At the High End Show 2023 , which opens in Munich next week, the Canadian brand NAD Electronics will show its flagship model NAD M 66 , which combines a network streamer, DAC, phono stage and preamplifier in one package. The novelty belongs to the top Masters series and is implemented on the BluOS platform .
The DAC built into the NAD M66 is based on Saber ES9038PRO chips from ESS Technology. In addition, there is also an MM/MC phono stage. But the list of distinguishing features of the NAD M66 does not end there. The new product features Dirac Live Room Correction and Dirac Live Bass Control technologies, “allowing the NAD M66 to deliver more accurate room response than any two-channel component ever offered.”
The NAD Masters M66 features an aluminum chassis with a bright 7-inch touchscreen. Visually and structurally, it pairs perfectly with the award-winning NAD M23 Power Amplifier, but of course, the new product can be paired with any “assistant” of the appropriate level.
The NAD M66 streamer provides access to content on the web at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz and is capable of decoding and rendering MQA material. Available for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows, the intuitive BluOS Controller app has built-in support for over 20 streaming services and thousands of internet radio stations, and plays music stored on local or network drives. In addition, the NAD M66 is equipped with a Bluetooth adapter that supports AAC, LDAC and aptX HD codecs to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone.
With support for Dirac Live Room Correction, the NAD M66 eliminates the weakest link in any audio system – the listening room itself. Connect the included calibration microphone to the NAD M66’s USB port and launch the Dirac Live app on your smartphone or PC. After playing the test tones through the speakers, the Dirac system analyzes the results and then loads a profile with filter settings into the M66 that compensate for the detected room acoustic problems such as standing waves and unwanted reflections.
In addition, the NAD M66 is equipped with four balanced (XLR) and four unbalanced (RCA) subwoofer outputs and a full version of the Dirac Live Bass Control system, which allows you to independently calibrate multiple subwoofers. Dirac Live Bass Control optimizes bass reproduction in both the frequency and time domains, providing a seamless interface between loudspeakers and subwoofers.
For lovers of analogue, there is an ultra-low noise MM/MC phono stage with precise RIAA equalization, overload resistance and innovative circuitry that eliminates subsonic noise without sacrificing low frequencies. For watching TV shows and movies, the NAD M66 is equipped with an HDMI eARC port for connecting a TV. In addition, the NAD M66 has two coaxial and two optical S/PDIF inputs, a balanced AES/EBU digital input, two analog unbalanced RCA inputs, and one balanced XLR input.
But that’s not all! There are two MDC2 (Modular Design Construction) expansion slots on the back of the NAD M66 case, allowing you to expand the functionality of the component in the future simply by inserting the appropriate optional MDC2 module.
The suggested retail price of the NAD Masters M 66 in Europe is 5,999 euros .
