Having fun with the NAD M33 …

joeinid

joeinid

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I was tired of waiting, so I have my brother’s M33 integrated until my gear shows up.

Holy cow! This thing does it all and more. It’s not perfect but I love having full control over it using BluOS. It’s using the new purifi class D modules and is still class D, but it sounds great.

I have all my services programmed in but still need to add some of my favorite streaming links via the custom input settings.

These streamers/integrateds have come so far. It doesn’t weigh a ton and has so many functions.

I don’t know yet if it could be an only piece/system but I think it’s close.

One of the really cool features is having Radio Paradise with MQA streaming. I know MQA is very polarizing around here but having it available is pretty awesome to me. I’m not always actively listening and love music playing almost all the time.

The M33 makes it a pleasure.


M33 - NAD Electronics
 
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Joe - I'm glad you've managed to get your hands on a NAD M33 at last and that you are enjoying it. Lots to learn about it and sometimes useful features are not mentioned or explained well in the rather feeble (online only) User Guide. It took me a while to find out that the unit can be woken up from standby using the app.

Have you run Dirac Live yet? I'm not convinced that this actually improves the fidelity of the sound although the response curve can be flattened for improved accuracy. My own findings with Dirac (and the other DSPs that I've tried where it's built-in to a 2-channel amp) is that the additional signal processing takes away a little of the excitement and lifelikeness of the music (or ME Factor as Jim Smith describes it) from the music, despite the fact that the supplied version doesn't "correct" the higher frequencies. I think the better your own speakers and the better you've set them up, the less need there is for DSP. I prefer the filter off.

Peter
 
Hi Peter,

I have not played with any of the dsp or Dirac settings. I did find some treble and bass settings which I left off. I’m impressed with all the features already and am impressed by the sound of it. It’s definitely some of the best Class D, but it’s still class D. It has definitely come a long way.

I got it going yesterday around noon and it definitely sounds better since then. I’m enjoying it a lot. I’m not sure how crazy with setup I’ll get but it’s nice to know what it can do.

I also have access to an NAD 658 which is the streaming part minus the amp section. That with a nice AB or A amp could be killer.
 
I am going to try one of the separate amplifiers. Everything I have read about the Purifi has me intrigued. I think it might be a good match for my system!
 
Please let us know what you think. Long break in and always on is important, IMO. They are really good.
 
Randy Myers said:
I am going to try one of the separate amplifiers. Everything I have read about the Purifi has me intrigued. I think it might be a good match for my system!
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Do you have a particular amp in mind? There are a number of brands that simply put a case around the basic Purifi module, together with source selection and output connectors. The big-name brand that has worked with Purifi to optimise their design and builds the module under licence themselves is NAD. Their C298 power amp is arguably the best route to follow as it is a well respected brand and re-selling price if you don't like it is likely to be greater than the other brands. Sound quality will certainly be top-notch too. I've not looked for used C298s but they may come up on sites such as HiFiShark, but take care as this site simply gathers together every piece of used equipment advertised anywhere in the world and this includes some scammers. It's still probably the best place to start your search and you can ask to be alerted if anything matching what you want turns up. T&A, the big German maker has very recently announced that their new 200 Series will include a Purifi-based power amp, but I suspect the price will be well up from NAD's. Good luck and I'd be very interested in your assessment. Peter
 
I bought one for the bedroom to use with a pair of vintage KEF 104/2 speakers. Sounds fantastic, the Swiss Army knife of integrated amps.
 
a.wayne said:
What speakers were you using that M33 on joe ..?
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Avantgarde Duo, Vienna Acoustics Haydn and Fleetwood Deville. The Devilles sound especially great with the M33.
 
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Hear Here said:
Do you have a particular amp in mind? There are a number of brands that simply put a case around the basic Purifi module, together with source selection and output connectors. The big-name brand that has worked with Purifi to optimise their design and builds the module under licence themselves is NAD. Their C298 power amp is arguably the best route to follow as it is a well respected brand and re-selling price if you don't like it is likely to be greater than the other brands. Sound quality will certainly be top-notch too. I've not looked for used C298s but they may come up on sites such as HiFiShark, but take care as this site simply gathers together every piece of used equipment advertised anywhere in the world and this includes some scammers. It's still probably the best place to start your search and you can ask to be alerted if anything matching what you want turns up. T&A, the big German maker has very recently announced that their new 200 Series will include a Purifi-based power amp, but I suspect the price will be well up from NAD's. Good luck and I'd be very interested in your assessment. Peter
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NAD C298... figured this was understood because it is the amplifier used in the M33 :)... big problem is availability now...
 
The dealer I am getting it from said they have been back ordered since July. They have a shipment with ETA of end of September. With my order every one that they have coming are now spoken for.
 
It is kind of funny that we are still talking about a company gaining a good reputation... a company that will celebrate their 50th anniversary next year. But I agree, it seems like their reputation has been going up lately :)...

I remember back in the day they were always known for good solid value gear. I think the same could be said today but I think they may have moved to a higher level of gear!.
 
My first entry into hifi years back was with a NAD 3020 integrated. The M33 is a little better but not by much.

Randy Myers said:
It is kind of funny that we are still talking about a company gaining a good reputation... a company that will celebrate their 50th anniversary next year. But I agree, it seems like their reputation has been going up lately :)...

I remember back in the day they were always known for good solid value gear. I think the same could be said today but I think they may have moved to a higher level of gear!.
Click to expand...
 
Hey Randy did you get the C298? See it in your signature.


Randy Myers said:
The dealer I am getting it from said they have been back ordered since July. They have a shipment with ETA of end of September. With my order every one that they have coming are now spoken for.
Click to expand...
 
Randy Myers said:
It is kind of funny that we are still talking about a company gaining a good reputation... a company that will celebrate their 50th anniversary next year. But I agree, it seems like their reputation has been going up lately :)...

I remember back in the day they were always known for good solid value gear. I think the same could be said today but I think they may have moved to a higher level of gear!.
Click to expand...

I do like a company that has longevity.
 
Mr Peabody said:
NAD has certainly been consistent over the years. in providing AFFORDABLE COMPONENTS AT GOOD VALUE.
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I agree, but in recent years NAD has wanted to move into true hi-fi by introducing their Master Series with huge success. Most of their M series have been sprinkled with industry awards, with probably the M33 struggling most under the weight of these gongs. I was lucky in ordering early and securing a good dealer discount on my M33, but there were a few annoying teething troubles with early examples, all now sorted out by firmware updates. Thanks NAD for responding so promptly to these problems.

The C Series that includes the Purifi-based C298 are still very good, although there are obvious areas of cost savings in things like casework, sockets, etc. Peter
 
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