NAD M23 Stereo Amplifier: Best Amp Ever Bench Tested?!?

[@DRICKismyNAME]

heard this unit powering up the DALI KORE at a hi-fi show, it blows every other amplifier way that was way above its price, it's one of the best amp money can buy this year...period.

[@healthynutster]

While this amp is prohibitively expensive for many people, and some will dismiss it simply because it’s class D, I think the real exciting news is that this technology could find its way into receivers and multichannel amps. This will result in quieter, lighter, cooler running products with higher channel counts and higher power ratings. Bring it on!

[@Audioholics]

Agreed 100%

[@alphaniner3770]

It has a high probability to become a landmark product, and indeed causing improvements elsewhere. Regarding class D, this topology also is a lot more energy efficient - which is great for the environment and for keeping energy bills affordable :)

[@rianredfield5252]

Can you say 3020 flashback? Cheers NAD!

[@hotdog9262]

hot under powered receivers have been a problem since the start. class d receivers..glorious

[@jimmyb6579]

​@@Audioholics Regarding the M23 review which was really enjoyable 👍, what do you think would make for a good pre amp for controlling the M23, something like a Prima Luna 400 to add a little warm as I understand the amp is quite neutral? Kind regards James

[@NosEL34]

It's a beautiful thing. I will say, once you hear the black background of these good Purifi and Hypex module amps you can really tell the difference when you switch back to an AB amp.

[@mrpmj00]

As much as I love my Parasound 2125v2 for my GoldenEar BRX, I've upgraded to the NAD C298 (similar to NAD M23). My Parasound will be moved to powering the surround L/R speakers in a mixed use music/movies 7.4.4 setup. My requirements (

[@danielcaswell9945]

I love the new class D sound. I'd be curious how the more affordable C298 compares to M23.

[@bradnoah6626]

Loved my old school M25. It weighed about 100lbs and was a beast. Sadly sold it and picked up an M27- class D amp from NAD. I was disappointed with the loss of warmth that all the power in the world couldn't bring back. I'd still like to hear this amplifier. Class D is evolving rapidly and no two methods seem to sound the same.

[@Bluecrabsandsushi]

purifi really seems to be making some real game changing products. their drivers look very promising

[@tomehCanada]

Newform Research Speaker has used their drivers on two new prototypes and said they are the lowest distortion they have ever used and create a very silent background.

[@radamesd81]

Class D is finally getting interesting... Looking forward to hear your impressions on the sound, Gene! Thx for the video!

[@florin604]

finally? did you live in a cave?

[@molecularaudiocanada]

Very surprised. Speaker systems engineer back to say hello. I've spoken up a few times during the live casts. My late great uncle loved his NAD stack of components 90s era. It sure did sound clean with amazing attention to frequency balancing. No audible peaks with solid full range response paired with his pioneer towers. Your information here is prompting me take another look at NAD amplifiers.

[@boedilllard5952]

Thanks so much for the review- please do a comparison of the NAD, ATI and Monolith Class D and ideally compare them to a good AB Amp in a home theater environment. There is very little on youtube for comparisons of this type. It might even be great to do a group review and have them guess which of the 4 is the AB amp.

[@benjaminqilafku5714]

Gene, your mic is great. What a pleasure to watch your posts.

[@f100cream]

With such high clean power combined with super low distortion and noise level, it would be a challenge to find a preamp that can even match it in noise and distortion level. This NAD class D amp may be screaming for a passive preamp, which would mean you'd need to use low-capacitance interconnect cables. Gene, thanks for another objective presentation. A lot of consumers need objective non-biased information like this.

[@sudd3660]

i went for the cheaper purify model, NAD c298. i wanted headroom for heavy dsp applications and low noise. and sure enough i can apply almost any type of dsp levels and it all sound good.

[@RowanTasmanian]

G'day Gene from Australia, I love your videos and they are a great help. Your advice on Room Treatment has been invaluable and I quote you guys extensively. Thank you for your honest evaluations.

[@neilfox4626]

Halcro "borrowed heavily" from Hegel's sound engine technology.

[@Johnny5_Alive]

Nice Review Gene! I own the NAD M23 and it is a marvel for the price!! I recently modernized one of my sound systems and added this to a new Marantz Cinema 60 instead of a Mcintosh MX130 and Crown XTI 2002 for the TV room. The Cinema 60 has a completely silent preamp for 2 channel and 3.1 listening . Steve Gutenburg's review was quite positive also. For a musician that is chasing clarity and resolution, this amp is extremely impressive for listening to playback. I am not sure how many times I said WOW while listening but, WOW. Sources used so far, Tech SL1210GR/Grado/Elac PPA2, Nakamichi DR3, Sony X800M2. I have not had time to try Audio Physic and Sonus Faber speakers in the Bat Cave yet or other sources.

[@biggles5633]

I am just in the planning stages of putting together a modern higher end system than I have. I have had a magnificent Luxman integrated for more than 40 years and I love it and the sound it produces. I have the old English Mordaunt Short speakers which have been exceptional but they are getting very old now. I haven't used streaming yet, that's the next stage. I notice you mention Sonus Faber ... This is where I am leaning. The Olympica Nova III. I am sold on the M23 but I have no idea what to match it with as a preamp. Your suggestions please?

[@SirMountainpass]

@@biggles5633The M66 is its « natural » match… The combo is on my upgrade list.

[@drde4010]

DId you ever do the listening test review yet? Couldn't find a link to an updated video on that. Really like your program and thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work!

[@spencerl885]

Great review! There is obviously far more to D-class amp design than throwing a D-class chipset, a SMPS power supply and some plugs in a chassis. Hope you can point out some of the differences between the insides of a 1/2 price chinese D-class amp product with same chipset and this NAD. (I can see the input gain circuitry is one of them). Looking forward to the listening test!!!

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

That’s a super sweet piece of gear! Thanks Gene, for giving first class reliable advice and showcasing some very cool stuff! Your videos are better then the rest ! 🔊✌️🤟🍻

[@EnemyofCredulity]

I just saw a very positive audiophile review of this amp. 4 different sets of speakers (open baffle, two box speakers, and planar speakers) and compared to several amps.

[@GuiltyRocker]

Bruno knows his stuff, will listen to it, we'll see how good it really is, the measurements are nice, but in the end it is the sound that matters and whether one likes it or not.

[@toolizcool]

Gene DellaSala, one of the few KZbinrs who actually gives information with measured data and engineering knowledge instead of some bullshit like "sounds chocolatey with lots of warm" or whatever the hell that means. Too much subjective nonsense and not enough science from other AV "experts".

[@jackanderson2773]

Science was built on questioning . Something missing these days .

[@RolledLs]

I’ve had my March Audio p452 d class for three years. Has the same module and performance specs as this m23. This tech is truly game changing. D class is it.

[@phpn99]

The real genius is the Purifi engine in this thing. We can all thank Mr Bruno Putzeys.

[@jkenefake]

Can't wait for the future of affordable high quality class D amps. I'd love to see you review the Monoprice Monolith class D's.

[@jtmcfarland3512]

Have you tested the NAD C298? My understanding is it’s the same amp as the M23, but with a different power supply and chassis. I’d be quite grateful to see a comparison with data. I can’t find the two models compared in one article/video anywhere on the internet.

[@hypoSTAR]

Nice review Gene! Will you by any chance be measuring the anthem MCA amps? There specs seems to be very good!

[@rangerscoach]

Really want the listening review for this amp. how it sounds is very important in light of these stellar reviews

[@jitrapornpha5104]

Which other reviewer would have the honesty to admit a capacitor popped ? thats why i trust Gene over all other reviewers

[@volpedo2000]

I wish NAD did a smaller mono version for the center channel or a three channel version. Bridging the M23 seems overkill -both in power and price- for a center channel.

[@StrangeBrewReviews]

Look at the TEAC ap-505

[@Bob.martens]

RIP AB-class. You were so good to us all these years. The future is Class D. in ten, twenty years we'll be looking at AB amps like we're looking at tube-amps now: nice, charming, can be made to very high standard, but ultimately not competitive and inefficient. I love my Yamaha A-A1100 and my HarmanKardon PM650, but my next amp will be the AUDIOPHONICS HPA-S400ET or something along those likes.

[@StereoWars]

Can't wait for how the amp sounds in your next video review @Gene

[@klxz79]

Any update on this? When will the listening impressions video be uploaded? Thanks

[@biggles5633]

Just new to the channel ... what extraordinary reviews! A bit above me in terms of technicality but I am a keen learner. Thank you.

[@bobtowncarguy82]

That NAD amp is a beast, and has power for amost every speaker you want to drive.

[@fdude555]

Somebody send this man a nad298 for testing already

[@batmanthinks]

I wonder how this compares to a benchmark ahb2. It looks like they're similarly clean measuring amps but the m23 is more expensive and it has more power at 8 ohms but they have similar power at 4 ohms (according to audio science review)

[@QQ-td9id]

Yes. Have 2 of those which are not class D, wonder how different they sound.

[@doublet147]

Impressive amp. Looking forward to the listening portion.

[@mcbowler]

Apollon Audio and others also use purifi modules. There is even a 950 watt 2ohm version. All the amps I’ve had since I started 5 years ago are class d… they are getting better, maybe on top already.

[@sbwlearning1372]

Couldn't agree more. Got fed up with mainstream amp manufacturers telling me 80 or 100 wpc was "powerful" and would "drive any speaker" Total lies. Tried class D 3 years ago 600wpc icepower as1200 boards. The power amp I bought was a third of the price of my supposed hifi powerful amp. It's 5 times as good. It upgraded every single component of my system. It is the most significant upgrade I have ever purchased in 40 years of buying audio equipment. Sadly I notice some of the big manufacturers are using class D but still charging ( ridiculously) overpriced money for them. Being driven by a valve preamp, it is stunningly good. I'll never go back

[@techsamurai11]

Gene, really interested in the last sentence that "we're living in a renaissance of Class D and DSP." The NAD and Technics are definitely indicators that Class D are going to be competing at the high end as is Marantz's $7,000 AMP10. Do you think we'll see them in $2-$3k AVR range replacing toroidal (which are quickly becoming extinct in the AVR market) and if so when? About DSP, perhaps you can elaborate on that in a future video. Is that essentially Dirac?

[@Audioholics]

Yes, and FIR based EQ.

[@georgebarreto6022]

I have an old Nat 1985 that sounds great too but I’m looking forward to audition this one and that makes great products thank you for showing us❤

[@rickp6731]

What people in the USA doesn't know is Bladelius Audio is making the very best gear in the world right now

[@majtextwriter1794]

At 4'40 GRR Danny would said, everything counts in a signal path 👍 WHERE IS A LINK about amp's negative feedbacks? Thank you. Quality review as usual👍

[@Kukkema]

Any experience with the nad c298?

[@Nick-sk1qp]

HI Gene, any chance of giving a hint when you plan to provide video M23 sound test? Lots out there waiting!

[@pengel9412]

Is the NAD master series 7 CHANNEL AMP as good as this 2 channel?

[@william1252]

I can't seem to find any reviews on the class D Monoprice amps. I'd like to see an Audioholics review on them.

[@koflerkohime2981]

I have the integrated M33. I've always assumed that the M23 power amp has close to the same specs. Is this true? There are some numbers different in the specs - not sure if they will mean much. I've also considered buying the M23 for bridging - but maybe I will not do that now 🙂

[@badtothebonne]

Ha Gene I was watching yr Nad amps video and since I've been watching yr videos for yrs and I remember when u did the tests on the yamaha ma 5000 amp and the 5000 reciver. I just happened to catch a snapped box they have at the warehouse it was basically brand new full warrenty for 1400.00 for the 11 channels to run off my x8500h for the upper channels and have some left. Question is on the nada u recamended not using it in bridge mode and the 5200 also has a bring mode. Now I use the emotiva xps gen 3 7chl for fronts. Would it be better to bridge the 5200 for frt R&L or keep the front 3 on the emotiva. Now im running polk Rti 9s with a Lsim 706c but after what polk did with the new speakers im going to run eather the Reserve 700s or legand 600s but im really leaning for the L800 after what James Larson said about them. Just not sure if they would do anything for 9,4,8 since this is really for theater. Sorry so long for a crazy question. I just feel yr the leader in this especially after what u just did with yr new home. Being 66 but disabled im trying to put the best an old broken down guy can afford. The funny part is right now I have both my indra and outdr speakers all polk now down to 59 all registered with polk is Evan more and I can't even get help from polk on the new set. Cant believe it Evan after I promote there speakers online. I guess i need to talk to Bronson the guy u interviewed when the new speakers came out. I think he has a killer name for his size just like u. Crazy. Sorry my friend so long

[@Baerchenization]

I watched 2+ minutes from the start and skipped through the video at some 10 spots... So it seems you managed to show this best amp evva for a total of 5 seconds front and back, and so I am really impressed with that:)

[@bennydontplaythat]

Lol if you want to look at pictures go Google some. This is about measurements.

[@rggoogle3795]

Hi Gene, what does it do into impedances below 4 ohm? (Many speakers dip down to 2 ohm at some frequencies.)

[@JosephTongret]

Gene, I have a question you may be able to answer for me. With the performance of today's class d amps, why don't we see them being used in AVR's? It would seem to make sense considering how small, light weight and efficient they are compared to class A/B. I know that Purifi would most likely be cost prohibitive but there are lower priced modules that still offer great performance. I know NAD has done it and Pioneer as well in past. Is it likely that we'll see this happen in your opinion? Thanks Gene!

[@mrwilliamwonder]

The are being used in AVR's for the surround channel amps and sub amps.

[@SwirlingDragonMist]

That’s so cool! I imagine it would be awesome for really old recordings, where theres already allot of inherent distortion and noise. Where you wouldn’t want to layer on anymore possibly euphonic distortion

[@SoundsGood07]

Hi Gene, You mention a listening test is upcoming, did you ever post one? Thanks

[@tritiumglo4699]

Intriguing! However, the newer the NAD the more unpredictable the reliability. I have racks of it. Cant keep the newer units off of the repair bench.

[@KXP70]

Hi Gene, do you think you'll get the chance to test Orchard Audios GAN class D power amps at any point?

[@Tyrannosnorus]

I really hope to see that listening impressions video in the future.

[@brianveldboom2269]

Listening to your review, this question comes to mind: What will the M23 sound like if you use 2 to bi-amp your speakers instead of bridging like a monoblock?

[@markbourcier1980]

Kind of a newbie question - is ultra-low distortion a desirable trait in an amp? Don't people buy tube amps because a particular distortion profile sounds good?

[@bennydontplaythat]

If you want to listen to the recordings, yeah, you don't want distortion. If you want to 'enhance' the sound, some people will use tube amplifiers or pre-amps to add distortion and harmonics

[@kx8960]

I'd say absolutely, because then you can "color" the sound any way YOU like with different EQ settings and/or speakers, and not be stuck with an amp that colors the sound FOR you....and which you may not like or may not play nice with your speaker choice.

[@snodd8377]

How about the difference between the c298? I Have one and a nuprime 10h as preamp. Have to say it sounds really good! Maybe c298 strangly lacks some real depth and kick in the bass regio. Dont now why!

[@a3marketing991]

What speakers might pair well with the M23?

[@HiFinest343]

Would this amp perform better in a bi-amp configuration, rather than bridged?

[@alphaniner3770]

the first time I ever heard a real HiFi system was almost 35 years ago - it was playing Enya's Watermark. The amp was - indeed - a NAD.

[@andrewbrazier9664]

Nad 3010 🎶 per chance ? 😃

[@alphaniner3770]

@@andrewbrazier9664 I honestly do not remember. I only remember that it was black, NAD and the sound was something I never heard before. Probably it was a 3020 :o)

[@MrUttammaru]

Had C 368, Class D measurements are always good but music have missing essence of sound. Secondly at low volume Class D sounds more thin, like 80s tape recorder. Burnt hands sold and got pure analog Marantz PM 8006. At slow volume has all the weight and that HiFi essence.

[@bingdong8571]

I saw u make a similar video recently with a "nad" amp, I wonder if its similar to this N.A.D. amp?

[@deanedgx]

So I guess, if distortion, noise and any other unwanted artifacts are below the threshold of human hearing, we now have perfect amplifiers i.e. a wire with gain. Measurably it is not perfect of course but with respect to human limitations, it is essentially flawless.

[@stephencosta6814]

Please give us a review of this item what it sounds like. I’m waiting for you before I pull the trigger on it.

[@tommyK7282]

My dream amplifier. Wish I could own this at some point. 🎉

[@mrt6349]

How big is the difference from the nad m22.2 to the nad m23

[@5wavesup]

I own the NAD M10 and I love all of the features, but wondering if my Phil BMRs would benefit from more power...Not to mention the NAD M10 is being pushed pretty hard and would hate to see it die on me. What do you all think?

[@GamerWordDotNet]

I found Dennis Murphy (the BMR designer) mention on Audioholics "all you should need is an amp with 80 -100 wpc of clean power for medium rooms, and bit more for large rooms" Also from Avsforum "I think Praxis must have been having a bad day when I did my sensitivity measurements on the BMR. It's really closer to 89 dB.". Dennis found out recently that the BMR's are even more sensitive than what was originally tested.

[@magnushallin1]

That’s really cool, thank you Gene! I’m so curious of the NAD T778, could you please make some tests on that receiver?

[@Audioholics]

Yes perhaps next year.

[@magnushallin1]

That’s awesome Gene, thank you! You and the people you’re working with on this channel has so much knowledge it’s an absolute joy to watch all your videos.

[@Clobercow1]

Incredible amp with really amazing gain in bridged. I doubt there is a speaker inefficient enough to make this thing stretch is legs.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

There are floorstanders that actually need the capability of handling a 2 ohm load comfortably with the right amount of current needed.

[@carl3042]

@@AbsoluteFidelity Yes indeed... I have vintage Martin Logan CLS-II that I love dearly, but they present a load that varies from 1.5 to 30 ohms across their frequency range. Always on the hunt for amps that can drive current into 2 ohms comfortably and remain stable at 1 ohm within limits.

[@hclandscapes]

Would be great if you could review the NAD C399 and see how it compares to this amplifier.

[@ARMANDITOLEXUS]

Steve can you please advise me how NAD M28 compares to the Marantz AV-10? I’m in need of a quick advise since I need to order it one of the two asap. Thank you

[@vernav6756]

👍I like videos that deal with objective data like this one. If an amplifier measures great but you don't like how it sounds, it's not the amplifier's problem.

[@djlee688]

Gene, How about testing some ICEpower amplifier modules available from Parts Express, thanks.

[@bgroovin1343]

I can't find your listen review video on this amp. Did you ever make it?

[@dirkluchtman]

Wonder what you think of the NAD T778 (class D AV receiver) compared to the Marantz 8015, since they cost approximately the same

[@bubbelchampagne]

Hi! When will the follow-up video about the GAIA with the measurements be published?

[@florinbizu7583]

Hi! In regarding low noise floor, low distortions - did you had the chance to test also Anthem Statement P2 or P5 power amplifiers?

[@chrislazar7357]

So when does the listening review come out?

[@joshdekubber3631]

When will you have listening impressions vs Str power amp??? I'm interested in the Str power amp or Parasound Jc5 and wondering how they would compare to this M23? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[@dieterleonard2309]

What about the listening test?

[@MrAlb3rtazzo]

will it work with martin logam theos ? the go down to 0.6 ohm

[@davybloggs1564]

It is not the Class-D amplifier that makes this lightweight, it's the use of a SMPS, as it doesn't use a huge tranformer, which is where most of the weight is in a 'normal' LPS powered amplifier.

[@nebulusnebulus6503]

I wonder if this power amp could control my Pylon Amber mk2 speakers. They have double 12” drivers working 1250 hz below each tower

[@scottcarlon6318]

Was going to buy the anthem STR, but I think I’ll go with the NAD stack. Have an old Denon 4000 AVR that has to be close to 20 years old, but I have to say, It never let me down. Too bad Denon doesn’t make a competitive product, if they did I would buy it. The reliability of my old AVR as earned my loyalty, unfortunately Denon has not kept pase with the market. I think you will see Denon slowly fade away, the only thing that can save them imho is comon sense leadership, and from what I’ve seen, I’m not holding my breath.

[@De132an]

Do you think this NAD would with a tube preamp? Thank you. Would it’s lower input impedance be a problem?

[@terryeyland5305]

So I have a question that is pretty random. I have a room for my home cinema which is also my main listening room. Part of the time I listen to stereo music and part of the time I watch movies. I currently have a NAD 758V3i home theater amp that I was considering changing for the Anthem MRX1140... the alternative is to hook up a stereo power amplifier to the 758v3i like the M23 (or another) and use that to improve my stereo listening experience. What do you think Gene or others who played with either getting a higher end AV receiver versus connecting a stereo amp to the current av receiver? Cheers!

[@Johnnytrades101]

Very impressive, I have a mixed setup, HT and 2 ch in a dedicated room. NAD M17 pre... phenomenal!! my 2 ch amps are PS Audio Stellar M700 monoblocks. seeing the M23 sure makes me think about a change! My Legacy speakers really like the power, but have Sonus Faber Sonetto VIII arriving soon. Any thoughts on making a switch?

[@junior-OG]

Sonetto VIII nice 👍

[@Laissez_Faire]

Glad to hear the Nad m17 is phenomenal. I found a good deal on a m17 v1 for $1500. I would just need to upgrade the cards to 4K and atoms

[@Johnnytrades101]

@@Laissez_Faire Very nice! and a great price. NAD, totally upgradeable, gotta love that! You will love it. New V2 is over $10,000 CAD now. 👍👍

[@Reggaebeatman]

why do u think it better changing from Monoblocks to a Stereo amp? I lm planning to get 2x PS Audio Steller Monoblocks because sound is very good for 2 channel.

[@Johnnytrades101]

@@Reggaebeatman I had the Stellar M700 monos, very nice sounding . Well made, tons of power. Can't go wrong with those!!

[@triplecanopy5364]

Accuphase is the Japanese McIntosh (though better built), and now, via eBay, you can get them for about $1500 up. Buy an Accuphase P-300 on eBay for roughly half the price and as good of specs 150W (specs out at a 180 W per 8 Ohm's on bench, and .0.0 distortion), since 1975. Every time I have cleaned it, the shop wants to buy it off me. I got mine around 1983 for $200 bills off a Dental student playing the market and had to cover some puts and calls. Bought another off eBay for parts. Why don't we ever look at the used market for savings? Many shops will even warranty used stuff now. Much of it used audio for 50% to 70% off many times. Though the Accuphase did cost around $1000.00 in the early to mid-seventies. Two Kenwood engineers broke off and decided to make the best equipment (forget the cost) they could. Some pretty fantastic stuff when looking for stereo amps; the build quality is awe-inspiring.

[@Audioholics]

Just to be clear, no amplifier from 2 decades, let alone 4+ decades could come close to the noise and distortion performance of this amp.

[@HieuNguyen-dl5nd]

Does the purifi based M23 "sound" diffierent from the other Hypex Ncore which are close in term of measurement and specs?

[@bennydontplaythat]

I can't say from personal experience (so feel free to disregard) but I'm guessing that the differences are probably very subtle, if they're even audible at all.

[@felipejotz7054]

Thank you for the great review. I have a M33 and was considering bridging with a M23, seen an YT channel about a german guy who says it’s night and day difference on sound quality and separation at the same power level when bridged. What’s your opinion on that?

[@Audioholics]

I wouldn't bridge the M23, especially if you're running 4 ohm speakers.

[@felipejotz7054]

@@Audioholics Kef LS50 Meta. 8 ohm. But might be too small for that amount of power. Again, I don’t want to gain power but quality.

[@Audioholics]

@felipejotz7054 the performance of the M23 slightly degrades in bridged mode. Use it as a stereo amp.

[@erikjohansson1488]

Does it sound better than the Denon pma a110?

[@drunvalo]

Curious if you have tried pairing any Nad M amp with Arendal 1723 speakers? If so, was it a good match?

[@slidetek]

When you said you had the M23 in house I knew where this was going. I see they recently discontinued their M12, hopefully a new preamp will come out to partner with this beast. Hoping the listening test bears out the measurements.

[@InPursuitOfLiberty]

I recently spoke with an engineer at NAD regarding room correction. We spoke at length and he told me that in January NAD will in deed be introducing a new Masters preamplifier.

[@slidetek]

@@InPursuitOfLiberty That might be my incentive to replace my 17 year old BAT gear!

[@hushpuppykl]

The performance is really good. 200 wpc will be more than enough for most of us. The Benchmark AHB2 beats this but its only 100 wpc. Can't wait for the listening video.

[@chriswright5016]

AHB2 owner here. Don't worry about the power handling of an AHB2. It's more than up to the task with challenging speakers and has tons of, very clean, grunt. However there is an option to bridge two AHB2's if preferred.

[@hushpuppykl]

@@chriswright5016 ... is the matter of bridging and halving of speaker impedance really a serious issue if one does not play music loud?

[@hushpuppykl]

@@chriswright5016 … what difference did you find use x2 compared with a single unit? I been tempted to get a second unit. I don’t have difficult to drive speakers.

[@chriswright5016]

@hushpuppykl I haven't identified any need whatsoever to bridge AHB2's. The single amp is more than capable of driving speakers rated as low as 2 ohms. It is also magnificent with awkward speakers like Quad 57s. I know because I own a pair that I occasionally use.

[@chriswright5016]

@@hushpuppykl Read my post again and you'll see I only run a single amp. I'm just making the point that one AHB2 is more than adequate to drive most any speaker.

[@johnmastroleo995]

How does it compare in sound to some other amps you have listed to. Very neural souding?

[@MrBoomtheroom]

will you be getting the m66 to bench test?

[@fortuitousjimmy1341]

Would love to see you put the Enleum AMP-23R through its Pace's. Good job.

[@aaronfriedman8201]

Gene Purify can obtain SINAD of 106DB. As I have mentioned before Toppings LA90 obtains a SINAD of 120db. Even in bridged mode it is 119db - 120db.

[@Audioholics]

Purifi is much better than 106db. I measured better and my test gear is limited. Look at their data sheet.

[@AbsoluteFidelity]

Why are you talking about sinad as if its the deciding factor?

[@QQ-td9id]

WPC of la90 is tiny.

[@QQ-td9id]

That is, at 90W x 2 @4 ohm, 1% THD+N, ONLY at 10W ~0.0001% !