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

[pogo]

But wasn't there some marketing fuss about a "home cinema bypass" in the future?

This is already possible for front speakers.

 

[Nocko!]

That won't happen, even if Lenbrook soon launches its own and probably technically better streaming service.

Uhhh...what is that? A new rumor?

Especially if Lenbrook were to set up their own streaming service, they would have a great interest in hindering established competitors.

That's exactly what Apple and Goggle do every day.

If I knew that Lenbrook was going to start his own streaming service, I wouldn't buy any more streamers from the gang...
Nocko!

 

[pogo]

A new rumor?

No rumor: Link

 

[Hear Here]

What about the guy with his very small, very expensive great little speakers like a Magico A1 combined with one or two Magico Titan 15. As soon as he wants to listen analogue direct to his beloved records his subs are gone...

From what I understand the Stereophile review has found, using Analogue Direct adds virtually nothing to the main speaker sound quality because very good ADC / DACs are used. If that's the case, those vinyl users who rely on subs should ignore the Analogue Direct option and be content with the advantages of DL and DLBC as compensation.

Since digital inevitably involves a small time delay, it can't be blamed on NAD, although I take your point that it should be explained in the Manual that A-D shouldn't be used with a system including subs. Also I agree that an auto-switch to turn off the sub outs would be a useful feature when A-D is engaged.

 

[Nocko!]

That ML is a simple analogue preamp so can't really be compared with the NAD. I agree that ML stuff is good (I had the 390S CDP) but the nearest to the M66 is their 519. This does all the M66 does, but no analogue sources, no included control app (it relies on Room I believe), no Dirac (I prefer not to use it anyway), but it does include a CD player. I'd be very interested if it wasn't 5 times the price of the NAD

I have no interest in home theatre or analogue, so my system is pretty simple and the M33 does all I need, although I have the excellent M50.2 as a CD player, CD ripper and hard drive music store. My speakers are good enough that no subs are needed and Dirac adds nothing to the musical enjoyment, so I prefer not to engage it - it slightly spoils the top end sparkle so more harm than good in my system. I've bought mono amps (Atma-Sphere Class D) in anticipation of the M66 that will provide everything else I need. Or the ML 519 if one turns up at an irresistible price!

Reading this I am crying for my No 37...
I understand that you don't need Dirac and analogue inputs, don't need subs and that you like the streaming capabilities of your M33. So perhaps just keep the M33? I've missed your point here: What do you think does the M66 better than your M33?

I know I'm a bad critic here, but I don't know the M33 and I don't want to scare anyone away from their NAD devices...
Nocko!

 

[Nocko!]

This is already possible for front speakers.

No - that's not really true.

You can simulate a home cinema bypass with a preset, but as soon as you accidentally select a different input using the app or on the device itself, the signal present there will be passed through at the volume of the "Home Cinema Preset". This is not a home cinema bypass and should not be communicated that way, otherwise other readers will just be led on the wrong track...
Nocko!

 

[Nocko!]

No rumor: Link

Oh shit...

 

[pogo]

as soon as you accidentally select a different input using the app or on the device itself, the signal present there will be passed through at the volume of the "Home Cinema Preset".

That has never happened to me in all these years. There would also have to be a signal at the other input.

 

[Nocko!]

But it can happen: Just a guest who wants to stream something from his mobile to your system while the "crippled home cinema bypass preset" is engaged and there you have the mess...
Nocko!

 

[mordikai]

I can hear a difference up to 96kHz files.

with music or correlated pink noise?

 

[pogo]

With music.

 

[da Choge]

Can anyone suggest a comparable unit that includes sub processing (with DSP), a first-class control app, a good touch screen and the ability to display artwork or source

The only alternative available in the near future is the Arcam SA45. And it's a very good alternative; very nice streaming features and touchscreen, Dirac processing (unfortunately for only 2 subs), and actual amplification for your main speakers (it's an integrated amp, with rather good specs), and built-in Home Theater Bypass. Prolly not available until the end of the year (or first quarter 2025, if these things play-out as usual), but something to look into. I have not always been a fan of Arcam, but they seem to have upped their game considerably with their new components; very competitive.

 

[da Choge]

These low frequencies will then not be aligned with the main speakers.

Excellent point. I think this is what some posters' concerns revolve around. However, from NAD's circuitry diagram, they could create an MDC2 module that would either bypass BluOS/Dirac DSP or integrate it; the module should give you the choice. That is what they should do.

 

[pogo]

This will continue to make an active sub lag behind. The only option is to delay the main speakers to achieve an allignment. And the M66 can do that, but then it's no longer pure analog. The BluOS latency of at least 50ms could be removed by software (there was probably already a hack for the M33). However, running a second room correction software in parallel (surround processor) is totally pointless, if you want to use the M66 DLBC(/DLART) correction.

 

[pogo]

@Hear Here
This could be an interesting device for you:

T+A will probably release it next year. There are probably also 2nd generation Purifis built in, which will be very interesting for you as an AA user, see also here: Link

 

[Hear Here]

The only alternative available in the near future is the Arcam SA45. And it's a very good alternative; very nice streaming features and touchscreen, Dirac processing (unfortunately for only 2 subs), and actual amplification for your main speakers (it's an integrated amp, with rather good specs), and built-in Home Theater Bypass. Prolly not available until the end of the year (or first quarter 2025, if these things play-out as usual), but something to look into. I have not always been a fan of Arcam, but they seem to have upped their game considerably with their new components; very competitive.

Thanks for the Arcan suggestion. I'll look into it, but as it includes a power amp, it is more comparable with the NAD M33. As I already have the M33, a switch to Arcam is unlikely as the M33 is a great box of tricks.

 

[markrubin]

I've been looking at the ML 519, Grimm MU2, Esoteric N-05XD, Lumin P1 and others, but all these have features missing - and cost much more than the NAD! Any other suggestions?

I have been comparing the HiFi Rose RS150B against the M66: I would look at that too (bought the Rose as open box at a really good price)

 

[Hear Here]

I have been comparing the HiFi Rose RS150B against the M66: I would look at that too (bought the Rose as open box at a really good price)

Thanks. I did have the RS150 A or B on my list and listened to is at a dealer's showroom a couple of years ago. I think it was its poor control app that put me off. If I was a Roon user, this may have compensated, but an extra box of hardware and a subscription goes against it, as the BluOS app does 99% of what Roon does and is available for all platforms. The Rose app seemed very lacking in features and was only available on limited platforms - unless things have improved in the last couple of years. Do you use Roon or the Rose app, and if the latter, on what platforms? Thanks again.

 

[Hear Here]

@Hear Here
This could be an interesting device for you:

View attachment 398499

T+A will probably release it next year. There are probably also 2nd generation Purifis built in, which will be very interesting for you as an AA user, see also here: Link

Thanks - Do you know the model number as it's not on the T+A website? It looks like it may include a power amp, so more akin to M33 than M66. Certainly worth a look!

 

[pogo]

No information about the new model number.