NAD M23 Amplifier: Class D Done Right!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

*There’s an Audiophiliac/Steve Guttenberg imposter scamming my viewers, There’s no FREE gifts. DON’T respond! I don't do giveaways or ask for money (except for my Patreon)*

[@AT-wl9yq]

Does this mean you won't be out to my house this Friday to personally install the speakers I won and only had to pay shipping and sales tax on? I still have a few Amazon gift cards if you need a little more.

[@gregoryfrassetti1276]

So you're not stuck in a far away land without your passport and any money...phew I feel better now. I'm glad that Nigerian Prince decided to let you free.

[@clementng7718]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@williamr3840]

Does this mean I won't be flown to New York to have lunch with Debbie Harry? :0/

[@mrpmj00]

I love my Parasound 2125v2 but I want to upgrade and must be

[@andersrynnel4203]

Hi Steve, thanks for a great channel and great reviews. I think the D-amps with purify tech is really interesting. I own aNAD C298 and it’s really clean, pure and very balanced, no blend or coloration what so ever, just pure power. The speaker and the pre-amp I choose will add the sound coloration, not the power amp. Might sound boring, but I think the opposite. It’s just a new perspective and one ingredient less to take into account when pairing. If you really want to understand how a specific speaker sounds, then the NAD C298 is one step in that direction. It’s like drinking the 100% purest vodka with no blend, it’s what you blend it with that matters. Just a different perspective I wanted to share.

[@mrpmj00]

I love my Parasound 2125v2 but I want to upgrade and must be

[@mrpmj00]

To beautifully color the sound, I also use Cardas Parsec RCA cables. My video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp7bgmV4fs-mrdU

[@mpp9964]

Have to wonder if this NAD paired with a tube pre could really lock into SG’s sensibilities

[@stephencosta6814]

100% a tube preamp

[@Staybrown11]

Yea…tubes…I’m thinking the same. Preamplifier

[@vtkz]

Does people still care about the Class of the Amplifier ? I use an complete Class D active setup (Neumann) and they sound phenomanal. Same as the Genelec. ATC use Class A and sounded also awesome. Its about the complete concept and setup and most important acoustics. When you buy high quality products the differences are soo small and minimal that an good room acoustic are way more influence the sound than the amp. Nowadays you can buy such good products way easyier and cheaper than nowadays where the selection is limited

[@spacejaime]

Excellent review! Using all your current speakers to find the true sound signature makes for a very informative review.

[@tomhohum4275]

We’ll, being retired and on a fixed income I guess I’ll have to stick with my M22. Rats🤣!!

[@markblock8659]

Beautiful amp. I like the industrial design. And from your description of the sonics, it seems like it checks all my boxes.

[@jamienaquin3918]

As always, great review. I've heard nothing but rave reviews about the M23. Im very interested in the NAD M33 integrated amplifier/steamer. It uses pretty much this amp. I wonder how it would sound with Martin Logan Motion 40's?

[@klxz79]

I think the M33 may be more similar to the C298, at least they share the same power supply which is slightly different than the M23’s power supply

[@dilbyjones]

Me either but if it’s popular in this climate. Who knows what will happen to the price.

[@jamienaquin3918]

@klxz79 thanks for the clarification. @Tex I agree, unfortunately it's not a good time for me to drop that much money. Both the M23 and M33 are high on my list. Clarity and detail is what I'm looking for, but I may want 3 channel amplification.

[@RFIDemocracy]

@@klxz79 I believe that it is correct to state that the M23 is the very power amp from the M33

[@drplot1]

How do you think this amplifier compares with much higher cost Class AB amplifiers- Pass labs, Simaudio, Ayre, Mark Levinson, Dan Agostino etc. What is the tradeoff?

[@mrpmj00]

I love my Parasound 2125v2 but I want to upgrade and must be

[@gilbertovega9981]

Has anyone present here by chance had the opportunity to listen to both the M23 and the M33? If so, what conclusions did they reach? His thoughts on the matter would help me a lot, thanks in advance and good afternoon

[@stephencosta6814]

From what I’ve read, the M 23 is the more pure amp the M 33 converts all the signals coming in into digital. I don’t like that very much you’re basically hearing a digital audio converter dac I would definitely go for the M 23 just my Thought

[@gilbertovega9981]

@@stephencosta6814 Thanks for your answer, best regards!

[@peterhaydock7836]

As always... informative and entertaining...well done, Steve

[@pauldemara7633]

Great review Steve. As always, thanks for what you do. Sounds like "Class D" amps have come of age.

[@Roof_Pizza]

LOLZ. Only of you buy the technology from a third party and pay twice for the pleasure. What happens when the licensing agreement expires? After warranty service could prove to be problematic.

[@nebulusnebulus6503]

I want to pair this amp with a Primaluna Evo 400 pre-amp with my Pylon Amber Mk2 (97dB and double 12”) The damping factor of the Nad is about 700, I think.

[@stephencosta6814]

Fantastic

[@almcgowan5289]

Fabulous job on the review of the M23... as always! I was hoping you would get a chance to review the NAD Master Series Amps and was wondering what your impressions would be of their class D module. I've been enjoying my M33 for two years now which uses the same amplifier modules. The system is paired with Ohm Walsh Tall 3000's and I have been super happy with that combination. I too felt like I was rediscovering my music collection with the M33 due to its resolution (clarity). Thank you again Steve for all the work you do on this channel, it's such a treat to see your reviews and to get exposed to new music and artists.

[@robertbelknap]

Al Mcgowan, Whats the soundstage like with the Ohm Walsh Tall 3000, I had some Bose 901's back in the late 80's and I swear no matter wear you stood it was huge stereo.

[@almcgowan5289]

@@robertbelknap sorry for the delay. The sound stage is wide and deep. My too is about 15’ x 40’ with 10’ ceilings. Honestly there is not a bad place to stand and not get great lighting imagining. The size of you room will determine if the size they recommend. I recall those Bose speakers but never owned a pair. I’ve been super happy with my 3000’s. The people T Ohm are great work. If you have questions you can the owner John very nice. Good luck.

[@petekutheis3822]

Yes I have a French made Audiophonics Class D with the e purify modules. Excellent. It absolutely blows away my mc75 monoblocks. 400 watts, 4 ohms. 1200 bucks no vat no tax fast shipping. Yes, distortion free it seems, and hyper clear. Using with Sonusfaber Olympica 1s.

[@stephencosta6814]

Sounds yummy

[@dilbyjones]

@@stephencosta6814but what speakers you use when it “ blows away”

[@milosdunjic8718]

I have class D AUDIOPHONICS LPA-S500NC Power Amplifier using Hypex NCore NC502MP integrated board and also Buckeye Purifi 1ET400A Amplifier, 2-channel class D … in the hi-gain Purify gain is perfect match for Hypex nc502mp and use them to biamp my Neat Motive 1 speakers.

[@RobWhittlestone]

Great review, Steve. Makes me want to try an M23. One day my beloved Exposure will need replacing and I think my KEF Reference 3/4 would appreciate the extra power and control... All the best, Rob in Switzerland

[@gotham61]

@8.30 “ they put out as much sound from their rear end as they do from the front.” Some women have said the same thing about me.

[@stephencosta6814]

😂😂😂😂

[@annebokma4637]

Steve, don't do a spoiler before the first minute is done 🤣🤣🤣

[@shannonwilliams6623]

Hey Steve I'm interested in buying the M23, my question is I have yamaha AS2100 I wanted to know if you have had any time with this integrated or the 2200, does the NAD comparison is the NAD better in sound?

[@patrickgeorge141]

Look forward to checking on out! Nice review as always, respect your perspective. I know bigger amplifiers are not needed yet always seem to draw me in, especially when heard at moderate to low levels. I will get the PS Audio M1200 at some point as well. Just add them to my growing collection. And yes I try and listen to them all. Thank you kind sir.

[@dingdong2103]

The need for a bigger amplifier depends on your speaker sensitivity and the loudness you want to play with. If you have speakers that have a low impedance, a small amp may not be able to handle the load without distorting. There are many reasons to like big amps.

[@bryonmollica]

I moved up to M700 , 2 months ago It's absolutely a game changer

[@Cujobob]

Purifi amplifiers are the truly high end amplifiers everyone should have. Everyone may not like hearing this far into the recording, but if you want to add some distortion in - just add a tube preamp.

[@stephencosta6814]

💯 percent

[@Cujobob]

@@milosdunjic8718 nice, that’s the guy who was selling them on ASR, right? I have one already I’m fond of, I will probably wait a generation and get another.

[@Roof_Pizza]

2 year warranty? The shortest in the industry. What is it a sub plate amp or something?

[@Johnny5_Alive]

Steve, Thank you for teaching us about other music that is out there!! This is just as important as audio equipment.! I am also so glad you still get excited about reviewing everything!!! A closed mind is an empty mind and you are the exact opposite! And I love this NAD like no other amplifier!!!! There is incredible clean, clear and detailed sound coming from ALL of the speaker I have! You are right, it locks into speakers and just exhibits control like I have never heard before.

[@SirMountainpass]

I am looking at pairing it with the new M66 pre-amp - it should prove to be a great match 😊

[@connorduke4619]

Interesting analysis of the bass. For my own tastes, I dislike the bloaty typical bass of Pass Labs and would probably lean to NAD M23 on that score. An excellent comparison would be this NAD M23 Class D versus the Keces S300 Class AB for almost the identical price.

[@rudolfappel7236]

The M33 houses the same Purifi Power amp modules and they sound amazing, I have not regretted that purchase. I drive Buchardt Audio S400 SE speakers, those need power and with the M33/M23 they sound amazing.

[@cbalano]

In August 2021 I purchased the NAD M28 amplifier, which is based on the same Purify Eigentakt modules. By far, the best multichannel amp I owned. Before I owned a 5 channels P5 from Anthem, which required 3000W of power and two electric cables. Now, I own a 7 channels amp that only consumes 1000W, if that. Also the size and the weight is reduced by 60% or so. Clearly, I am not going back to class A/B.

[@ceescosijn5656]

You have the combo M33\23. That means you don’t use the poweramp of the M33 anymore? I also consider to buy this combo therefore my question.

[@rudolfappel7236]

@@ceescosijn5656 I only own the M33, and am blown away by its performance. I wrote M33/M23 ad I expect/assume very similar performance. If you consider the separate M23 Power Amplifier, take a look at the new M66 separate Streaming/DAC/PreAmp.

[@jamesmuto2955]

Outstanding and very educational review, I greatly enjoy your experience and insights. Wow, thank you

[@robertwoodward9231]

Planet Waves is a great album probably put together in short time. He was having fun as you say. A just for the hell of it album that still blows most anything of the day, out of the water. This raw classic is in my top 10, no doubt.l

[@emilesprenger]

Steve, Thants for the wonderful review. I have the NAD M22 V2 amp which has the previous generation Class D amps from Bruno. I love it!

[@angi733]

Me too, tempted to pick up a second M22 V2 and try Bridged mode, probably not necessary but hey!

[@rabit818]

You need a a solid Technics 1200 for the powerful NAD. I wonder how it compares to a lower power amp at low volume.

[@denniscolyn5435]

I've been enjoying my NAD 3125 with my Dahlquist DQ12's for 30 years.

[@DeAudiofilosyLocos]

Looks great, I hope I get to try it 😊

[@kencoleman5686]

I have the NAD M33 integrated streaming amplifier which has the same Purifi amplifier in it, and wonder how using the M23 with a great DAC and preamp compares to the NAD M33 which is an integrated all in one.

[@stephencosta6814]

The M 23 does not convert the signal digitally like the M m33. I prefer the M 23 with a good dac and preamp.

[@kencoleman5686]

@@stephencosta6814 i don’t do analogue so i want to compared to a digital source including streaming

[@stephencosta6814]

I don’t think you understand what I’m saying any signal coming in here becomes digital so you’re actually converting it twice

[@kunsliu]

i d like to pair this amp with the freya plus. what do you think of my idea?

[@daveycrockett5738]

Every time I watch you Steve, it always makes me want to listen to more music again.. hah thanks Steve

[@buddyjenkins7188]

How does this amplifier compare to the amp in the M33, is it identical?

[@SuperMcgenius]

Only two years, Bryston does 20 years

[@carlos2bass]

Not only that, but Bryston is designed and made in Canada.

[@jamesj9728]

Steve, I checked after this review and I have a chance to demo one, but one thing I didn't hear is if you think long listening sessions are possible? It's typical for me to burn out if there is too much information being thrown at me. Do you think 2-3 hour listening sessions would be enjoyable / engaging? I own the Accuphase A36, which is an all day, every day amp with zero fatigue. Thank you!

[@stephencosta6814]

Try tube preamplifiers I think that’s where the magic will happen

[@sbwlearning1372]

Agree !! Use a valve preamp with a monster class D power amp. Sounds delightful.

[@jamesj9728]

@@sbwlearning1372 @Stephen Costa I have a tube pre - the Aesthetix Calypso line stage. :)

[@sbwlearning1372]

@@jamesj9728 That is one gorgeous preamp. I'm a little further back in the food chain using a Doge 8 clarity

[@SastusBulbas1]

This amplifier's bass response and descriptions have me perplexed, is it accuracy? I have heard it has great dampening factor meaning great bass control, but a couple of reviews mentioned less weight impact from the lower end. Yet despite that curiosity it seems everyone is saying the same thing about the mid and high performance that its a great performer. I'm wondering if it would be a good replacement for an older Krell. Have you listened to the M66 which partners this? I have seen some reviews but not a lot regarding how if using Dirac it will take the phono signal and digitise it, yet actually do a great job, I love old analogue and class A A/B amps, plus valves, but modern streaming and room correction sounds worth looking into with modern housing and L shaped rooms. But there seems to be mixed opinions on digitising analogue.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

High damping factor leads to very tight highly defined bass. But that also means the base is not as full and Rich .

[@felipedantas4666]

To your taste (off course). Is the NAD, at ~1,5x the price of the mytek, good enough to replace it?

[@stephencosta6814]

I would definitely say yes

[@SuperMcgenius]

I had a pair of Vandersteen 5s , went though many preamps and power amps, sumo, bryston , moon, clasae Krell , all great .My end game was a Aesthetix preamp and a VTL power amp, great match.

[@dougg1075]

Beautiful product. Enjoyed their documentary on KZbin.

[@sportbikeguy9875]

looking at the specs, im almost positive this is just a few texas instruments TPA3255 chips, which are worth just a few dollars a piece, some nice ADC's/DAC's and good brand name capacitors.. it might sound good, but its NOT WORTH $5000, probably less than $300 worth of parts in there lol

[@aligrant6006]

MUSIC PRODUCERS BEWARE! It's is a great amp acoustically, I love it. I have the M33 but the problem with NAD amps no one is talking about is latency! If you want to play anything live, like putting the stylus on the record, the gap between action and sound is seconds! So when I try to play some ideas in my living room for music production for example, the latency makes its impossible to use. So its only good for Spotify streaming or digital listening, anything analog or music production it falls apart.... not sound wise but timing wise.

[@stimpy1226]

John Rutan would agree about the Vandersteen's as well!

[@mitchlee2961]

Hifi is really all about beauty and pleasure for me! It's a bit funny. I pretty much only like tube amps under 40 watts, especially under 20; or class D cheapies. Now I admit to liking some older Carvers, but then they are the exception that proves the rule. Currently I am playing with a Cayin A-50T, a Dyna Stereo 70, a SABAJ A5, a Reisong you recommended (thanks!), and a pile of little Nobsound, Aiyiam, AudioSource, and the like. If an amp is going to add a sound, then I want it to be sensuous and lovely! Otherwise, neutral is best. And even cheap class D amps can often be remarkably invisible. Generally I drive 1980 Klipsch Cornwalls, big early 60s EVs, and misc home-builts. My guilty pleasure is 4 Bose 901 VI hooked to a 70s Sansui quad receiver. Accuracy only matters if it's fun! It's really all about beauty and pleasure!

[@jedknutson8373]

i had the nad c298 same purifi module and heard zero difference as far as being better than my Rotel amp. yes, I know the m23 is better built blah blah, and a better power supply, etc but I just couldn't justify going the D route...

[@stephencosta6814]

That’s OK I have a big heavy Macintosh and I’m going with this also

[@Darokkk]

M23 have faston connectors from the power plug...you can move them with the finger which means no good connection (less deep sound stage)...once they are soldered this amp becomes a beast

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

😮im really sorry you have to deal with an imposter. Flattering as it might be, it is also menacing and wrong to take advantage of vulnerable people. That said, you have an amazing channel and your particular style of mentorship cuts to the heart of gear lovers and music lovers....i think hosting, not hostages.

[@deputy3690]

I can't believe Steve said the price with a straight face! It looks like he almost lost it though

[@ethimself5064]

Off topic - Have you ever come across a Phase Linear Digital Time delay from the 70's and 80's? Or from other manufactures way back then? Thanks Steve

[@gewamser]

Because this amp only has two speaker hook ups….I must reject it immediately. I run four Heresy’s .

[@andymouse]

You wouldn't like the sound of the M23 in the UK !...nice review......cheers.

[@carlsitler9071]

Why stop at $4000? Might as well get a McIntosh MC451.

[@stephencosta6814]

I already have Macintosh and I’m still getting this one

[@gokcenk]

Class D done right… Can you please get your hands on Aavik i280 or i180 and please review it? Thank you!!

[@SergeySedlovsky]

I've heard there is gonna be a problem with connecting with my May DAC, how is this gonna be possible?

[@edvedder7835]

Great review Steve. Thanks. I have the cheap man's version, the C298 paired with the Q Acoutics 50's and it sounds immaculate.

[@richm4402]

Would you mind sharing what preamp you’re using with that C298? Thanks

[@edvedder7835]

@@richm4402 nad 758v3 which is gonna be replaced soon.

[@richm4402]

@@edvedder7835 Lol, that’s what I’m using too!

[@edvedder7835]

@@richm4402 finding a replacement is not easy. The 778 has issues. Want dirac.

[@richm4402]

@@edvedder7835 I’m thinking the C298 deserves a decent preamp with HT bypass. C658 seems to have issues too, hopefully they’ll come out with a version 2 .

[@kingtrance307]

Nice review and amp but for that kind of money I still would much prefer a Parasound Halo A21.

[@lillyrosemarykingofh]

off topic but headed to Tokyo … what listening rooms there are not-to-miss? … might also be an idea for an episode too … best

[@jovitosy5441]

Hi!Steve. Would you mind giving us the right placement of each sound acoustic behind your back? I have'nt heard you tackle any of those sound acoustic.

[@banjop84]

Bridge this is not a good idea. You have to make sure your speakers do not drop below 5-6 ohm.

[@theomindschrddr7983]

I think i exchange my ML 532h for it, although Gato monobloks are also nice. Is it in the same gradation as the NAD?

[@scaryperson27]

A good album to listen to is The Mambo King soundtrack. Arturo Sandoval is in that one. Very nice.

[@Geeko-vd9ld]

Didnt know Jessie Pinkman designed amplifiers now

[@williamr3840]

Bloomin' heck! Exactly how many makes of speakers are there? :0)

[@mikegoddard7354]

Just bought this last year, my first brand new power amp. I have been skeptical of class D and honestly when I heard the M33 I was really impressed with multiple speakers. Everything is the same with the M23 but it's even better performance. It has a touch of warmth which is odd for a class D and takes away that class D edge that some people do not like. Closest performer at twice the price was the bel canto black, which only the plastic version is that cheap/lowest priced.

[@stephencosta6814]

I have the same thoughts I know this would be a fantastic device

[@citytianyu]

This is also my first all new amp. Really like it. Looking for a better pre now.

[@chebrubin]

I know it is a cringe. But can't we use DSP to simulate that thick Class A sound with purifi Class D? Gene from Audiholics loves the NAD too.

[@mikegoddard7354]

@@chebrubin My first integrated was the NAD 326BEE which is a class A/B design and is honestly a great integrated. Really it's a power amp with a volume control which is extreme bare bones and great for a purist. Avoiding a lot of interference and all that extra stuff by jamming a whole bunch of crap into a box. Honestly I feel the M23 has just the right amount of warmth, even though I would like it a touch warmer. I have never owned real class D amps, basically just those texas instru 50-100 dollar ones and when not being bad it does lack what class A/B provides. The only thing I would say is a con for some and not huge mistake or incompetence in design is that the bass is far more timid. If you have a really bass heavy speaker this is great cause it balances out. But honestly I cant fault it, it's not that bad. If class A/B were 10/10 in the bass department this would be an 8 in my eyes vs other class D which is like a 4 or less

[@mikegoddard7354]

@@citytianyu I use a topping pre90, solely for equal measurements. I believe a tube amp would be great. I am about to get a tube dac soon and I am certain that will really make the sound perfect. But a tube pre amp which is probably only using the tube as a buffer stage would be perfect to add a further touch of warmth. Like I said in my eyes it's basically leaning towards the warm side and you dont want to make it too warm.

[@nikolay2687]

hello, tell me how it will be combined with pmc 5.21?

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

It needs a clear top, otherwise it looks like a shoebox

[@Kami84]

There's no doubt that it's a thing of beauty

[@dougg1075]

If the world goes renewable , they may outlaw class AB amps. Class D may be in all of our futures.

[@scottyo64]

Is the man going to come take my class a/b amps?

[@stephencosta6814]

@@scottyo64yes 😢😢😢 😂😂😂😂

[@bryanherr1093]

If the world is renewable then you can use whatever you want.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Nuclear is renewable

[@user-ex9zm7bg3x]

what's renewable about class D?

[@mikecampbell5856]

3749 bucks for a Class D amplifier? They are just trying to capitalize on their name. Insanity!

[@sbwlearning1372]

Preposterous isn't it ? My class D was £800 new 5 years ago. There is some serious " inflation" going on here. The preamp section will have to be miraculous to justify that price.

[@ryanschipp8513]

Steve, you should check out Nuprime power amps. Excellent value that flies under the radar. Nuprime is owned by the old owner of Nuforce. Many, many years of making class D amps. Nuprime makes their own power modules. No taking someone else's idea and throwing it into a chassis. They start at about $1800.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks Ryan!

[@madcrabber1113]

What work did you do at the recording session?

[@8bitsago]

Hi Steve. I love your channel. How can I contact you privately? I am a subscriber to your channel and I own a single ended triode running EL34 tubes with 35 watts per side. I am looking for a set of speakers to compliment the amp and my taste. And since you seem to love Klipsch as much as I do I was hoping you could point mein the right direction. I own a set of klipsch rp 150m bookshelves. And they thrill and move me more than my sonus Fabers and the dynaudios I had before them. The Klipsch chisel out I strumenta so well when connected to me amp. Is there something that does this (sharp imaging with air and space in between) a little better than the very affordable klipsch RP range? Cheers and keep up the good work. -Adam.

[@geraldschrader8511]

Become a Patreon member at the right price level and you can have a monthly private phone call with Steve.

[@robk5745]

This amplifier seems like a must have in the Arsenal! Looks amazing too!

[@stephencosta6814]

I have to agree, 100%

[@Revelator2025]

Once again another class D showing the absolutists that GREAT sound can come from class D done right. I have a pair of AGD Audion monos that are really fantastic little amps.

[@histubeness]

Did you get a good deal on your AGD Audions? Were they the mk.lll's? --I was quite impressed with Jay Iyagi's review of them. --But they're expensive.

[@rtbnyc]

Thanks for including the Duet 15s in the review.

[@Aswaguespack]

I’ve not been a fan of the few Class D amps I’ve heard but with anything there’s always room for improvement and that usually means it escalates out of my affordability range.

[@mikecoffee100]

exactly

[@sbwlearning1372]

Right now there are amp manufacturers who will provide you with a beautiful sounding class D amp around £800 for somewhere between 400/ 600 wpc Like NAD they get the boards ( icepower,hypex, purefi etc etc ) add power supplies RCA XLR ins / outs monoblock capabilities fancy output/ input buffers etc etc. But they are small operators. I drive mine with a Doge 8 clarity preamp. Hasn't been turned off in 5 years. Sounds gorgeous with analogue or digital.

[@stephencosta6814]

N A D 298 $2000. 90 percent of the same sound of the m 23 I would think

[@lsaideOK]

I recently picked up a pair of dirty weekends to some extent due to your very positive review. Have you tilted the speaker as you did the Zu soul? It is a short speaker. I think it probably needs the decoupling as the bass can rock my place. Finally, you really didn't share much in the way of negatives with the speaker but sort of hinted at some in this review. Any such critical thoughts now?

[@gtric1466]

I got my DW's just before they stopped making them. I would guess you have the Clarity caps and the high-fi footers. Mine are 3' from the front wall to the front of the speaker and a little over 2 from the side. Equal-lateral triangle toed-in just outside my shoulders. No need to tilt them back. They sound Amazing best if heard I had JBL's, Wharfedale's and others.. There are not analytical at all but will expose any weakness in your chain. Had to give up Spotify because I stream through an iPad and the conversation from OGG to ACC which I think was the issue made the upper vocals not bright but grainy. Now streaming Apple Music and it's Bliss. Also using a HSU sub for under 80HZ.

[@lsaideOK]

@@gtric1466 they stopped making them? I just got mine a couple weeks ago. Yes I got the first level upgrade and the house speaker cables. I didn't plan on getting footers until I noticed quite a bit of vibration from the speakers' bass output on certain songs. I tried SVS footers first but they didn't fit. Thinking about Herbie's now as they can glide. They have a 60-day free trial just like the speakers. I have them nine feet apart and I sit 12 ft from them. I Have them set out into the room as far as they can go. Less than 3 ft. I am still playing with the toe-in. From what you described to just straight on. I like them so far but I'm going to take my time with the full evaluation. I expect the sound will change somewhat after I get footers. I use them with vinyl, CDs, TV, and streaming with Google Chromecast. So about everything. At this point I don't think I need a subwoofer. Seems to go quite low

[@gtric1466]

@@lsaideOK Awesome Enjoy yes sound will change a bit even though they burn it the woofer. I believe you have the 6 mine where the 2nd generation of the originals when they started using new drivers at that time they were 999.00 without the Clarity caps and hi go footers. All in I was at 1,500 because I had to get Ghost Black Maple WAF., 😊

[@lsaideOK]

@@gtric1466 those were the days! 999! Mine was 1599 but I got the rustic hickory, the upgrade, and the house cables. So over $2,800! With footers It will approach 3000. Given the price, I think they should include the footers. In my brief listening, I think they are a necessity.

[@gtric1466]

@@lsaideOK yeah I hear you got mine the summer of 2021 was the next to last run during Covid waited 4 months

[@carlitomelon4610]

Glad to hear it can drive the LRS. Can't imagine how transparent that combo would be! Which preamp Steve? I use a Musical Paradise 701ii tube pre with Bryston amp for the LRS. It takes care of tonal beauty & 3D soundstage . 🎶☺️🎶

[@carlitomelon4610]

PS Got it, a Pass SS preamp. 🎶🙄🎶

[@davidcarr6831]

Nice review! And a 3 year warranty on NAD Masters series

[@ErgonBill]

Selling for $6k AUD

[@cpg8000]

Need that meat on the bone. Nice tech, but hard pass.

[@alexpal1495]

Price in Europe?

[@bertoray5497]

I too, love your job. 🙋

[@editorjuno]

For $3750 MSRP, it better tune up my car and paint my house. 🤑

[@rudolfappel7236]

Perhaps car tuning and painting videos are the better choice for you.

[@joenovak6393]

I view Class D to when Plasma TVs had enfolded too. Give it time this will develop into "WOW" then, audio technology moves on "OLED" then we continue this journey into Class XX? Enjoy your content Steve and I look forward to additional content.

[@tyeeslayer]

Good stuff

[@saint6563]

2000+ views in the 1st hour. Congrats Steve & thanks for "spreading the news"!

[@dougg1075]

It’s like audio amps are moving toward photorealistic instead of “ painterly “ Photorealistic paintings /drawings are impressive but they lack beauty. IMHO

[@Staybrown11]

I wonder what tubes will do with the M23? Tube phono pre? Even a tube preamp…might give that meat on the bones?

[@richardelliott8352]

Another nice informative review, always appreciated. I wonder if some of the impressions were from power that the reviewer is simply not used to. I thought it clever to have a case that is both silver, and black, eliminating the need to manufacture two different cases for customers desiring one or the other basic color.. As a guy with power hungry speakers I was all in, until the spec, " made in china". As a man who has always worked for his income, anyplace with the real possibility of slave labor somewhere in the production chain is not my idea of a good product. I hope the technology spreads thoughout the industry, perhaps at $3000 a pop I might get something to support manufacturing in my economy., or someplace without documented labor abuse. I am well aware of the realities of trade in today's world, The computer I am using for this replay was made in china. But when there is a reasonable alternative, I'll seek those products.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks Richard, I regularly review US and European made audio. Catch is it tends to be a lot more expensive.

[@stephencosta6814]

Can you stop with that? Made in China of BS already I don’t care if it’s freaking made on Mars the only things that matter is if it sounds good or not and obviously this sounds fantastic

[@77dharmabum]

The euphoria of even Eigentakt eventually dissapears, Yes the analogy of "no meat on the bones" is fitting, there is some musicality that is lost with this technology. Personally i am not putting my music under the microscope and i don't need a "tool", i need emotion and the euphoria remains for all eternity with something like a coda continuum no.8 or a First watt j2 with the right speaker.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I know what you mean, but everybody’s looking to play the audio game in different ways. This is one of them!

[@RumblestripDotNet]

Needs a good tube pre amp?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I'm working on that.

[@AT-wl9yq]

Get the right preamp. If it happens to be tube, then that's what you should get.

[@stephencosta6814]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac please work faster we need to know lol

[@barbaradee5191]

I have a NAD integrated amp and a NAD CD player I like them both.,

[@stephencosta6814]

The M 23 is on a whole different level

[@IHearEverythingDude]

Finally very good measuring stuff gets attention. Exactly how good measuring stuff sound like, extremly clean you can clearly hear whats inside the recording nothing is added. Meat on the bones is just noise and other kind of distortions that other stuff brings. If somebody likes that its okay I guess.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

We each choose our own way. You know it’s funny, when photography came in people still bought painted portraits!

[@IHearEverythingDude]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac ye as I said, choose your poison.

[@paulstubbs7678]

If its labelled NAD, then it should be NAD, not a NAD box with others (Purify Eigentakt) inside. Have NAD lost the art, and are now outsourcing the whole reason for their existence, the audio electronics!

[@stephencosta6814]

Well, if they are sourcing better parts than they can make who cares as long as the product is excellent

[@stimpy1226]

Does it have maximum clarity and good harmonic structure at the same time? This is a question that I ask about every audio system. I find that when the sound is too clean, the harmonic structure of any instrument does not sound quite right.

[@editorjuno]

Mazel tov, Steve! You've discovered an actual high fidelity -- meaning "great faithfulness" to the intentions of the folks behind the recording -- component rather than something merely "high end" or, for that matter, high-priced and pleasantly euphonic to your particular, heavily conditioned -- you can take the boy out of Sound by Singer, but it's much more difficult to take the Sound by Singer out of the boy -- preferences. That said, feature set and cosmetics aside, I'm willing to bet this thing performs 95 to 99 percent identically to the dozens of other -- and very likely far cheaper -- power amps using the same Purifi modules. The best thing a Purifi OEM can do is provide an input buffer that doesn't pollute the built-in near-perfection of Bruno's work -- so congrats to NAD for apparently accomplishng that and to you for noticing truly high fidelity!

[@tg6373]

I'm definitely digging my Rogue Audio Dragon class D-ish amp. Power for days...