State-of-the-art device with cutting-edge technology such as BluOS music streaming, Dirac Live room correction, Dirac Live Bass Control, and four independent subwoofer outputs – a first for a stereo preamp.
NAD Electronics, the award-winning manufacturer of high-performance AV electronics, presents the BluOS Streaming DAC with Masters M66 Preamplifier at the Munich High-End Show 2023 in Germany. The M66 is a no-compromise device that represents a new category as an electronic piece.
In addition to an audiophile-grade DAC and network audio player based on the acclaimed BluOS multi-room platform, the NAD M66 features a wide range of inputs, including MM/MC phono and HDMI eARC. It also features Dirac Live room correction, and Dirac Live Bass Control, allowing it to deliver a more accurate response to room than any other stereo electronics.
Its manufacturing is made to stand out. With its aluminum casing, gorgeous 7” touchscreen, and super-smooth volume control, the M66 will inspire users with pride in a device that will stay with them for decades. On an aesthetic, sonic and technological level, it is a perfect complement to the award-winning NAD M23 stage. But of course the M66 can be paired with any high output amplification.
The first public demonstration of NAD Masters M66 will take place at the Munich High End Show, in Room D108, Atrium 3. When it begins to be marketed it will also be available in Spain through its official distributor, Sound&Pixel Planet. Your PVP will be 5999 euros.
a world of music
Thanks to network streaming based on the popular BluOS multi-room platform, the M66 offers access to virtually all the music ever recorded, in up to 24bit/192kHz resolution. Like all BluOS-enabled devices, the M66 has full support for decoding and playing MQA. The intuitive BluOS control app, available for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows, supports more than 20 streaming services, including several that feature hi-res and lossless music. BluOS users can also access thousands of online radio stations and play music stored on hard drives connected to the network.
share the music
With the M66 users can play music in just one room, or share it with up to 63 other BluOS players spread throughout the house. The M66 can also be integrated into smart home automation systems such as Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, and URC. In addition, you can use the voice controls in English version of assistants as popular as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri.
Adjusted to the room
Thanks to Dirac Live Room Correction, the M66 solves the weakest link in any sound system: the room itself in which it is installed. Connect the included microphone for calibration to the USB port and launch the Dirac Live app on a smart device or computer. After playing the control tones through the user’s speakers, Dirac will analyze the results and update the M66’s filters that compensate for typical acoustic problems such as standing waves and reflected sound.
The results are dramatic: users will enjoy firmer bass, improved timbre accuracy, vastly improved clarity, and a sharper picture.
It’s all about that bass
For the first time in stereo electronics, the M66 features four balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) subwoofer outputs, featuring full version Dirac Live Bass Control. In this way, multiple subwoofers can be calibrated independently.
Dirac Live Bass Control optimizes bass output in both frequency and time, making it blend seamlessly with the speakers. Users enjoy smooth, consistent low-frequency reproduction throughout the room, not just in the sweet spot.
A top reproduction
The digital portion of the M66 features the top-of-the-line ESS Technology ES9038PRO Saber DAC, an audiophile-grade design acclaimed for its ultra-low noise and distortion, exceptionally wide dynamic range, and timeless reproduction.
To adjust the volume, NAD M66 features an ultra-precise resistor-ladder control circuit. Compared to conventional analog circuitry, the M66’s digital control reduces thermal and related distortions, extends dynamic range, and enables more precise left-right matching across the entire frequency range.
Additionally, M66 is the first device to feature the innovative NAD circuitry. Dynamic Digital Headroom (DDH). Once integrated with the BluOS control app, DDH eliminates digital intersample peak clipping distortion that can occur during digital-to-analog conversion of sudden high frequencies. In particular, this improvement is evident in the percussion instruments: the timpani are less canned and more realistic while the rim shots leave behind the stridency to become impactful.
pure analog
To enable features like Dirac Live Room Correction and Dirac Live Bass Control on all sources, analog signals are converted to digital using the top-of-the-line ESS Technology ES9822PRO ADC. However, the M66 also features a Pure Analog mode that bypasses all digital processing. The NAD M66 features independent signal paths for the digital and analog sources, as well as different power supplies for the digital and analog sections, allowing the signals to not interfere with each other in any way when bypassed.
Users can even disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth circuitry at will to minimize radio frequency interference.
connect to everything
With its comprehensive catalog of analog and digital inputs, the M66 can connect to virtually any source. For vinyl enthusiasts, it’s equipped with an ultra-low noise MM/MC phono input with RIAA equalization, high overload margins, and innovative circuitry that eliminates infrasonic noise without compromising bass response. For watching movies or TV, the M66 features an HDMI eARC input for connecting to HDTVs. It also features two coaxial and two optical S/PDIF inputs, one balanced AES/EBU digital input, two sets of RCA analog inputs, and one pair of balanced XLRs.
output options
The M66 features balanced XLR and RCA single-ended outputs for connecting to power amplifiers, as well as four XLR and four RCA outputs for subwoofers. Its dedicated headphone amplifier features very low input impedance and high maximum output voltage, allowing the M66 to drive very demanding high-impedance studio headphones. The M66 also has Bluetooth connectivity with support for AAC, LDAC, and aptX HD codecs.
A timeless masterpiece
On the rear panel of the NAD M66 are two expansion ports for MDC2 modules, the latest version of NAD Modular Design Construction technology to quash obsolescence. In the future, these ports will allow M66 users to add new features simply by adding an MDC2 module to their device.
Everything about the NAD Masters M66 inspires pride in ownership: its sleek aluminum casing, attractive front touch panel, and ultra-precise volume control. With features like BluOS streaming, Dirac Live Room Correction, and Dirac Live Bass Control, the Masters M66 is a true sonic masterpiece.
“We believe the M66 is the pinnacle of what is technologically achievable today,” explains Cas Oostvogel, Product Manager at NAD Electronics. “And thanks to NAD’s MDC2 obsolescence-proof technology, the M66 will stay ahead even as technology advances.”
