NAD Electronics, has just released an all-new Masters Series of components, made up of four reference models.  The M12 Direct Digital Preamplifier DAC and M22 Hybrid Digital Power Amplifier can be used independently or combined to create a completely new approach to high performance audio.  Modular Design Construction (MDC) places all inputs and associated hardware on user replaceable modules that can be easily changed and upgraded over time. 

The M17 Surround Sound AV Preamp Processor and M27 Seven Channel Power Amplifier are designed to provide the highest level of performance in today’s advance home theatre or multi-channel music setups.  MDC will ensure that the M17 will remain compatitble with the latest surround sound formats for years to come.  The M27 Power Amplifier featuring nCore technology sets new standards for audio performance, yet is compact and energy efficient.

The Masters Series has redefined high-end audio by introducing the world’s first closed loop digital amplifier with performance exceeding analog equivalents.  Now with the addition of BluOS, a 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.

The M12 preamplifier is a high resolution digital audio hub that combines preamplifier functionality with a cutting edge DAC.  The M12 incorporates a 24/192 Asynchronous USB DAC and NAD’s DirectDigitalTM processing, which guarantees real-time, 24-bit accuracy from the very first to the very last bit. 

The M12 also features MDC, providing an upgrade path as well as an opportunity to remain compatitble with the latest audio technological advances.  Newly added is a BluOS module that 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.

The M22 is an amplifier with 2 x 250 watts on tap.  It uses the latest nCoreÔ 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. 

The M17 is a no-compromise multi-channel preamp design that provides the highest level of performance in multi-channel / surround applications.  Dolby TrueHD, DTS Master Audio and NAD’s innovative EARS (stereo-to-surround) circuits are included.  The M17 offers fully balanced audio outputs with separate linear supply for all seven channels and has a completely flexible setup with customizable presets.  The M17 also features MDC to keep it from premature obsolescence and includes six HDMI Inputs and dual HDMI Outputs with CEC for the primary monitor. Included is a free upgrade to our next generation VM300 MDC Video Module when it becomes available early next year and including a mature implementation of HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2.

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. 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.

All NAD Masters Series models are targeted for availability in September 2014 at the following MSRPs: M12 Direct Digital Preamplifier DAC ($3499); M22 Hybrid Digital Power Amplifier ($2999 U.S.); M17 Surround Sound AV Preamp Processor ($5499 U.S.) and; M27 Seven Channel Power Amplifier ($3999 U.S.).  For more information, please see: www.nadelectronics.com.

 

About the Author: George de Sa

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