News this week from NAD Electronics that it is now shipping the M33, a BluOS™ enabled DAC/amplifier that can serve as the heart of a reference whole-home system. The M33 is their ultra-high-performance streaming amplifier with audiophile sound. It looks to me to priced near the Naim Uniti range and with a Uniti Star in my stable, I’ll be hoping to review the M33 soon to see if it can compete, I’m sure it will, the BluOS App with MQA support being the trump card.  I have a soft spot for NAD, my first amplifier that I saved up for was the legendary NAD 3020e!

Key features to me include DIRAC Room correction which is becoming quite fashionable these days, I first heard the benefits of room correction with Anthem and their AV solutions, very cool.  Interestingly the press release does focus on subwoofer bass management.  Also of note is the provision of MDC, a modular design space where hardware upgrades can be added in future years (see the left-hand side of this rear picture).    These slots could allow for updating the products with new technologies which didn’t even exist at the time of introduction.

Connectivity looks to be really comprehensive and it includes digital or analogue sources: 6 digital inputs and 3 analogue inputs, including MM/MC phono.  If the Phono stage is any good this will be a major bonus for me as I really do think the Naim Uniti Star would be the complete performer if it had a MM stage like the Naim Supernait 3.  There is also a dedicated headphone amplifier, apparently.

Around back, the rear panel hosts two sets of speaker outputs capable of bi-wiring and 2 Subwoofer Output with a fully configurable Digital Crossover. Apple Airplay 2 and Bluetooth aptX HD allow for local wireless streaming from a phone or tablet.

M33 Key Features

• BluOS Streaming DAC Amplifier
• HybridDigital Purifi Eigentact™ Amplifier Technology
• Continuous Power: 200W into 8/4 Ohms
• ESS Sabre DAC
• Dirac Live Room Correction
• Colour TFT touch display
• BluOS multi-room Integration
• 2 x MDC Slots for Future Expansion
• Wireless control with Apple AirPlay 2 and aptX HD Bluetooth Integration
• Comprehensive digital and analogue connectivity including HDMI eARC
• Integrates seamlessly with leading smart home control systems

The NAD M33 is retailing near US$4999/€4999/£3999 MSRP,  it can be combined with other players in a BluOS ecosystem of wirelessly networked music players throughout the home for a whole-home audio system.

About NAD Electronics

Founded in 1972 and now sold in over 80 countries, NAD Electronics is renowned for its award-winning line of high-quality components for audio, home theatre and custom installation applications. The company’s products consistently deliver outstanding innovation, performance, and value.

For more information visit www.nadelectronics.com

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