NAD Masters M33 -- first review

[midi]

TIDAL Connect is working with the M33 on the first day. Another difference to Devialet...

[Stino]

I've listened to the M33 at my dealer. What can I say? It for sure is a good amp and probably a good competitor for the Dev 220.

Myself, I play with a 440 and that clearly is better, as to be expected. So it is not a giant killer, as nothing is honestly speaking...

[Delija]

Have you compared them directly in the same system?

[midi]

I've listened to the M33 at my dealer. What can I say? It for sure is a good amp and probably a good competitor for the Dev 220.

Myself, I play with a 440 and that clearly is better, as to be expected. So it is not a giant killer, as nothing is honestly speaking...

Remarkable, if you think you can hear such clear gradations between such amplifiers in this price and class range. Without a 1:1 comparison I hardly think this is possible. But for the triple price you can already hear differences...

But with DIRAC the difference is audible for everyone. Did you listen with or without Dirac?

[Womaz]

This is an amp I am currently considering to replace my D200.
The reviews seem very good and NAD have a long track record.
I am soon moving home and my living room will be smaller so the DIRAC might come in useful too.

[Randy Christie]

While I am not looking to replace my Dev 220 Pro. I have been following this M33 post with great interest, as I  once owned a NAD amp that I was very happy with. 

I forwarded this link to a local audio shop owner I know (a NAD distributor) wondering if they have had a chance to listen to a M33 yet, or compare to a devialet. 

The comment I got back was NO:  "NAD software is extremely buggy".... that next pastureture is not alway greener.  
 
I have concerns with Devialet's way of doing business, but seem to have gotten off light with fewer issues than most. It may be to early to tell, but the latest software up dates seems to offer some improvements (stability). Think I will wait a while before playing with weak offering.


When my Devialet amp is working well (not sputtering) I am very happy with it, reminding myself it takes less time to correct the issue than I once spent put a new vinyl album on that turntable is seldom use anymore.

Randy

[Delija]

NAD reliability is more than poor. Both hardware and software.
One of the first devices that came to my country is faulty - right channel is dead.

[Stino]

I've listened to the M33 at my dealer. What can I say? It for sure is a good amp and probably a good competitor for the Dev 220.

Myself, I play with a 440 and that clearly is better, as to be expected. So it is not a giant killer, as nothing is honestly speaking...

Remarkable, if you think you can hear such clear gradations between such amplifiers in this price and class range. Without a 1:1 comparison I hardly think this is possible. But for the triple price you can already hear differences...

But with DIRAC the difference is audible for everyone. Did you listen with or without Dirac?

Hello, I did not do a direct comparison with the D220. The NAD had Dirac on (also tested it off and makes a difference indeed, even in a room with quite some treatment). The NAD sounded good - compared it to a Luxman top integrated - and for me up to the level of a D220 that I have had for quite some years and know very well, also in the room I was listening.

Compared to a D440:  no need to do a direct comparison. The Dev is another league, which is also to be expected looking at the price difference. I'm most curious about the pre-power combo that NAD will bring to the market. Maybe that can be a good competitor for the D440 which I currently enjoy a lot!

[midi]

While I am not looking to replace my Dev 220 Pro. I have been following this M33 post with great interest, as I  once owned a NAD amp that I was very happy with. 

The comment I got back was NO:  "NAD software is extremely buggy".... that next pastureture is not alway greener.  
 

Randy

Sorry, but this message is not to be taken seriously. The statement is simply wrong or based on personal inadequacies.

I am using streaming devices/software for many years SONOS, AudioPRO, ROON, Audirvana, Devialet, BluOS and more.

I am using BluOS for about 2 years now. This software isn't buggy, it's very stable und comfortable. The only software which is nearly stable is the SONOS OS.

I would like to know from the dealer where exactly he noticed bugs.

[Delija]

Read some C658 and T758 topics on various forums. There are a zillion problems.

I hope M33 will be better, but as the picture above shows - it doesn't look very promising.