NAD M23 Stereo Amplifier: Best Amp Ever Bench Tested?!?


 

kuribo

@mirolab 

The M23 used the latest Purifi amp modules vs the older Hypex ncore modules in the M22.

Yet both modules measure the same. hmmm. Based my experience you will be in the same boat with the 23. 

I think NAD has implementation issues, no matter the module. 

I think I would look at the Benchmark amplifier. 

I tried the M22 a few years ago... gave it about 2 weeks burn in, and still could not stay in the room with it. Worst sounding amp I’ve heard in a long time! (and I grew up on NAD) I wonder if the new M23 is much different?

@mirolab 


And yet, Stereophile said this about the M22:

 

 

Conclusions
Overall, NAD's Masters Series M22 power amplifier acquitted itself with distinction. Despite its small size, it has all the wallop necessary for staggering volume levels, and, if necessary, can be bridged to meet even more outsize demands. At $3000, the M22 is more than fair value in view of its compact size, excellent build quality, a tolerance for driving difficult loads, and, most of all, its transparent sound. It is an outstanding amplifier in every way, and I could happily live with it.
 

Specs and measurements can be interesting but ultimately unimportant.  I listen to how a component sounds. How does it shine light on a performance.  Consider visual perception.  You have day light, incandescent, flourescent. Dappled light, shading etc. I listen to music because it's beautiful. It can come from a highly b resolving, or mid fi system. As long as it's interesting and shines light on the performance.  Measurements are ultimately meaningless except as an exercise in engineering. But I'm not an engineer. I listen for the love of artistic creation and expression.