A forum member recently asked me publish a post to outline the key differences in sound between the NAD M10V2, NAD M33 and NAD M66. I had the pleasure to either own, listen or trial them so here is my take.
Starting with the NAD M10V2
The NAD M10V2 is a great entry in to the audiophile world. It offers an engaging sound profile, delivering a well-balanced and detailed listening experience. Its bass response is authoritative and well-controlled, without overpowering the mids or treble. Vocals are rendered with clarity and natural timbre, while instrumental textures are presented with precision. The overall soundstage is expansive, allowing for ample separation between instruments and vocals, creating a sense of spaciousness and depth. The NAD M10V2 excels at reproducing a wide range of genres, from lively pop and rock to lush orchestral pieces and delicate acoustic performances. A great all-rounder.
NAD M33
The NAD M33 offers a better sonic experience with its enhanced power and precision. The bass response is even more authoritative, with exceptional impact and detail. The mids are enriched with a natural warmth and richness, while the treble is extended and airy, adding sparkle and definition to the sound. The soundstage expands further, creating a more immersive and enveloping listening experience. Instrumental timbres are rendered with remarkable accuracy, revealing subtle nuances and textures. The NAD M33 is particularly well-suited for genres that demand a dynamic and engaging presentation, such as jazz fusion, progressive rock, and electronic music. Still a great integrated amplifier.
NAD M66
The newly launched NAD M66 is closer to the audiophile sound quality, we are all thriving for, offering a reference-level listening experience. The bass response is simply sublime, with effortless authority and exceptional definition. The mids are incredibly smooth and balanced, with a captivating naturalness and vocals are engaging and natural. The treble extends to remarkable heights, revealing the finest details and textures with remarkable precision. The soundstage is expectional and creating an great sense of immersion and presence. Instrumental timbres are rendered with absolute accuracy, allowing listeners to hear each instrument distinctly and in its purest form. The NAD M66 is the ideal choice for audiophiles seeking the pinnacle of sonic fidelity, capable of reproducing even the most demanding recordings with clarity and realism.
Conclusion :
Overall, the NAD M10V2, NAD M33, and NAD M66 represent a diverse range of NAD audio products, and cater to the needs of a wide spectrum of listeners:
The NAD M10V2's versatile and engaging sound profile is suited for everyday listening, while the NAD M33 elevates the listening with enhanced power and precision. The NAD M66 however has audiophile sound quality, offering an unmatched listening experience to more demanding users but this demand comes with hefty price tag (€6K for the streaming DAC only). Again, these are my personal impressions and others may have diverging opinions.
I hope this helps!
Christian
Christian - After all the abusive crap that some other members have chucked at you, let me say Thank You.
While I understand that this particular forum is all about measurements that are picked up by microphones, and effectively nothing about the sound that reaches our ears (I sometime wonder if this forum is populated largely by the deaf), it was interesting to read your highly subjective summary.
However, for context, please let us know about the rest of your system and room.
What speakers?
Presumably no subs
What amp with the M66?
Presumably the M10 and M33 were using their own amp
Hopefully no Dirac or DLBC was used
What size is your room and has it any particular features that may significantly affect the sound?
Did others listen with you and how much consensus was there?
When you mention comparison with high end audiophile kit, what did you have in mind and how did the M66 compare?
I personally care less about measurements, as the "character" of an amp (or more particular speakers) cannot realistically be measured. For that reason, I'm anxiously awaiting a proper full review from a respected expert such as a Stereophile reviewer.
Had it not been for Robert Deutsch's excellent, thorough and believable review of the Avantgarde Unos in 2000, I'd never have considered buying these amazingly entertaining speakers. I chose them after excitedly reading his multi-page review as he described with great detail (and accuracy as it transpired) exactly the sort of sound I was looking for - and very different from the ATC50 Actives I was then using. After a 10 minute audition in a very unsuitable London basement showroom, I bought a pair. These Unos were kept for 17 years before an upgrade. After trying at home other good speakers (eg Audion, Martin Logan, Quad), I decided to stick with Avantgarde, first moving to Duos and more recently Duo XDs.
It is with these XD speakers that I am currently using the excellent M33 (previously M32 and before that SETs), but an upgrade is called for as the speaker level on the Audiophile Scale (though perhaps not on the Measurements Scale) indicates than an upgrade from the M33 should bring audible improvement. I'm considering the M66 feeding Atma-Sphere's Class D monos, but I'll also give the M23 an audition as power amp. However I do need to satisfy myself that this upgrade will make a difference to justify the outlay.
Thanks again and don't be put off by comments by some here, even though (on this forum) much of it may be justified!