICATION:
No, there is no Auto Sense option for HDMI input. Only for the previously mentioned inputs.
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i use with a Accuphase A46 and a EC AW250r, for my ears the best is with the A46 but it lack some power driving my Magnepan1.7, the EC has lot more power but is still very relax to listen to. The power section of the M33 is very good, but i prefer the EC (more dynamic and detail without harsh) but the bes is the A46, unfurtunately i need more power...
Nocko!
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Oh, oh...Pogo again... Not sure how much you receive from NAD for your nice marketing...
@Stefano:
The M66 is a disaster to use. As far as I understand Pogo correctly, the M33 is much better in this regard. From the point of usability, firmware and service, I seriously have to advise against the M66. Don't buy it if you want a preamp with decent functionality! See my previous postings.
On the other hand - you have a very interesting system:
I always thought Dirac had trouble with dipoles. Does this work for you or do you use Dirac at all?
If you don't use Dirac, I see absolutely no reason to buy a NAD, especially the M66.
If Dirac works well for you: Do you also use subwoofers or do you want to use subwoofers in the future?
Then the M66 could be interesting for you. Give away the (surely great) Electrocompaniet and the M33. Take your new M66 with a crossover frequency at around 50-70Hz with DLBC activated and one or two really "fast" active subwoofers and keep the Accuphase for your Maggies. Could be interesting.
To get to the point: NAD only makes sense if you want to use Dirac, specifically Dirac Live Bass Control. The rest of the device (and probably all other NAD devices) is rather underdeveloped and sometimes even embarrassing.
So think twice!
Nocko!
@Stefano:
The M66 is a disaster to use. As far as I understand Pogo correctly, the M33 is much better in this regard. From the point of usability, firmware and service, I seriously have to advise against the M66. Don't buy it if you want a preamp with decent functionality! See my previous postings.
On the other hand - you have a very interesting system:
I always thought Dirac had trouble with dipoles. Does this work for you or do you use Dirac at all?
If you don't use Dirac, I see absolutely no reason to buy a NAD, especially the M66.
If Dirac works well for you: Do you also use subwoofers or do you want to use subwoofers in the future?
Then the M66 could be interesting for you. Give away the (surely great) Electrocompaniet and the M33. Take your new M66 with a crossover frequency at around 50-70Hz with DLBC activated and one or two really "fast" active subwoofers and keep the Accuphase for your Maggies. Could be interesting.
To get to the point: NAD only makes sense if you want to use Dirac, specifically Dirac Live Bass Control. The rest of the device (and probably all other NAD devices) is rather underdeveloped and sometimes even embarrassing.
So think twice!
Nocko!
pogo
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I wouldn't go that far. Apart from the fact that I couldn't select the sources via up/down on the remote control, the general operation was identical to the M33.
Implementing up/down should not be difficult.
By the way, the NAD BC1 also works with the M66 and is not so bulky.
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