Thread: Having fun with the NAD M33 …

I was tired of waiting, so I have my brother’s M33 integrated until my gear shows up.

Holy cow! This thing does it all and more. It’s not perfect but I love having full control over it using BluOS. It’s using the new purifi class D modules and is still class D, but it sounds great.

I have all my services programmed in but still need to add some of my favorite streaming links via the custom input settings.

These streamers/integrateds have come so far. It doesn’t weigh a ton and has so many functions.

I don’t know yet if it could be an only piece/system but I think it’s close.

One of the really cool features is having Radio Paradise with MQA streaming. I know MQA is very polarizing around here but having it available is pretty awesome to me. I’m not always actively listening and love music playing almost all the time.

The M33 makes it a pleasure.


M33 - NAD Electronics

Joe - I'm glad you've managed to get your hands on a NAD M33 at last and that you are enjoying it. Lots to learn about it and sometimes useful features are not mentioned or explained well in the rather feeble (online only) User Guide. It took me a while to find out that the unit can be woken up from standby using the app.

Have you run Dirac Live yet? I'm not convinced that this actually improves the fidelity of the sound although the response curve can be flattened for improved accuracy. My own findings with Dirac (and the other DSPs that I've tried where it's built-in to a 2-channel amp) is that the additional signal processing takes away a little of the excitement and lifelikeness of the music (or ME Factor as Jim Smith describes it) from the music, despite the fact that the supplied version doesn't "correct" the higher frequencies. I think the better your own speakers and the better you've set them up, the less need there is for DSP. I prefer the filter off.

Peter

Hi Peter,

I have not played with any of the dsp or Dirac settings. I did find some treble and bass settings which I left off. I’m impressed with all the features already and am impressed by the sound of it. It’s definitely some of the best Class D, but it’s still class D. It has definitely come a long way.

I got it going yesterday around noon and it definitely sounds better since then. I’m enjoying it a lot. I’m not sure how crazy with setup I’ll get but it’s nice to know what it can do.

I also have access to an NAD 658 which is the streaming part minus the amp section. That with a nice AB or A amp could be killer.

I am going to try one of the separate amplifiers. Everything I have read about the Purifi has me intrigued. I think it might be a good match for my system!

Please let us know what you think. Long break in and always on is important, IMO. They are really good.

What speakers were you using that M33 on joe ..?

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I am going to try one of the separate amplifiers. Everything I have read about the Purifi has me intrigued. I think it might be a good match for my system!

Do you have a particular amp in mind? There are a number of brands that simply put a case around the basic Purifi module, together with source selection and output connectors. The big-name brand that has worked with Purifi to optimise their design and builds the module under licence themselves is NAD. Their C298 power amp is arguably the best route to follow as it is a well respected brand and re-selling price if you don't like it is likely to be greater than the other brands. Sound quality will certainly be top-notch too. I've not looked for used C298s but they may come up on sites such as HiFiShark, but take care as this site simply gathers together every piece of used equipment advertised anywhere in the world and this includes some scammers. It's still probably the best place to start your search and you can ask to be alerted if anything matching what you want turns up. T&A, the big German maker has very recently announced that their new 200 Series will include a Purifi-based power amp, but I suspect the price will be well up from NAD's. Good luck and I'd be very interested in your assessment. Peter

I bought one for the bedroom to use with a pair of vintage KEF 104/2 speakers. Sounds fantastic, the Swiss Army knife of integrated amps.

Originally Posted by a.wayne

What speakers were you using that M33 on joe ..?

Avantgarde Duo, Vienna Acoustics Haydn and Fleetwood Deville. The Devilles sound especially great with the M33.

Originally Posted by Hear Here

Do you have a particular amp in mind? There are a number of brands that simply put a case around the basic Purifi module, together with source selection and output connectors. The big-name brand that has worked with Purifi to optimise their design and builds the module under licence themselves is NAD. Their C298 power amp is arguably the best route to follow as it is a well respected brand and re-selling price if you don't like it is likely to be greater than the other brands. Sound quality will certainly be top-notch too. I've not looked for used C298s but they may come up on sites such as HiFiShark, but take care as this site simply gathers together every piece of used equipment advertised anywhere in the world and this includes some scammers. It's still probably the best place to start your search and you can ask to be alerted if anything matching what you want turns up. T&A, the big German maker has very recently announced that their new 200 Series will include a Purifi-based power amp, but I suspect the price will be well up from NAD's. Good luck and I'd be very interested in your assessment. Peter

NAD C298... figured this was understood because it is the amplifier used in the M33 ... big problem is availability now...

So true Randy. My local dealer said he has no clue when he will get more stock. Must be the chip shortage.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

NAD C298... figured this was understood because it is the amplifier used in the M33 ... big problem is availability now...

The dealer I am getting it from said they have been back ordered since July. They have a shipment with ETA of end of September. With my order every one that they have coming are now spoken for.

It seems to me that NAD is gaining quite a good rep. Reviews of their components have been very positive.

It is kind of funny that we are still talking about a company gaining a good reputation... a company that will celebrate their 50th anniversary next year. But I agree, it seems like their reputation has been going up lately ...

I remember back in the day they were always known for good solid value gear. I think the same could be said today but I think they may have moved to a higher level of gear!.

My first entry into hifi years back was with a NAD 3020 integrated. The M33 is a little better but not by much.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

It is kind of funny that we are still talking about a company gaining a good reputation... a company that will celebrate their 50th anniversary next year. But I agree, it seems like their reputation has been going up lately ...

I remember back in the day they were always known for good solid value gear. I think the same could be said today but I think they may have moved to a higher level of gear!.

Hey Randy did you get the C298? See it in your signature.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

The dealer I am getting it from said they have been back ordered since July. They have a shipment with ETA of end of September. With my order every one that they have coming are now spoken for.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

It is kind of funny that we are still talking about a company gaining a good reputation... a company that will celebrate their 50th anniversary next year. But I agree, it seems like their reputation has been going up lately ...

I remember back in the day they were always known for good solid value gear. I think the same could be said today but I think they may have moved to a higher level of gear!.

I do like a company that has longevity.

NAD has certainly been consistent over the years. in providing AFFORDABLE COMPONENTS AT GOOD VALUE.

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

NAD has certainly been consistent over the years. in providing AFFORDABLE COMPONENTS AT GOOD VALUE.

I agree, but in recent years NAD has wanted to move into true hi-fi by introducing their Master Series with huge success. Most of their M series have been sprinkled with industry awards, with probably the M33 struggling most under the weight of these gongs. I was lucky in ordering early and securing a good dealer discount on my M33, but there were a few annoying teething troubles with early examples, all now sorted out by firmware updates. Thanks NAD for responding so promptly to these problems.

The C Series that includes the Purifi-based C298 are still very good, although there are obvious areas of cost savings in things like casework, sockets, etc. Peter

Originally Posted by nc42acc

Hey Randy did you get the C298? See it in your signature.

It is on order... the deal has bene struck but it has not arrived as of yet.

Originally Posted by Hear Here

I agree, but in recent years NAD has wanted to move into true hi-fi by introducing their Master Series with huge success. Most of their M series have been sprinkled with industry awards, with probably the M33 struggling most under the weight of these gongs. I was lucky in ordering early and securing a good dealer discount on my M33, but there were a few annoying teething troubles with early examples, all now sorted out by firmware updates. Thanks NAD for responding so promptly to these problems.

The C Series that includes the Purifi-based C298 are still very good, although there are obvious areas of cost savings in things like casework, sockets, etc. Peter

The C 298 has been garnering several awards also. Recently receiving an A+ rating on Stereophile's recommended list.

The C 298 also just received 2021-2022 EISA award:
"NAD Electronics, a leading manufacturer of premium home audio and video products, announced today that the C 298 Power Amplifier, featuring the lauded Eigentakt amplification technology has won the 2021-22 EISA Award for Power Amplifiers. EISA, the Expert Imaging and Sound Association, is an independent body of over 50 specialty electronics publications from around the world. The award winners are chosen as the best in their category from the thousands of products tested and reviewed by EISA member publications over the year."

NAD Electronics’ C 298 Power Amplifier Awarded Top Honour by EISA - NAD Electronics

The NAD has been delayed another two weeks... I assume it will probably be more. It does not matter how many awards it receives if they cannot supply them. I have an e-mail in to the dealer. I might switch to something else, probably not another amplifier because the MBL is an excellent amplifier, I was simply Purifi curious. We will see.

I have decided to wait for the NAD. Hopefully it won't get delayed again.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I have decided to wait for the NAD. Hopefully it won't get delayed again.

I tell ya Randy so many products are running behind these days. Electronics, furniture even boats and cars to name a few.

It is crazy... supply chains are way behind... we have had new appliances on order since May... the latest they are saying maybe November... crazy... how do these companies even stay in business?

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

It is crazy... supply chains are way behind... we have had new appliances on order since May... the latest they are saying maybe November... crazy... how do these companies even stay in business?

We have had a special order powered leather loveseat recliner on order since June 1 and they said it might be Dec 1st. There is a shortage in foam and it appears the leather the wife picked out.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

It is crazy... supply chains are way behind... we have had new appliances on order since May... the latest they are saying maybe November... crazy... how do these companies even stay in business?

Many/most companies have more business than they know what to do with right now.

Originally Posted by MPW

Many/most companies have more business than they know what to do with right now.

Maybe true, but I guarantee the companies that can provide the products are the ones that will survive. They can't make any money if they cannot provide their products. And I understand much of it is supply chain issues.

With the current supply chain issues companies like NAD are sending their products to the dealers who turn the most volume first. Both Audio Advisor and Crutchfield both have the amp you are waiting on in stock for shipping today. The bigger you are with some of these companies the faster you get product. These companies will survive as they will supply to those who turn inventory over instead of keep them sitting in the back room.

Originally Posted by Jack

With the current supply chain issues companies like NAD are sending their products to the dealers who turn the most volume first. Both Audio Advisor and Crutchfield both have the amp you are waiting on in stock for shipping today. The bigger you are with some of these companies the faster you get product. These companies will survive as they will supply to those who turn inventory over instead of keep them sitting in the back room.

Definitely true Jack, and I am fairly certainly that larger/older companies such as NAD will weather the storm. I am not so sure that smaller companies/stores will have as good of chance at getting through this.

Originally Posted by nicoff

I had two NAD D3020 integrated amps. One of them stopped working shortly after 3 year warranty had expired. Service company said that that unit was hard to work on. The estimated cost for repair made it not worth repairing.
The other amp is still working but I rarely use it. It does what it is supposed to do I guess.

I assume that every company has had some issues over the years. The D3020 came out in 1978 and was quite revolutionary for its time, to say the least, and certainly looks like it would be very difficult to work on inside. NAD currently has five year warranties on the power amps.
415nad30.promo__0.jpg

If one is still working I would say that is quite a good statement for the company. I have never actually owned a NAD piece, but I have followed their products and reputation over the many years (50 actually officially in a couple months).

The C 298 is receiving extreme high ratings (Stereophile A+ and winner of the 2021-2022 ESIA award for power amps) and I think the tech is probably going to be the path in the future for mid/high end audio. I am looking forward to receiving the amp and seeing how it integrates in my system. It should be a good match.

So the distributor just received the shipment of the C 298's and will be at my dealer soon. He stated that the amplifiers just now came back in stock and if other dealers are listing them as "in stock" they must be pre-listing knowing that their shipment is finally just around the corner. I have no reason to not believe him. He has been straight with me in several dealings, but who knows. Maybe Crutchfield and Music Direct have a different distribution channel .

Won’t be long now Randy. I look forward to your thoughts on the C298.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

So the distributor just received the shipment of the C 298's and will be at my dealer soon. He stated that the amplifiers just now came back in stock and if other dealers are listing them as "in stock" they must be pre-listing knowing that their shipment is finally just around the corner. I have no reason to not believe him. He has been straight with me in several dealings, but who knows. Maybe Crutchfield and Music Direct have a different distribution channel .

I look forward to trying it out. The Purifier tech is supposed to be a real nice step forward. I think both NAD, and the awards they has received, and T+A's support pushed it over the edge for me to try it out!

The new amplifier is finally shipped! It should be fun.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

The new amplifier is finally shipped! It should be fun.

At last! I hope it comes up to your expectations. It takes a while to get the Settings to where you want them, but then it's a matter of enjoying the music and wondering why so many dinosaurs still think that Class D is an abomination! Good luck.

Peter

Thanks... I am looking forward to giving it a go.