NAD – Masters M66 – BluOS Streaming DAC-Preamplifier NAD

The Masters M66 BluOS Streaming DAC-Preamplifier is a revolutionary hi-fi component that combines an audiophile-grade DAC with a high-resolution multi-room music streamer. Featuring Dirac Live Room Correction and Dirac Live Bass Control, its elegant design and vibrant 7″ touchscreen exudes quality and class. Pair it with NAD’s M23 power amplifier for a stunning system that excels technologically, sonically, and visually.

Features & Details*

• Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking
• BluOS network streamer provides access to over 20 streaming services, including several that deliver lossless and high-resolution audio
• Flagship ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC and ES9822PRO ADC chips
• Innovative Dynamic Digital Headroom (DDH) circuit eliminates digital intersample peak clipping distortion
• Full MQA hardware decoding and rendering
• Support for Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
• Seamless integration with smarthome control systems such as Crestron, Control4, ELAN, RTI, URC, and others
• Support for Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri voice control
• Dirac Live Room Correction
• Four balanced and four unbalanced subwoofer outputs
• Dirac Live Bass Control enables seamless blend between the subwoofer(s) and main speakers, and smooth bass response throughout the listening area
• Ultra-quiet MM/MC phono stage with precise RIAA equalization, high overload margins, and infrasonic filter
• HDMI port with eARC support
• Two optical and two coaxial S/PDIF inputs, one AES/EBU balanced digital input, two pairs of RCA line-level analogue inputs, one pair of XLR balanced inputs
• Dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and very high output voltage capability
• Ultra-precise resistor-ladder digital volume control
• 7″ front-panel touchscreen
• Elegant aluminium casework
• Two MDC2 expansion slots for adding future capabilities

•Premium IR remote control included

*all features and details listed are preliminary

NAD Masters M66 BluOS Streaming DAC-Preamplifier

Not only is the Masters M66 BluOS streaming DAC-preamplifier the most advanced preamplifier NAD has ever offered, it represents an entirely new class of hi-fi separate components. In addition to a plethora of inputs, including MM/MC phono and HDMI eARC, the M66 incorporates an audiophile-grade DAC and a high-resolution multi-room music streamer. Along with the full-bandwidth version of Dirac Live Room Correction, the M66 features Dirac Live Bass Control, allowing independent control of each connected subwoofer, for smooth, consistent response throughout your listening room. The combination of Dirac Live Room Correction and Dirac Live Bass Control enables the M66 to deliver more accurate in-room performance than any two-channel component ever offered.

With its elegant aluminum casework, super-smooth digital volume control, and vibrant 7″ touchscreen, the M66 exudes class and quality. Visually, sonically, and technologically, it’s an ideal match to NAD’s award-winning Masters M23 power amplifier. Of course, the Masters M66 BluOS Streaming DAC-Preamplifier can be paired with any high-performance amplifier.

Music Everywhere

Featuring a high-resolution network streamer based on the acclaimed BluOS multi-room music-management system, the M66 provides access to more than 20 streaming services, including several that offer lossless and high-resolution audio. Using the intuitive BluOS app on a smart device or personal computer, listeners can play music from their favourite streaming service, their personal music libraries, and thousands of Internet radio stations, in resolution up to 24-bit/192kHz. Like all BluOS-enabled components, the M66 has full MQA decoding and rendering capability.

With BluOS, you can listen to music in just one room; or share music over your home network with up to 63 additional BluOS-enabled components from NAD and other hardware partners. The M66 integrates easily with home-control systems from Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, URC, and others. Listeners can also control playback by voice using Amazon Alexa or Apple Siri.

Perfect Response

The M66 integrates Dirac Live Room Correction and Dirac Live Bass Control. Connect the supplied calibrated microphone to the M66’s USB port and then launch the Dirac Live app on a smart device or personal computer. The app will walk you through the calibration process, and then generate correction filters that compensate for acoustic problems like standing waves and unwanted reflections. You’ll enjoy more textured bass, improved tonal accuracy, vastly improved clarity, and more focused imaging.

In a first for a stereo component, the M66 features four balanced and four single-ended subwoofer outputs and integrates Dirac Live Bass Control, which allows independent calibration of multiple subwoofers. Dirac Live Bass Control optimizes subwoofer output in both the frequency and time domains, achieving a seamless blend between the subwoofer(s) and main speakers, and delivering smooth, consistent bass response through the entire listening area, not just in the sweet spot.

Peak Performance

At the heart of the M66’s digital section are ESS Technology’s flagship Sabre DAC and ADC chips. These audiophile-grade designs are known for their exceptionally wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise and distortion, and outstanding time-domain performance.

The M66 is the first component to feature NAD’s innovative Dynamic Digital Headroom (DDH) circuitry. When activated in the BluOS app, DDH eliminates digital inter-sample peak clipping distortion, which can occur during digital-to-analogue conversion with sudden high-frequency transients. The benefits are especially noticeable with percussion instruments: rim shots are more impactful but less strident; cymbals are more realistic and less splashy. For volume adjustment, the M66 employs an ultra-precise resistor-ladder control circuit. Compared to traditional analogue circuits, the M66’s digital volume control markedly reduces thermal and related distortions, maximises dynamic range, and more accurately matches left- and right-channel output across the entire volume range.

By default, analogue signals are converted to digital so that functions like Dirac Live Room Correction and Bass Control are available with all sources. However, the M66 has a selectable Analogue Direct mode that bypasses all digital processing, and separate signal paths for analogue and digital sources. Internally, the analogue and digital sections are physically separated and shielded from each other with their own separate power supplies sections, so that analogue signals are unaffected by digital interference when Analogue Direct mode is engaged. This results in distinct volume attenuation, superb left and right tracking and very low noise.

Connect Everything

With its full suite of analogue and digital inputs, the M66 can accommodate all your source components. Vinyl fans will appreciate the M66’s ultra-quiet MM/MC phono stage, which features precise RIAA equalization, high overload margins, and an innovative circuit that suppresses the infrasonic noise that is always present with vinyl playback without affecting bass response. For TV and movie viewing, there’s an HDMI eARC port for connection to an HDTV. Other options include two coaxial and two optical S/PDIF inputs, an AES/EBU balanced digital input, two pairs of RCA line-level analogue inputs, and one pair of XLR balanced inputs. In addition to unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR outputs for connection to a power amplifier, the M66 has four unbalanced RCA and four balanced XLR subwoofer outputs. The M66’s dedicated headphone amplifier has very low output impedance and very high maximum output voltage, enabling it to drive demanding high-impedance studio monitor headphones. The M66 also has Bluetooth connectivity, with support for the AAC, LDAC, and aptX HD codecs.

Future Forward

The Masters M66 represents the pinnacle of what is technically achievable in a two-channel preamplifier today, and will maintain its technological leadership for decades to come. On the rear panel are two expansion slots that support MDC2, the latest generation of NAD’s Modular Design Construction future-proofing technology. As technology evolves, this will enable M66 owners to add new capabilities simply by inserting an MDC2 module into one of the slots.

Everything about the NAD Masters M66 BluOS streaming DAC-preamp is intended to inspire pride of ownership: the gorgeous 7″ touchscreen, the elegant aluminium casework, and the silky-smooth digital volume control. With its leading-edge technology, unmatched versatility, and superb build quality, the Masters M66 is truly a masterpiece of sound.

Specifications

LINE IN, SINGLE-ENDED /ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT

• THD (20Hz – 20kHz): <0.001% at 2V out
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >105dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500mV out, unity gain)
• Channel separation: >116dB (1 kHz), >106 dB (10 kHz))
• Input Impedance (R and C): 56 kohms + 100 pF
• Maximum input signal: >5.6Vrms (ref. 0.1% THD), >8 Vrms (Analog Bypass)
• Output impedance: Source Impedance + 22 Ohm
• Input sensitivity: 185mV (ref. 500mV out, Volume maximum)
• Frequency response ±0.2dB (20Hz – 20kHz), ±0.2dB (Analog Bypass, 20Hz – 20kHz)
• Maximum voltage output: -IHF load >5V (ref. 0.1% THD), >10 V (Analog Bypass, ref. 0.1% THD)

BALANCED IN, BALANCED /ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT

• THD (20Hz – 20kHz): <0.001% at 2V out
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >105dB (200 Ohm source; A-weighted, ref. 500mV out)
• Channel Seperation: >116dB (1 kHz), >106 dB (10 kHz)
• Input impedance: (R and C) 56 kOhms + 100 pF
• Maximum input signal: >5.6 Vrms (ref. 1% THD), >8 Vrms (Analog Bypass, ref. 1% THD)
• Output impedance Source Impedance: + 22 Ohms
• Input sensitivity: 90mV (ref. 500 mV out, Volume maximum)
• Frequency response: ±0.2 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz), ±0.2 dB (Analog Bypass, 20 Hz – 80 kHz)
• Maximum voltage output (IHF load): >10 V (ref. 0.1 % THD), >20 V (Analog Bypass, ref. 0.1 % THD)

DIGITAL SOURCE IN, SINGLE-ENDED /ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT

• THD (20Hz – 20kHz): <0.0005% at 2V out
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >108 dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out, unity gain)
• Channel separation: >126dB at (1kHz), >115dB (10 kHz)
• Input sensitivity: -20.25 dBFS (ref. 500 mV out (-6 dBV), max Volume
• Frequency response: ±0.2 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Maximum voltage output: -IHF load >5 V (ref. 0.1 % THD)

DIGITAL SOURCE IN, BALANCED /ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT

• THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.0005% at 2V out
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >108 dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out, unity gain)
• Channel Separation: >126 dB (1 kHz), >115 dB (10 kHz)
• Input sensitivity: -26.25 dBFS (ref. 500 mV out(-6 dBV), max Volume
• Frequency response: ±0.2 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Maximum voltage output (IHF load): >10 V (ref. 0.1 % THD)

LINE IN, SINGLE-ENDED/SUBWOOFER OUTPUT/2SUBWOOFERS

• THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.005% at 2V out
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >84 dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out, unity gain)
• Output impedance: 480 Ohms
• Maximum voltage output: -IHF load >5 V (ref. 0.1% THD

BALANCED IN, BALANCED /SUBWOOFER OUTPUT/2SUBWOOFERS

• THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.005% at 2V out
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80B (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out, unity gain)
• Output impedance: 480 Ohms
• Maximum voltage output: -IHF load >10 V (ref. 0.1 % THD)

PHONO INPUT, SINGLE-ENDED /ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT (Analog bypass)

• THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): MM: <0.008% (ref. 2 V out), MC: <0.02% (ref. 2 V out)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: MM: >82dB (A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out), MC: >75dB (A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out)
• Input Impedance (R and C): MM: 56 kohms + 100 pF, MC: 100 ohms + 280 pF
• Input sensitivity: MM: 1.7 mV (ref. 500 mV out, Volume maximum), MC: 123 μV (ref. 500 mV out, Volume maximum)
• Frequency response: ±0.2 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Maximum input signal at 1kHz: MM: >80 mVrms, MC: >7 mVrms (ref. 0.1 % THD)

LINE INPUT, HEADPHONE OUT(Analog Bypass)

• THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.002% (ref. 1V out)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >98 dB (32 ohms loads; A-WTD, ref. 0.5V out, unity gain)
• Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Channel separation: >62 dB at 1kHz
• Output impedance Source: Z + 4.7ohms
• Maximum input signal at 1kHz: MM: >80 mVrms
• Power consumption: at Auto Standby ON and Network Standby OFF 0.5 W*, at Auto Standby ON and Network Standby ON 2.0 W**, OFF mode (Power switched OFF) 0.1 W

BluOS

AUDIO

• Supported audio file formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, ALAC, OPUS
• Supported high- res audio file formats: FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, MPEG-4 SLS
• Sampling rate: up to 192 kHz
• Bit depths: 16 – 24

CONNECTION

• Ethernet/LAN: Ethernet RJ45, Gigabit 1000 Mbps. Wi-Fi Built In:Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), dual-band
• Bluetooth Quality: Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD
• USB: Type A

USER INTERFACE

• Supported operating system**: Music playback from network shares on the following desktop operating systems: Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, Vista, 7, 8 to current Windows Operating Systems and macOS versions**
• Supported Hi-Res Audio File Formats: Free BluOS Controller App available for download from the respective App stores of Apple iOS devices (iPad, iPhone and iPod), Android devices, Kindle Fire and Windows or macOS desktops
• Front panel: 7-inch full colour touch screen
• Remote control: SRM1 remote control
• Streaming cloud services*: Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Spotify, Amazon Music HD, SiriusXM, LiveOne, HighResAudio, JUKE, Napster, Pandora, Presto Music.
• Free internet radio*: TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, Calm Radio, Radio Paradise

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Supports bit rate/sample rate: up to 24 bit/192 kHz
• Frequency band: 2.402G- 2.480G
• Maximum transmit power (dBm): 7 dBm ± 2 dBm
• Box size (H x W x D) ***: H.569 x W. 519 x D.258 mm)
• Gross weight: 16.25 kg (35.8 bs)

* – After 20 minutes of no user interface interaction and no active source input

** – With established wired or wireless network connection, wireless Bluetooth connectivity and no user interface interaction and no active source input for 20 minutes

*** – Gross dimension includes feet, volume knob and extended rear panel terminals