NAD takes it to Naim

The Masters M66 streaming DAC/preamp is, in the Canadian brand’s words, a “no-compromise component” that combines the top-of-the-line DAC chip by ESS Technology with the BluOS multi-room streaming platform and Dirac room correction processing — all in one versatile box. The flagship model is the natural partner for the company’s M23 power amplifier. And, priced at $8,999, it isn't miles away from the Naim NSC 222 ($13,500) streaming preamplifier that was announced earlier this year.

For the uninitiated, BluOS and the BluOS Controller companion app make for one of the most comprehensive streaming platforms on the market, offering access to streaming services (hi-res and MQA support included), internet radio, and local and network-attached music (up to 24-bit/192kHz).

Dirac Live Room Correction allows M66 owners to calibrate performance according to their room size and characteristics, via the microphone and (free) Dirac Live app. And that there's more Dirac software onboard too. Bass reproduction has seemingly been a focal point of this particular design, with the M66 offering four balanced XLR and four unbalanced RCA subwoofer outputs (supposedly a first for a two-channel preamp) in addition to Dirac Live Bass Control, which allows for the independent calibration of multiple connected subwoofers.

That subwoofer configuration isn’t the M66’s only ‘first’: NAD’s selectable Dynamic Digital Headroom (DDH) circuitry makes its debut here, designed to eliminate the digital inter-sample peak clipping distortion inherently caused in the digital-to-analogue conversion of high frequencies. NAD says the benefits of this tech are particularly obvious in the reproduction of percussion instruments: ‘cymbals are less splashy and more realistic; rim shots are less strident and more impactful.’

As well as integrating network streaming, it won’t surprise you to read that the Masters M66 also boasts Bluetooth (aptX HD, LDAC, AAC) and physical connections that span coaxial, optical, AES/EBU, XLR, RCA, HDMI eARC and MM/MC phono. Outputs also cover both RCA and XLR, and include a headphone jack that has been engineered to drive even high-impedance studio headphones.

Typically for high-end NAD kit, the M66 makes room for two expansion slots for an element of futureproofing, too, allowing owners to purchase and connect additional features that may appear down the line.

For more information, contact Convoy International on (02) 9774 9900 or visit www.convoy.com.au