NAD Introduces the Masters M66 BluOS Streaming DAC-Preamplifier, and It's LOADED!

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(May 12, 2023) The High End Munich show, taking place at the end of next week, is flushing out quite a bit of new gear. Yesterday, we covered NAD's new retro-inspired C 3050 stereo amp, and today we're highlighting the company's new streaming DAC-preamp. Priced at $5,499, the Masters M66 BluOS Streaming DAC-Preamplifier is far from budget gear, but it's loaded to the max with just about every feature imaginable, which should give audiophiles quite a bit to dream about.

Let's start with the unit's exterior, where we find a modern design punctuated by striking aluminum casework. Every aspect, from the topside's artful grille to dynamic use of surface variations, delivers a visual feast for the eyes. The front panel is dominated by a gorgeous 7" color touchscreen that's flanked by NAD's badge on the left and a large volume knob on the right.

Around the rear, connectivity options hint at the M66's capabilities. Here, you'll find four – yes, four – balanced and four unbalanced Sub Outs, XLR and RCA stereo pre-outs, and standard RS232, IR, and 12V trigger connections. The M66 also offers owners a range of inputs, including stereo balanced/unbalanced inputs, a single AES/EBU input, dual optical and coax connections, MC and MM phono inputs, Ethernet, USB, and for those of you looking to use the streamer as part of a TV media system, you'll even find an HDMI eARC port.

Performance-wise, the M66 provides access to music in resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz. Like all BluOS-enabled components, it has full MQA decoding and rendering capabilities, and the BluOS Controller app (Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows) has integrated support for more than 20 streaming services, including several that offer lossless and high-resolution music. BluOS also offers access to thousands of internet radio stations, can play music stored on local or network drives, and allows owners to share music over a home network with up to 63 other BluOS-enabled components from NAD and other hardware partners.

The digital section of the M66 employs ESS Technology’s flagship ES9038PRO Sabre DAC, an audiophile-grade chip marketed to offer ultra-low noise and distortion, wide dynamic range, and exacting time-domain performance. Analog to digital conversion is handled by ESS Technology’s flagship ES9822PRO ADC – tho, owners wanting to avoid ones and zeros can shift the M66 into an Analog Direct mode, which keeps tunes channeled through a dedicated analog signal pathway that's powered by a dedicated power supply. That means analog signals are shielded from digital noise... owners can even disable the M66's Wi-Fi and Bluetooth circuits to minimize radio frequency interference.

For volume adjustment, the M66 employs an ultra-precise resistor-ladder control circuit. Compared to traditional analog circuits, the M66’s digital volume control reduces thermal and related distortions for higher dynamic range and balanced output across all volume levels. That kind of control pairs well with NAD’s innovative Dynamic Digital Headroom (DDH) circuitry – a first in its range of products. When enabled via the BluOS app, DDH eliminates digital inter-sample peak clipping distortion, which can occur during digital-to-analog conversion of sudden high-frequency transients. NAD says the benefits are especially obvious with percussion instruments: cymbals are less splashy and more realistic; rim shots are less strident and more impactful.

Input and output-wise, the M66 leaves nothing for wanting, allowing for connection to nearly any source, including vinyl and HDTVs. Beyond the subwoofer and amp outputs discussed earlier, it also offers a dedicated headphone amp with low output impedance and maximum output voltage. That means the M66 can drive demanding high-impedance studio monitor headphones. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, with support for the AAC, LDAC, and aptX HD codecs.

If all of that wasn't enough, the M66 carries Dirac Live room correction WITH Dirac Live Bass Control and two MDC2 expansion slots for future tech add-ons.

Preliminary Features & Details
  • Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking
  • BluOS network streamer provides access to over 20 streaming services, including several that deliver lossless and high-resolution audio
  • Flagship ESS Sabre DAC and ADC chips
  • Innovative Dynamic Digital Headroom (DDH) circuit eliminates digital intersample peak clipping distortion
  • Full MQA hardware decoding and rendering
  • Optional Analog Bypass Mode
  • Separate signal paths for digital and analog sources; separate power supplies for digital and analog sections
  • Support for Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
  • Seamless integration with smart home control systems such as Crestron, Control4, ELAN, RTI, URC, and others
  • Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri voice control
  • Dirac Live Room Correction
  • Four balanced and four unbalanced subwoofer outputs
  • Dirac Live Bass Control enables a seamless blend between the subwoofer(s) and main speakers, and smooth bass response throughout the listening area
  • Ultra-quiet MM/MC phono stage with precise RIAA equalization, high overload margins, and infrasonic filter
  • HDMI port with eARC support
  • Two optical and two coaxial S/PDIF inputs, one AES/EBU balanced digital input, two pairs of RCA line-level analog inputs, one pair of XLR balanced inputs
  • Dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and very high output voltage capability
  • Ultra-precise resistor-ladder digital volume control
  • 7″ front-panel touchscreen
  • Elegant aluminum casework
  • Two MDC2 expansion slots for adding future capabilities
  • IR remote

If you're attending the High End Munich show, you can hear the Masters M66 BluOS Streaming DAC-Preamplifier in Room D108 in Atrium 3. Global retail availability is expected to begin this fall.

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Sonnie

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No Roon? C'mon NAD. Otherwise, nice. Could be competition for the miniDSP SHD since it has sub-preouts.
 

Sonnie

Senior Admin
Staff member
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Messages
5,055
Location
Alabama
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP Elite 24 MK3 Processor
Main Amp
McIntosh MC1.25KW Monoblock Amps
Additional Amp
StormAudio PA 16 MK3
Computer Audio
Intel NUC w/ Roon ROCK
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic UB9000 4K UHD Player (for media discs)
Front Speakers
RTJ 410
Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Focus C-18
Front Wide Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT
Surround Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Surround Back Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Front Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Rear Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Subwoofers
JTR Captivator 2400 x6
Other Speakers or Equipment
VTI Amp Stands for the Monoblocks
Video Display Device
Sony 98X90L
Remote Control
Universal MX-890
Streaming Equipment
FireCube for movies and Lenova Carbon X1 for Roon
Streaming Subscriptions
Lifetime Roon Subscription
Tidal
qobuz
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Satellite System
Dish Joey 4K
Other Equipment
Zero Surge 8R15W-1 | Salamander Synergy Equipment Stand
I think it is Roon Ready, so that's a good thing. Question is... can it be an improvement worth five times the price of the SHD? I have a hard time believing it will be. It's is a LOT prettier though.
 
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