NAD Masters M33 versus Hegel H390

[@catherinelugg4321]

Simon, I love the detail on this review. While securing either amp is out of my price range, it's good to know the differences between two outstanding amps. My own biases would have me leaning HARD towards NAD for two NON-audio reasons: Weight of amp and power consumption. DIRAC is the whipped cream on top, particularly given my own room's issues. Anyway, well-done. This is a highly professional review, far better produced than the paid ones I've been seeing. Take a bow.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much Catherine. ❤️

[@marcfoss7687]

Completely agree, Catherine.

[@SirMountainpass]

I favourably auditoned the M33 a while ago - that clarity of the sound (yet neutral) and grip on the lower octaves was stunning! It will definitely be part of my next rig (probably in v2 disguise by then) ☺💯

[@davidrouse88]

I’ve been watching several KZbin Hi-Fi review channels for a couple years now and find myself looking forward to yours the most. Very well put together films providing a relaxed, light hearted look at serious pieces of audio kit. Thanks!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Wow thanks David. 😀

[@Benvos]

I agree, I watch loads of reviews but Simon’s videos are always so detailed and enjoyable I’m pleased when I see a new one is up.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@Benvos wow. Thank you very much for that. It’s too great that I get fantastic feedback.

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Amazing review Simon. Editing and visual effects are top notch... And that soundtrack... Great music picks! Wishing you continued success!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Raphael

[@pmizz7959]

You do phenomenal work both in production and content. Really enjoyed the review and glad I can rest assured my h390 wasn’t bore away with All the bells and whistles of this NAD

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you. I think those who want this M33 can still take it does lots for the money, but the Hegel is a beast.

[@denisbarry9436]

These two were my finalists and I went with the Hegel because I never got the chance to hear the M33 in person. The Hegel 390 has been very good to me and happy with that decision. Great video. I always enjoy your feedback

[@TheVictoire22]

I'm in the same boat but before I make my final decision I will test both. I buy both from a respectable audio dealer and will inform them that I want to compare the. Sure, it needs a huge budget to buy both, but after that I can hold the winner and sent back the other one.

[@larsstecken]

​@@TheVictoire22Who won the competition in the end? 😊

[@TheVictoire22]

@@larsstecken Ah thanks for asking. I did a test trio at the local audio dealer. The test was with a M33, The Hegel 390 and a Yamaha A-S3200. For me the Yamaha was clearly the winner and until today I'm happy I made that choice. Possibly to do with my B&W 702S3s which require a very strong amp due some really low impedance (2.9 Ohm) in a certain area of the frequency spectrum. On paper maybe the M33 or Hegel were clear better candidates but to listen to, the Yamaha was very very nice. The Hegel was 2nd and the M33 was for me clearly to analytic. On the other hand the M33 has tons of options to sound it better to your needs which I didn't investigated.

[@larsstecken]

@@TheVictoire22 Thank you for the fast reply! That is very useful information, at least for me. I am currently looking for an upgrade from my Atoll IN300 which is powering Dynaudio Heritage Specials. The Yamaha was also on my list but due to some "not so enthusiastic" reviews it slipped from my radar. The HS also like to have a lot of power and I thought the Hegel was the natural partner. Then you start thinking about how much room correction can do for you and the rabbit hole never ends.... I love the looks of the Yamaha - it's a beautiful machine. Whereas the Hegel is just a brutal brick with an excessively sized logo on the front - I probably could have dealt with it if it really were the much better choice for my speakers. Unfortunately, I am not able to get all of the amps to my home and test them out - so, I will need to take the plunge one day 😊 Thanks again, Stefan

[@TheVictoire22]

@@larsstecken well as with most equipement, there are always good and bad things about a product. On the end you need to convince yourself. I had the luck to setup exactly my B&Ws with the different amplifiers at the local audio dealer. So I could compare them all. But that's of course also just on a moment. I discovered that listening flavours can vary every day. Sure the looks are awesome at the A-S3200 (I had a Technics SU-G700 and the SU-R1000 was to costly). There are 2 important things to say about the A-S3200. It's a true analog amplifier. No digital ports nothing. It's pure analog on a scale which was never achieved before. It's extremely dark as it comes noise. There is no noise nothing even when the volume is 100% at the 2 balanced inputs. The Amp is fully balanced build (it has only 2 balanced inputs). The integrated phono amp is good but not special as sometimes claimed. It's not comparable to a Lehmann Black Cube SE II (driving a AT VM760SLC moving magnet to it). By default the specs are somewhat thin as it comes to power. 2x100W on 8Ohm but a few sites claim this is fairly under specced. One thing worth noting is that I had also a good deal for it. We bought 2 (one for a friend) and the SRP was 6499 euro we got it for 4400 euro each. So if you consider this one it's worth to shop around and get a good deal because I think there is quite some margin on it for retailers.

[@ericr385]

Thanks for a very thoughtful discussion. Full disclosure- I’m an H390 devotee.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Eric. Enjoy it. Roon ready soon….

[@marcelogaume5480]

Hi Simon. I own a NAD M33 and I had a Hegel H120, among others, while I was in my search. Hegel’s tone was maybe warmer but It didn’t work very well with harsh recordings. For my surprise a class D achieved even more detail with no piercing sounds, even in poor recordings. On top of that, DIRAC is more than a room correction system. It is really an equalization device, in which you can manage and store different curves for different type of music or taste. Of course I loved the Hegel and I imagine that the 390 is superior to the 120 and I would like to make a comparison with that one.I totally agree with you in the sense that Class D only means less temperature in the device nowadays, but sound wise this amp is controlled, balanced, neutral and extremely refined. Detail with no harsh borders.Another thing to take into account: it’s sounds fuller the more time you use it. Give it time. So I am very happy with the NAD M33 because how it sounds, not because the parafernalia. I would go with a Hegel 390 only combining with. RME DAC with equalization capabilities, but this is more money!!!! Maybe in the future. Thanks Simon for your honest reviews.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you too Marcelo. I tried h120 and I’d agree the m33 is so much more, but h390 is a beast.

[@marcelogaume5480]

Thanks Simon! I will do my best to try the “beast” as soon as I can put my hands on one of those!

[@StefanUrkel]

OP, do you mean RME dac with equalization would give same result as Dirac with m33? What about hegel, choice of dac and separate equalization via software or hardware? Would that yield just as good result with more compnent choice flexibility?

[@garywiener6219]

Wonderful review! The M33 would be the absolute top of my budget, and I'm also considering the Cambridge Audio EVO 150. Any comments you have comparing the two would be greatly appreciated. So glad I found your channel. It's really wonderful!

[@gerbenvandenhurk]

Your channel keeps getting better and better. Thank you!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much too 😀👍

[@philipadams8615]

As always so so good, and a pleasure to watch, more people should be viewing,. Phil 🕶️

[@olivierdeneef37]

Thank you Simon for these insights. It is always a pleasure to watch your videos. Signed by a happy H390 and PMC owner.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you Olivier 🙏

[@philvale5724]

Hi, 13th Note , A great review on the NAD , Way out of my price range bracket, However I have owned to pre-empt my buy them the one I’m using the moment is a integrated 314, Used to go into my Cambridge power amp but that has blown just recently I’m now in the process of purchasing a NAD C298, And I noticed in your comments that you don’t know of anybody nowadays that Bywired anything, Well I have a pair of transmission line loudspeaker cabinets that I built from a plan over 40 years ago they sound amazing and I have not yet heard anything that comes close to there Quality of sound, Especially just recently I’ve replaced the drive units because when the Cambridge power blue took out one of the drive units, I have now replaced them with SEAS . They were designed to be Bywired to keep the crossover unit simple, The only downside is that they stand just over 1 1/2 m in height and they look like coffins especially as I used to have brass handles on the side so I could lift them around as they do weigh a lot. And they fire out the bottom so there is approximately 4 inch gap underneath, I do think the review you done on the NAD is very good and very interesting. And I forgot to say that I am new to your channel so I’m going to have a look see what else you’ve got reviews on. PHIL FROM DARK SIDE OF THE MOULIN FRANCE.

[@seymourclearly]

As ever a great video, i love the way you dont patronise your audience and speak intelligently and relevantly- i just cant believe you dont have 100x followers, there is no accounting for taste, as an encouragement im off to your patron as i dont want to see you lose interest, thanks Simon

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much Trevor, it’s a slow burner trying to get subscribers unless channels post 2-3 times a week but I want to keep the quality. Still trying to make it work and invested in a new pc today, so videos can only get better but donations like yours help. The idea is to keep it low amounts for ad free videos, but I can offer more honest advice on a patreon forum , to save you money on products, and so your subscription does mean a lot. If you want to keep it at that level or lower it but continue to support me and get advice etc, please do too. Thanks again Trevor!

[@seymourclearly]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 thanks simon, im working now so delighted to contribute a little to your efforts, keep up the quality,

[@terrylarson7596]

Here you go...more recognition! Excellent review and production!!!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you 🙏

[@georgemccormack3279]

Thank you for a very informative, relatable review. I am interested in incorporating Dirac into a pre-existing system. So a review of, for example, the DDRC-24 from minidsp would be very helpful. Cheers.

[@Lonestar166]

Awesome review. My first experince with your reviews. You have a new subscriber.

[@markmuggeridge5797]

Thanks for the excellent review I really appreciate the lack of ego too.

[@stephencosta6814]

Simon i❤❤❤you fantastic review man🎉🙌🎊

[@hemanthsonu4]

Wow great review.. wonderful presentation!! Great patience for putting this together so elegantly!!!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much.

[@TheGreatAfricanGuru]

Excellent, outstanding, honest review. Thank you

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you too very much. 😀👍

[@kenpiarulli1152]

Thanks for an informative review, Simon! I just purchased the M33, mainly for the "all in one" feature set including BluOs streaming, phono and headphone preamp, etc. I've had several other NAD pieces in the past, including most recently an M12 matched with a Parasound amp. I haven't calibrated using Dirac yet, as I've been breaking in my speakers first. Looking forward to your next review.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Ken, please let us know what you think of it when you are used to it a bit more. 😀

[@kenpiarulli1152]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Since my previous post I calibrated with Dirac LE, and WOW - what a difference in the tightness of bass, and character of vocals, particularly female. I will be purchasing the full frequency version (what's another $99, right?). Since it's easy to switch the Dirac filter on/off, I can readily hear the effect on the sound.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Ken, I found the expansiveness in the sound to be the best feature of using Dirac. You can do more than one filter and curve i think, I think there are five slots.

[@DeSoLaToR22]

@@kenpiarulli1152 Hi Ken! I am also thinking about buying the full frequency version! I was wondering what your experience it is? Did it make as much difference as the limited version?

[@kenpiarulli1152]

@@DeSoLaToR22 Yes, I found the full version much more flexible, and made a big difference in matching my sub to my mains.

[@donnfizzle]

Would love to see your video on Dirac/MiniDSP with the Hegel. Is the MiniDSP Dirac as good as that in the M33 but more importantly is it transparent? Can I use the MiniDSP with the Hegel and still get all of that performance and natural tone as well as the corrective benefits of Dirac. This would be my most eagerly awaited video this year.

[@Shoebutie]

Very enjoyable and thought provoking. Thanks

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Scott.

[@marcfoss7687]

Great review Simon, really appreciated your insights. Thanks

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks too 🙏

[@IrenESorius]

If only I could afford it,, 🥰. Thank you soo much Simon ❤️ Cheers and have the best of weekends,, 🍻😎👍‍‍

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Irene. Have a good one too. 😀👍❤️

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

Great review of this and the M10. I subscribed. I have the M10 and a Node and a Vault 2i to have the same music in three areas.

[@topkho]

Fantastic review, very well articulated and precise

[@Bazerk666]

Another brilliant production. You do great work. I love the look of many of these modern amps with screens, but I worry about the lifespan of the screen. Will they last 20 plus years like a good amp should?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you Billy. That’s true and also would the streaming functionality in ten years have changed lots. I suppose an analogue amp that is only that has great future proofing

[@69madmart]

Great review as always Simon, looking to upgrade my Cyrus one HD and these 2 are on my list

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Martin, I’d recommend Waiting till my new video comes out on the Kinki studio EX-M1+

[@yayhoo8848]

Thank you so much! I love the quality of your reviews. I am sold on the Purifi amplifier technology, but find the NAD a bit too expensive when you can obtain purifi amps for around $1300.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks too. 😀🔉 always base decisions on trials yourself too…..

[@yayhoo8848]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I think the NAD m33 is worth the money in terms of all the other integrated functions including Dirac room correction. My goal right now is to build a multichannel system with purifi amplifiers using a computer and a USB to XLR interface. Even the cheapest Purifi amplifiers measure the same as the NAD m33 so I doubt anyone could be able to differentiate between the two. You can even DIY the purifi amplifier. Also, there are a lot of different optional input buffers to Taylor the sound of the purifi amplification. Check out VTV amplifiers for example.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Yes I am aware of vtv, thanks 🙏 I suppose it comes down to the quality of the pre amp so a case of seeing if vtv with another pre bests the m33 in your opinion.

[@yayhoo8848]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 the input buffer is the preamp and there are many custom input buffers available. NAD most likely developed their own input buffer. They all test the same in terms of noise and distortion, plus or minus 1 or 2 dB.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Yeah but pre amps sound different too. Different psu, quality of components and so on….

[@JD-mm4ub]

I would be really interested in hearing your opinion on the using the minidsp with the H390. Please go for it.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Will ask miniDSP if they want to do that.

[@JD-mm4ub]

That would be great. Thanks.

[@dwightstevens50]

Hi, I noticed an Innuos Streamer in your video and wanted to know if it's possible to view artwork of albums stored on the Innous on the screen of the NAD M33, also can you use the NAD's screen to control the Innuos instead of using a mobile phone or tablet, kind regards, Dwight Stevens.

[@angi733]

I have the older M12 Pre abs M22v2 power setup and I have to say it is sublime, power and subtlety… interested to see if NAD bring out and updated pre amp… there seems to be a purifi power amp….

[@hclandscapes]

Great review Simon, Hope your well. I have just been offered the M33 for a very good price of 3k from my dealer. Very tempted to upgrade to this from my H120 Should sound better with my B&W 704s2’s

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Sent you a message back bw simon

[@nickloughrey9841]

Very well made review . Having looked at loads of reviewers I have come to the conclusion that Audiofiles have a language that uses the same words as the english language but put a totally different meaning to the words . Its facinating to listen to it . I am naming this as " Gobbledegook" ....... Not a personal observation as you alll use it with different dialects

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

You are probably right to be fair.

[@dannybourne_]

What is Palaver, is that a dialect word ? Chopin music at the end, wonderful Polish classical music indeed. Great review, thank you.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=polava Thanks very much 😀👍🔉🎼

[@steverees1936]

Hi Simon. Great review of what appears to be the ideal new amp that I've been looking for. With its streaming capabilities, the option to connect my TV via HDMI and Dirac calibration, being able to add 2 subs, sounds like my search might be over. I've always wanted a mono block/ pre set up, but to be honest like you said those days are now becoming a distant past memory and not really needed anymore. Can't be bothered with all those extra cables and extra unnecessary expense, not to mention having to add a surround sound processor for movies, which should keep the wife happy 🤣 I think comparing the H390 and M33 is as always down to personal choice and I would probably be very happy with either. The H390 was one amp on my want list, but it doesn't have the features that the M33 has to offer, so only on that basis it looses out. You have given me a lot to think about yet again.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Steve. Good call with your choice. Easy to think I was criticising it on SQ but I wasn’t. Just being fair in a shootout with another amp.

[@steverees1936]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 it's always difficult to not sound biased when a reviewer is comparing his own amp with the amp being reviewed. I've heard nothing but great thoughts and praise about the H390 but with my old ears, I probably wouldn't be able to hear enough of a difference to swaye either way. I thought your review was very fair to be honest. Well done my friend 😊

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Steve.

[@David-mi3il]

Great work Simon. Keep it up 🦾

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks David.

[@rog86]

Nice to watch vid. How do you think the nad would fair against the hegel 190? How do you find the pmc"s with the class d nad? I heard pmc twenty 5 22 with primare i33 class d amp. Very good sound but i was wondering if long term it moght be bright or thin sound in the midrange.... id like to hear the pmc with sugden 21se

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much, pls read description thanks

[@hkgoodman888]

I have B&W805D3, planning to upgrade the amplifier. I mostly listen to pop music. Which of the following amplifier would be suggested? 1.) Gryphon Diablo 120 2.) Hegel H390 3.) Used Classe CP-500/CP-800 Pre Amplifier + CA-2200 Amplifiers Appreciate any opinions

[@Foppalainen82]

I had an A/B test of these two today at a dealer. Since the dealer has exclusive rights in Sweden to all the brands they sell I had to listen to them on Dali Epicon 6 speakers which are not a favourite to mine. I thought the M33 sounded very digital in comparison. But I have not owned a digital amp nor listened to many. The 390 sounded so much better imo that I forgot about the fancy display and the tech. It’s not that the M33 sounded bad. We started listened to it first and I thought it sounded good. Then we switched to 390 and it was just better. Then back to M33 and that’s when I really thought it sounded digital. I’ll probably get the 390 or a Naim. Need to figure out how to A/B test them at home though.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks for sharing opinions, did the dealer set up Dirac or demo it ?

[@jearley22]

Simon, Nice review, I enjoy your approach. I own the McIntosh MA5300 integrated. Would love your review and comparison of the product against the H390. Cheers.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much. Probably will be difficult but I’ll try one day. If you are in the U.K. you are always welcome around with gear.

[@bassiclogic]

As a musician I have played through many amplifiers. Tube and solid state. I have played through of the late class D amplifiers for bass guitar. I find them to be very good! Though my stereo amplifier is a class A/B. Great video's as usual and thank you.

[@thirdfromlast]

Another brilliant and very fair review.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much

[@Baturay4658]

Would you recommend NAD M33 or Hegel H190 For Kef R3 Metas ? Thanks

[@RobertWilson-hc5db]

I'm in the market for a Hegel amp. I'm wondering if it would be better to go for the H590 over the H390 as the price has come down now that the H590 has been upgraded to the H600. Interestingly from your report from the Ascot Hi-Fi show, the H590 and H600 are the same in the amplifier section, it's the DAC and steaming functionality that has been upgraded. Food for thought! Thank you for another interesting video, I'm looking forward to many more.

[@robertrambaldi1066]

Great review … hmm i have the H190 considering whether to get a Blusound Node N130 or NADM33 all in one. I love the Hegel sound but i do use setup with my TV and the HDMI eARC is a winner ….

[@sergioit70]

Hye Simon, my compliments for this review, great! I have NAD M33 and use roon and Dirac Live full license, and this upgrade is great! do you think by inserting a new external dac like a Denafrips Ares II or another dac in XLR would like to advise me with NAD M33, I would get better sound and better performance than the internal dac of the NAD M33? is it worth it? do you recommend it to me? I would like to squeeze the most out of the sound of this amp? Thanks!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you too. Only you can decide but it’s worth trying before you buy as ever. So much is dependent on system integration

[@vittoriomartinidonati]

Well done Simon!!! You might want to post this in the Hegel FB group

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Vittorio. I thought about that but think I’ll keep it here as don’t want to be seen to be promoting myself on that group.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

But if you want to share it on the group….please do. I’m sure Hegel will like it and chatted to Anders on email earlier and he liked it.

[@PragmaticTornado]

I was deciding between the M33 and the H390, and ended up with the M33. The only thing I really dislike with it is that it's not really possible to use it to drive the fronts in a surround setup, due to the massive audio delay the analog inputs have (analog signals converted to digital, processed and then converted back to analog). Remote range also sucks (worst I have ever experienced) and I find the max volume a bit lacking. Other than that, it is a superb amp which also has a lot of other functionality. Doesn't appear to be a perfect amp out there for my needs, so for now, the M33 is probably the best one I've seen (for me).

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks good call. Each to own. Maybe they should have thought of delay. I found that with remote but I thought battery. Maybe sensor behind display? It’s still a very fine sounding amp and I think you made a good choice for your needs especially as close to Hegel but cheaper and all out use factor Hegel doesn’t have.

[@fancypantzz]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 can you all please elaborate on this delay? Is it bad for movie watching? Thinking of replacing my denon AVR with it (for 2.1). Thanks

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@fancypantzz you shouldn’t be buying this type of hifi component unless you get it home and try first in any event.

[@emailkenny]

The NAD T778 is for movies & the M33 is for music.

[@stephencosta6814]

Simon, what do you think about the Dali Epicon 2 I have a McIntosh mc152 and a tuba preamplifier

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Never tried. Sorry.

[@davidthomson8164]

Thanks for a really interesting video. I'm considering the M33 (currently have a NAD T758), but wonder if my speakers (MA Silver 200 and KEF LS50) would be the limiting factor and look for an amp that better price matched

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks for the compliment David. If looking to re-build the system do it based on speakers first is my advice, and then go from there….those Buchardt’s I just reviewed are a very good starting point.

[@davidthomson8164]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I really enjoy your videos and respect your opinion. I did think about starting with the speakers. I have a surround sound system (5.1.4) based on MA Silver series, so assumed to upgrade the fronts, I'd have stick with MA or change all the speakers.

[@mrpmj00]

As much as I love my Parasound 2125v2 amp (150 wpc, 35 amps peak/channel), I want to upgrade to hear anything better that's

[@nikolay2687]

hello, tell me how nad combines with pmc, won't the sound be too harsh and tedious?

[@cpg8000]

I really want to love this, but as a turntable user, I just can’t see digitizing my analogue sources. What’s the point of that?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

In theory adding analogue effects is additive according to what Bruno Putzeys told me. I did find the analogue character of other components was added In trying this but always try yourself and form own opinion.

[@playlist286arhbffsd]

Thank you for another great review Simon. I have a hard time deciding between h390 and m33 (upgrading from h190) for my Harbeth C7ES3. I really like m33 features, but I also love the Hegel sound. My room is medium size (3.5x7m) and I rarely listen at high volumes. What do you think is the best choice based on my description? Here in Sweden h390 and m33 cost almost the same. Thank you and I am looking forward to another review!

[@playlist286arhbffsd]

After auditioning both amps I decided to buy M33. I simply could not ignore NAD's convenience and streaming capabilities. M33 sounds great, clean and powerful. I am not missing anything in M33 (I was a Hegel fan before) The only downside for M33 is that it's killing the hobby :D I don't have to purchase anything more because it is such a great all in one package.

[@rog86]

@@playlist286arhbffsd is the m33 and upgrade in sound quality over the hegel190?

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@rog86 if you like the Hegel sound go with h390, it will sound bigger than m33 and has more power, Hegel would be an easy choise for me

[@rog86]

@@andreasmoller9798 thanks. Like you i have a small to medium sized room, 4 x 7m...... h390 overkill?

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@rog86 no i don’t think so i have simular room size, i don’t own Hegel h390, i have the h190 as well and its does great, i am moving to h390 maybe in year

[@laurensprevoo5778]

Hi Simon, Thanks for your great contribution! I have the M33, happy with it, but struggling with a (maybe silly) thing I hope you or other owners can help me with. I noticed it makes a soft buzzing sound, only audible when I put my ear close to, right above it. I can’t hear it at +1m. Does yours also make such sound? To prevent getting fixated on it, I’d like to understand if it’s normal for the device to make this soft buzzing sound or if it should basically be dead-silent? Feedback is welcome!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

It’s called transformer hum and is normal and can be dc on mains too. Google it to find more

[@laurensprevoo5778]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 thanks for fast reply, nice Sunday !

[@gregclark8700]

Terrific review, thanks for both the entertainment and information For me nowadays I like a one box solutions and that box must have hdmi arc. So the Hegel wouldn’t be on the shopping list

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Greg. I’m doing an amp shoot out video atm, the nad is in the mix. 😀🎶🎵🔊

[@davidmorgen4558]

Just recently reading comments about nad reliability factor..Theres some Negative as well as positive comments in this regard to them?..ive owned the nad C 316bbe integrated amp for over ten years it still works great.At this point im stilll considering certain amps from nad as long as the trajectory of certain amps they made are well made & posses a phono section,..I mostly collect vintage audio amps speakers etc but considering new cause I dont know how to recap older amp as of yet!

[@Skynet73]

I heard the NAD M33 (without Dirac) vs Hegel H590 because unfortunately the H390 wasn't available. I found the M33 more neutral, a bit more honest. The Hegel with a little more power, but a bit too much in the highs. I bought the M33, really great device. ✌😀

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

You have to listen at home to get an accurate picture if you didn’t. The Hegel can be described as offering all that is needed and natural in the treble to my mind, and so can the NAD, in a different more etched out way. The Hegel h590 has a lot more power to the m33 and will control a lot of speakers better.

[@stuharrison1]

Hi Simon, lovely review. I have the Nad M10 and love the all-in-one package and combined with my Buchardt s400 mk2 and Rel T7 sub, the sound is fantastic. I am wanting a little more power though, and whilst the M33 would be a fantastic answer, it is $9000 AUD. Could there be any benefit of adding a couple of mono block amps to the M10? Or the Nad M23? Thanks for you dedication to our education. Stu

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Stuart, I’d recommend watching the amp shoot out video of the naim supernsit 3 I did

[@stuharrison1]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 thanks Simon. I'll gove it a watch...

[@jackherbert7694]

Excellent review Simon...Now if I can just get the "budget" for this (masters)piece from NAD.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you so much. It is a great amp.

[@Romulus980]

A beautiful and articulate review put together on screen with natural flair (I imagine a lot of work went into it). Do you not own a Hegel H390?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much Stargazer . Lots of work went in as always 😀 I own the H390 yes 😀 Bw Simon

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

Kinda remarkable that he’s such an audio guy, Because from the editing it’s clear he’s also really a video guy

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I’ll take that as a compliment. Thank you.

[@piker3000]

Your work, once again is superb! I struggled between these 2 amps (and also the Gold Note IS-1000) and ultimately decided on the Hegel H390 largely due to your review. The H390 / Bluesound Node 2i is feeding my Scansonic HD MB6B's. I'm now considering cable options and the Rocket 88 are on the list as the obsessive research continues. Curious about your speaker cable experience.

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Nice system you've got there! Was interested in these Scansonic speakers... What's the minimum room size you think those speakers require to get their best?

[@piker3000]

@@raphaelmeillat8527 Thanks! I'm certainly no expert in room designs or recommendations. I have them in a 14 x 17' with the MB's on the long wall and still fussing with placement. I have other issues like open gym area on one side (tons of echo and no treatment). Id say they are still fantastic in every way. I'm super happy with it exactly the way it is. A lot to love about the MB's and H390 pairing!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@piker3000 contact me about the Rocket on PM and I can help there with thoughts about them. I’m not reviewing them btw, as I don’t do cable reviews anymore really.

[@ZVM600]

Можешь выкинуть свой bluesound, но лучше продай)

[@MisterChibs]

An other fantastic review!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you.

[@李乐-p6y]

由于有人反映m33的声场相对比较窄，而我需要一个巨大的声场，所以我不能考虑买这款功放，他的声音并不偏暖，而是偏中性，这样听起来可能有些偏数码味儿，说第二个不能买它的原因，唯一能买的原因是dirac live,所以问题来了，有没有声音偏暖，而且声场特别宽，而且能用dirac live的功放?😅

[@jaimeparra27]

Hi Simon, I have M33 and speakers Linton, any opinion? Thank you

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Don’t know of lintons tbh. Sorry

[@gl9819]

wich one is better?? your opinion thanks

[@gif4teen]

thank you for this excellent review...would like to know about the intro music?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks, I’d be looking it up as you would. Shazam etc best bet to find it.

[@gif4teen]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 thank you, shazam,,,Eneide misterious moments ,

[@paulomontero12]

It's almost impossible to say which piece of audio gear is better to one another, when it comes to sound comparisons. I think it usually comes down to looks in the end?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

With respect to your view, that’s just not true I’d say . My attitude is HiFi is not like wine - there are limited consensus groups as to what is good at the price within certain taste brackets. I always say these taste brackets mainly relate to the tone of the amp. But the NAD and Hegel are not far apart on tone. It comes down to a range of characteristics that marks one out as sounding better than the other. So when you factor nicer mid tones and dynamics, and wider soundstage these are not things you can say, yup the buyer may not want that. The ‘it’s all about the person’ approach is an approach I steer clear from because that means I’m not reviewing , whilst trying to be fair of what one amp can do at different prices and let readers read between personal lines as to what they want. A lot of reviewers aren’t being fair and the number of reviews I read on this amp where they talk of it in the same context as the more expensive Hegel amp is not fair…it’s not fair on Hegel and it’s not fair on the buyer. But more than that, the BS when the buyer tries it means that reviewer should be sussed out because in the future who would (or should) believe them??? Looks is important but a big group of people buy hifi off of sound quality. In fact it’s more important than looks in audiophile hifi I’d say, because of you want looks buy artwork and much cheaper!

[@johngordon1175]

My quad valve amplifiers with KT66s affect my heart, by the way I have a defibrillator in my chest since my heart attack, is affected, haven’t ever had that experience since but hearing a sample of the NAD33 gives me a similar feeling, going to try one in my system and see.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Sorry to hear that John, how does the amp affect your defibrillator out of interest.

[@michaelmityok1001]

Simon, super quality production again, BUT the point about no difference at this level between class D and class AB would be easier to credit if you'd prefer the NAD.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Michael, possibly you are right I think. I think the Hegel shines because of its design but not necessarily a class ab v d issue.

[@Osamabinliner69]

Could you use this as a pre amp to a McIntosh Tube power amp?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Probably wasting your money that way as you loose out on amp modules , prob Best bit. Get a pre amp 😀🎵

[@Osamabinliner69]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I'm pretty much sold on the M33, love it. I'm probably going to be getting B&W 803 D4's, would the M33 be enough? Can you add a Hegel PreAmp to the M33 to increase power and bite? Excuse me if I'm asking silly questions, well I know I'm asking silly questions. I'm new to Hi-End hi-fi. I know power isn't everything, but I want enough bass but with a great clear sound. Your advice would be much appreciated. Love your review.

[@normrubio]

I own an M10V2, I absolutely love it. Saying that, more power would be nice and having such a great experience with NAD, I think I'm going to stick with them and do an M33. I'll be paired to some triton 2+'s. Having the 2 subs out is really nice too.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

If you can try a Hegel and a node I think you’ll be blown away by the better more natural control and analogue qualities that the Hegel brings but at the same time retaining all that bluos control ability. The M10 is a nice amp but it doesn’t have the natural quality of a H120, or better still H190/H390. They are worth auditioning before any NAD purchase.

[@normrubio]

@13th Note HiFi Reviews the Hegel's lack of an HDMI/eARC is kind of a deal breaker. I want to be able to connect to a TV. But the other deal breaker on the M33 is while it has 2 sub outs, they aren't independent.

[@terjee648]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 i had a hegel h90 and now have a nad m10 v2, for me the nad have better sound and the hegel is to big

[@earl007]

Did you put your cables in the freezer first ?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Ha ha they are quite stiff in some directions

[@willmac5642]

Amazed that other reviewers of M10 and M33 (mention no names) completely skipped trying Dirac, which one wd think essential part of review

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I know who you mean Will. The reviewers who put h390 and m33 the same on sq for me.

[@fredalmgren7211]

Has anybody added a Minisdsp Flex or Dirac device to a Hegel to compare the two?

[@brucemibus9523]

I have the Blusound storage device 2i. MQA is not fully enabled, the unfolding process is only once, making output is limited to 88.2 KHz, not the full amount shown on MQA discs. I do not have certainty of streaming files, as I use this device for local storage only. I didn't know that MQA was only partially decoded before buying it. I am disappointed that this is the case, almost false advertising!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

You don’t want to make MQA and the whole rabbit hole of formats an issue, it’s incredibly slight even in the most resolving systems. You should satisfy yourself the node is a great product and it’s all about the rest of the hifi and other outboard DACs as to what makes audio good.

[@brucemibus9523]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I just don't have any way except for another DAC which decodes MQA fully on the SPDIF input, either RCA or Toslink. Not an expense I am pleased about. It is a great product, with well thought out facilities. MQA should not be advertised without the difference being made. My system has enough resolution to differentiate between various cd blanks and how they affect the sound. Taken a long time to get there, and just bit of dough. The loss of resolution is probably audible in my view, and my next DAC will have to replace the dCs Puccini, not something that I am looking forward to.

[@Stephenwongdirectimaging]

I have been using MQA for 2 year. I just switched to Apple music this month I found it sound even better the MQA master using my ipadpro as main source . I using mytek dac + , burson GT headphone amp + susvara headphone. . I can very detail using this set up

[@charleskatz2606]

Good stuff.Love to have you get the new MiniDSP Flex which is the lastest version of there 2x 5 tevh or the SHD (The Flex might be too expensive for what you get in my case so I might go with the DAC,Streamer,Pre in full SHD for a few hundered more).But yes wewant to know.I'd also likek it if anybody knows if NAD fixed the crappy sound and test numbers with the C651 Pre Cheers

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I have contacted them again but I’ll see what they say regards simon

[@soeren926]

Maybe you should try to compared it to the Anthem str with ARC room correction it’s really a great amplifier.. where you are getting value for money..

[@rangerscoach]

Agree put my bryston and my b w speakers in any room. Will sound good

[@upvidfacil4662]

The H390 has become Roon ready, now you can add room correction to Roon

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Good call.

[@hclandscapes]

I recently demoed the new NAD C399 which had various improvements borrowed from.the M32 and had high hopes for it but when compared with my Hegel H120 it didn't sound anywhere near as good in my opinion, It lacked bass punch and just sounded too bright. Maybe i just prefer the Hegel sound? But i would expect your H390 to outclass the M33 easily

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I tried the H120 as you know Harry but personally this M33 is a better amplifier all round. Good you can now get Roon ready on H120/190 family !😀👍

[@rolandlickert2904]

I do have the NAD C 399 I'm pretty happy with it and I do not have any problem you face with the Bass or brightness! Guess it depends on what kind of Speakers and cable you use?

[@hclandscapes]

@@rolandlickert2904 i had a home demo with the NAD C399, I used ls50 meta's to my ears these are not bright speakers. The Hegel sounded smoother and had deeper bass. One thing that the NAD had over the Hegel was a bigger/wider soundstage. My wife and i both preferred the more relaxed sound of the Hegel and felt that listening fatigue would set in quite quickly on the NAD, personally i think this is a trait of class d amplification. Each to their own but i preferred Hegel.

[@V1ralB1ack]

@@hclandscapes Well what you say makes sense. Class ab amplifiers have more power at lower impedance which means they give more power for bass. The bass carries over and gives more body and fullness to the mids with good class ab amps. The hegel should sound richer and more engaging. Class d amps use filters and work differently. They don't have much of a sound of their own and are pretty neutral these days. SMSL is very smart because they give great tone control and preset tones to make their class d more engaging, linear, more weight on the bass so you can't tell it's class d and you enjoy it way more. Specs don't tell the whole story because by the specs class d amps generally look like they are the best thing since sliced bread.

[@Shoaibexpert]

The piano please at 9:00

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Watch it all till the end . All revealed

[@Shoaibexpert]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks and great review as always, I have the C298 which sounds identical to the M33 (I have heard both) as it also have the same PSU and the Purifi Modules. I tried room corrstvia REW with all the bells and whistles of phase correction. I never liked what the room correction did... especially what it did beyond 500Hz. What I do now is use the frequency response to tell me where in the low end I need to adjust the peaks and I slightly adjust them... mostly in the sub 80Hz region. Running KEF R7s with Topping Pre90 preamp and D1SE DAC with it and loving the setup with Roon. Keep up the good work, mate!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Shoaib Ahmed thanks Shoaib.

[@MrKevinRance]

Debussy I think

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Chopin nocturnes. Op 9. No 2. Listed at end of video.

[@panagiotisargyropoulos2217]

Well, it deserved the wait.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks, I had internet probs all last week. Really pleased you liked it.

[@antonchigurh4125]

Outstanding review and production Simon (as always). I have to admit I'm yet to hear class D. Intriguing.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Anton. It is a good amp which if I had 4grand burning a hole and needed a streaming integrated, I’d buy. I hope they feel the criticism to the Hegel is fair on account of the 25% difference point I mentioned.

[@antonchigurh4125]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Your criticism came across as impartial, fair and constructive. I think you neatly summed up your approach to reviewing when comparing the two (paraphrasing) by saying 'no ego HiFi.' Loved that 👍 We all wish we had a spare 4k to burn on new HiFi!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@antonchigurh4125 I wish I did too - which I dont have. I get myself a better DAC. Probably a Hugo TT2. Love that one.

[@malcatron]

The value of room correction is by definition dependent on your room. In a problematic room the use of Dirac "might" elevate the M33 above the Hegel. Unfortunately, unless you have the opportunity to set both up in the room it will be used, you'll never know!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

That’s not actually true as Dirac cannot deal with all rooms. In any event I did the review of both in a pretty good living room with carpets etc, so I think my comments about sq are fair comment.

[@malcatron]

@@13thnotehifireviews7My comment was a general observation not specific to your situation where you have both amps at home with you. Also, note that I said - "might" elevate the M33 above the Hegel - i.e. in a particularly problematic room the effect of Dirac "might" provide a better outcome than that of the Hegel.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@malcatron Thanks for saying but you didn’t elaborate following the points I raised in the video….. to recap…. I’d point out I don’t think it would elevate the sound above the Hegel in most rooms. The point is , at what point is Dirac dealing with the issues the amp can’t handle by its amp design….I think I got the point across the sound quality of the Hegel is sufficiently marked in that Dirac can’t do that, in a use case like mine, which is probably a good or acceptable room type. It might, you may be right, but that would be to a preference, and I have to call that out on what I’d expect and what I think most could or would think, otherwise I’d just be bs’ing you like some other reviews I watched on the h390 v m33 that put the sound quality at a similar level even before mentioning DIRAC… and a quick perusal and research on YT would be easy to find that one. There is also the point that Dirac being better is subjective as well as an amp without Dirac and I got that across. So it’s not a pre requisite as I said. Also if Dirac corrected in my room and similarly another (to the target curve) then the sound the software sets is not expected to depart too far from a general level, on my previous point about expecting what you are likely to get. I also based that on what others have told me the m33 sounds like with Dirac versus others as I research all reviews too.

[@malcatron]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I'm certainly not questioning your conclusion about the Hegel vs the M33 (I've heard neither) or suggesting Dirac is a magic bullet (I've never used it or any other room correction for that matter) I was merely saying that the value of any room correction is proportional to the acoustic issues presented by the room. For those lucky enough to have a room that has no nasty acoustic problems, Dirac is maybe not a great investment. But if your room presents issues, Dirac may just be the answer - and its benefits could potentially enable an amp to out perform another that sounded better when comparing in the HiFi shop's listening room. Which was my second point - that unless the purchaser is able to listen to both amps in their own home, the true value (if any) of room correction to that individual will remain unknown. I think the inability (at least for those on a modest budget!) to audition gear at home is a problem that must have led to many unsuitable purchases over the years, and purchasing HiFi from the internet having never listened to it only makes this more so.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@malcatron Thanks for saying. Listen yourself as always. Review for a shortlist always...thats what I always advocate... But my point is, it isn't as clear cut as saying that just because a room is bad that you may prefer one room correcting amp over another that does not have Dirac. Dirac can only go so far, it doesnt correct fully for the room when you get the response curve it gives you. A better designed amp that controls the bass well and is better in midrange and more dynamic can equally sound better. There is a cut off. I have to stear people to where that cut off is in an amp with Dirac and one without, that is pricier, to what most people, I think, will think. Thats all I am doing. If I did the review as its only based on the buyer, I wouldn't be reviewing and giving my take. I'd be shilling and make the two amps the same on SQ which I dont think is the case.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Great editing

[@jenogilvie-grant2636]

Brilliant review 👌👌

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much. 😀👍

[@butwait]

Interesting. I was actively looking for a comparison between these two amps. I have a pair of B&W 802D's and they do require a bit of power to drive. The NAD is what I'd consider the minimum, and the hegel does offer a significant advantage there. That said, the Hegel design language just doesn't speak to me. I really feel It looks a bit cheap, and frankly, dated. The M33 looks tidy, the touch screen is nice and the large amount of digital inputs is a plus. The 390 is a bit spartan in the connection department. And looking inside the amplifiers, even beyond the fact that one is a class D and the other A/B, the Hegel looks messy, with wires all over the place. I'm not used to seeing that in pricier amps. That said, I'm still a bit on the fence. But I'm edging towards the M33.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I don’t think it looks dated , it’s minimalist which can’t date. My attitude is I know build quality comes into it, and arguably the nad is more solid, but people don’t spend £5k on an amp for a decision around looks when there is plenty of things £5k can be used to make a room look great. People should buy on 95% on what it sounds like. The connections are all there for 2ch hifi in the Hegel. Personally a choice between a great amp and slightly lesser amp with better streaming built in.

[@klaverro]

Great video Simon! Good graphics (even Ukraine colours) , background music and a nice 'Scandinavian' room to be seen during Dirac setup (is that yours?). Good to hear also about the M33 sound quality against Hegel's H390. I am a big fan of Bluesound (N130) and Hegel amplifiers (love my H95 and H590). The NAD M33 is looking great with very nice features (specially those add-on modules). Already asked Hegel if they could add Bluesound and Dirac too...(but there doing Roon Ready finally ... 😉). Missed the music you have listened too this time but keep up the good work! greetings, Ronald

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much Ronald, not my room as I just clipped another video as I’d done loads of editing by that point. I think the H390 and H590 is coming next for Roon but they didn’t say about the H95? Maybe one for the Hegel FB forum

[@klaverro]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 You’re welcome! Hegel is working full speed on the H390/590. H95 will not get Roon now, perhaps in the future (source: Instagram). Glad already connect a BS Node with that one... ☺️.

[@DRICKismyNAME]

I have heard an owner that owned these 2 units before, he shared that if when Dirac is set properly on M33, it's quite a clear winner over the H390, have not got the chance to tried this comparison yet tho.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks for feedback. I tackled that in video I think and I think too lots comes down to how you use the amps and how you approach Dirac and room correction and how happy you are with hifi use and the installation involved. :)

[@heyqt7485]

Keep in mind that personal preference matters. NAD and Hegel sound VERY different. Sometimes it's more about preference and less about which is best

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@heyqt7485 i have to take out personal preference and ask the question if a hundred people had the two, which would they go for. That’s what I always ask. Not only me but other reviews came up same eg the Canadian review on these two. But remember it is small differences. Btw I wouldn’t say Hegel and NAD are massively different re these two amps, especially consider the class ab sounding eigentakt. This idea that amps have a house sound is very often a misnomer, if that’s what you meant.

[@johngordon1175]

Apparently this isn’t their best one there is another! Hopefully it won’t be eradicated! Buy one soon if you like the purify amplifiers!

[@mekore]

the achilles heel of a class D is the thin mids...

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

No because you can’t class amps according to class d . The class d buchardt i150 sounds richer and more meaty In mids to my class ab Hegel

[@mekore]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 wow, just heard about that amp, would be interesting to try!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

In fairness the kinki is a better amp

[@markphilpot8734]

I’ll admit I don’t know it all. These so called Class D amps don’t all sound alike. You have to find what make your ears happy and the rest doesn’t matter. Your system and your sound. It isn’t hard. People make things hard. You can’t please everyone so you got to please yourself. Cheers!

[@Roof_Pizza]

Call me when class D has a 20+ year record of equaling or surpassing class A/B.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Nah, get in when you can and it changes. That would be like …..4k TV….I’m still on a CRT glass box tv……

[@rolandlickert2904]

You are behind the curve. I been on the Audio trip for over 50 years owned several class A Class A/B amps during that time. Finely I switched to class D and never looked back and that was for several reasons. The weight of the amp is much less,(easy to move or lift around if needed) it runs cool, possibility to upgrading with module which gives flexibility,(technical advance is moving fast this day) power to power you get more value for the money you spend, Roon ready, has plenty of power to handle most speakers on the market and the amp sound effortless, great control of the bass. However, Dirac helps if you have a complicated room.However, as with all amps it needs good matching with the speakers, and the right speaker cable and a good Power cord suitable for the amp adds to the sonic improvement. As always it's a personal choice but I came to the conclusion that the absolute sound is a mirage and for me a mix of convenience, value for money and the latest tech is good enough for me.

[@Toki1908]

Simon ma man

[@thetoshmiester5136]

NAD M33 would be perfect if it had PPMs instead of VUs.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

PPM’s sorry?

[@thetoshmiester5136]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Peak Programme Meters....BBC creation