NAD Electronics has unveiled an all-new Masters Series comprised of four reference models that the company says continues its bold direction forward in digital music reproduction. The M12 Direct Digital Preamplifier DAC ($3499 MSRP) and M22 Hybrid Digital Power Amplifier ($2999), both outstanding products in their own right, combine to create a completely new approach to high performance audio. Modular Design Construction places all inputs and associated hardware on user replaceable modules that can be easily changed and upgraded over time. NAD’s self-proclaimed “reference quality system” connects to all high quality formats, past and present, and can even evolve to future yet to be developed formats and features. This is totally unique and provides a tangible customer benefit.
Videophiles are not forgotten as the M17 Surround Sound AV Preamp Processor ($5499) and M27 Seven Channel Power Amplifier ($3999) bring a new level of dramatic impact and performance to advanced Home Theatres. MDC assures compatibility to UHD video sources and next generation of surround sound formats as they evolve. The M27 Power Amplifier featuring nCore™ technology sets new standards for audio performance, yet is compact and energy efficient.
For years, NAD has been widely recognized as a pioneer in cutting-edge digital audio reproduction. For example, their Masters Series has redefined high-end audio by introducing the world’s first closed loop digital amplifier with performance exceeding analog equivalents and leading to an entirely new system architecture. With the inclusion of BluOS™, the powerful wireless multi-room Bluesound™ music management software, this innovative collection of products downloads, stores and streams music without adding or subtracting anything from the digital music source, including 24/192 HD music downloads.
The new Masters Series models are also completely compatible and synergistic with current Masters BluOS™ models, the M50 Digital Music Player and M52 Digital Music Vault, as well as the complete family of Bluesound™ compact zone players, allowing the Masters system to be the heart of a whole house High Res Audio system.
M12 Direct Digital Preamplifier DAC
Where it all starts for the Masters system is the M12, an ultra-high resolution digital audio hub that offers a full roster of audiophile-grade features that leverage some of the most advanced digital audio technology in the industry. A unique combination of Preamplifier functionality combined with a cutting edge DAC, the M12’s 24/192 Asynchronous USB offers modern connectivity options from any source imaginable. NAD’s DirectDigitalTM processing guarantees real-time, 24-bit accuracy from the very first to the very last bit. The M12 interfaces with all digital or analog musical sources and renders them perfectly to power amplifiers and active loudspeakers.
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| The NAD M12 Direct Digital Preamp DAC and M22 Hybrid Digital Power Amplifier |
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| Rear of the M22 Amplifier |
The M12 also features MDC (Modular Design Construction), which eliminates obsolescence by providing an upgrade path via plug-in modules to add future features and functionality. Newly developed is a BluOSTM module allows streaming of a variety of music services, HD streaming from a NAS device, and TuneIn radio; it also provides the user with full control of their music library. Integrated WiFi, Ethernet and aptX Bluetooth connectivity are also offered with the DD BluOS Module.
M22 Hybrid Digital Power Amplifier
The M22 is a 2 X 250 watt power plant using the latest nCore™ amplifier technology licensed from Hypex to provide a nearly ideal amplifier with distortion below measurement, ultra-high damping factor, and unconditional stability with any speaker. Wide open-loop bandwidth, extremely low-phase shift, almost non-existent noise, harmonic and intermodulation distortion independent of load (load invariant), high current capability, low output impedance (high damping factor) uniformly at all audible frequencies. Legendary for more than four decades for their amplifier technology and performance, the M22 is like all NAD amplifiers in that it is conservatively rated and punches well above its weight.
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| NAD’s M17 Surround AV Preamp Front and Rear Views. |
M17 Surround Sound AV Preamplifier
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| NAD’s M27 Seven Channel Power Amp |
M27 Seven Channel Power Amplifier
Properly designing a high-performance, multi-channel amplifier that sounds great under all conditions is no small task. The M27 delivers seven channels times 180 watts with all channels driven and dynamic power in excess of 300 watts. The M27 can accept both balanced and single-ended inputs, and features high-quality binding posts for speaker connection. Compact and energy-efficient, the M27 also features nCore™ technology, fully balanced audio and NAD’s famous PowerDrive circuit that delivers very high dynamic power and low impedance drive to accurately control loudspeakers, resulting in remarkably musical and lifelike sound.
“We have been anticipating the changeover from physical media to music streamed from the cloud or stored on solid memory for several years now and have been stealthily perfecting a completely new technology platform that we believe is a game changer,” explained Greg Stidsen, NAD’s Director of Technology and Product Planning.”These new products have been carefully crafted to embrace the convenience of streaming music and combine it with a level of musical performance never before possible.
“These are ‘software defined’ products that have the ability to change and adapt to new formats and services. Over the next few years, these innovative platforms will trickle down throughout the NAD brand and also crossover into NAD’s sister brand, PSB Speakers as well as our newest brand, Bluesound™.”further commented Stidsen.
All NAD Masters Series models are targeted for availability at appointed dealers September 1st, 2014.
Key Features of NAD’s Masters Series:
- Four new Masters models in all featuring advanced technology and high resolution
- Fully compatible with current Masters models M50 and M52
- New industrial design for a fresh new look with simplicity and easy of use
- nCoreTM Hybrid Digital Technology ideal for faithful high-res playback
- MDC (Modular Design Construction) helps prevent obsolescence while protecting the customer’s investment
Availability
- All NAD Masters Series models are targeted for availability September 1, 2014.
- NAD M12 Direct Digital Preamplifier DAC ($3499)
- NAD M17 Surround Sound AV Preamp Processor ($5499)
- NAD M22 Hybrid Digital Power Amplifier ($2999)
- NAD M27 Seven Channel Power Amplifier ($3999)
