Measurements and conclusion NAD M23
Contents
That NAD has an interesting product with the M23 is obvious. But how does the device stack up technically? Well: good!
The noise floor is between -120 and -110 dB at 1 watt over 8 Ohms. Distortion at 1 watt input is 0.0145% which is neat. At slightly higher loads, the noise floor drops partially to -140dB and we see the distortion drop as well: 0.006%.
Intermodulation distortion is practically non-existent with 0.00045%. Also, the frequency response is practically straight. Super. If we look at the power measurement we measure 180 watts in 8 Ohms, 357 watts in 4 Ohms and 722 watts in bridge mode. Fairly around the specified power output.
Now a word about what the M23 throws back at the mains. That can be an issue with a SMPS. We can see from the picture below that it is not that bad. Green is with the M23 on and a small load on it. Pink is off (standby). In short: almost no distotion or noise is thrown back to the grid. At least: not in the audible band.
Hi Jaap,
I would like to know your comments when you bridge the NAD C298 or M23 to drive 4 Ohm speakers? Due to the fact that it is not recommended. Will there still be benefits and to what volume levels you can safely play?
Alphaman
Hey Alpha!
Ik owned a pair of 298’s and combined it with the Dali Epicon. I had no problems with them in bridge mode. As long as the speakers dont dip too deep, you are fine. I could play very, very loud with no issues.
Hi Jaap,
Thanks for your high quality reviews, including the audio comparisons on YT. Really enjoy and appreciate them as a resource since I stumbled across your youtube channel earlier this year.
So on the strength of seeing – well, hearing – the way the Sopra No.1s performed on a range of equipment you’ve reviewed (up until your recent upgrade to the TADs) when I recently had an opportunity to get them at a good price, I did so. Their upper end clarity – which is a huge step up over the KEF LS50s – immediately and mercilessly showed the limitations of my existing gear, which is a mix of older solid state and a new and modestly priced Topping ESS9038 DAC and Class D amp stack I picked up for experimentation purposes.
Many tracks sound remarkable in terms of the detail and dynamics, though the midrange could be fuller with some tracks coming across a bit harsh in the upper midrange/treble. Not exactly unexpected with the Topping gear. I had always planned to properly upgrade the DAC and amp, which I am now in the process of doing. My goal is to achieve a more balanced sound with a more full and smooth mid-range.
So, and apologies for the long preamble, this leads me to the subject of this review, the NAD M23. How would you say it would pair with the Sopras and a well implemented lower-mid tier R2R or DS AKM4499 DAC? (I have a couple such DACs en route to try along with a DDC) Around the M23’s pricepoint, even say up to say €5k – is there anything else you would suggest I consider given your great familiarity with the Sopras?
Many thanks and keep up the good work,
Jake
Hi Jaap, sorry I got a little carried away there… take 2 – may I be more succinct.
Which in your experience would be a better match for the Sopra No 1’s, the NAD M23 or the Kinki Studio EX-M7? Appreciate you’ve said the Pass Labs Int-25 is a marvellous match to the Sopras, but it’s beyond my current budget alas.
Regards,
Jacob
Hi Jacob!
No problem. We are just very busy with the preparation of a live stream.
It is hard to say what amp is better. It mostly depends on taste. Both will work absolutely fine. The Kinki will bring a tad more air, but the M23 will have more control I think.
Hi Jaap,
Thanks for your high quality reviews, including the audio comparisons on YT. Really enjoy and appreciate them as a resource since I stumbled across your youtube channel earlier this year.
So on the strength of seeing – well, hearing – the way the Sopra No.1s performed on a range of equipment you’ve reviewed (up until your recent upgrade to the TADs) when I recently had an opportunity to get them at a good price, I did so. Their upper end clarity – which is a huge step up over the KEF LS50s – immediately and mercilessly showed the limitations of my existing gear, which is a mix of older solid state and a new and modestly priced Topping ESS9038 DAC and Class D amp stack I picked up for experimentation purposes.
Many tracks sound remarkable in terms of the detail and dynamics, though the midrange could be fuller with some tracks coming across a bit harsh in the upper midrange/treble. Not exactly unexpected with the Topping gear. I had always planned to properly upgrade the DAC and amp, which I am now in the process of doing. My goal is to achieve a more balanced sound with a more full and smooth mid-range.
So, and apologies for the long preamble, this leads me to the subject of this review, the NAD M23. How would you say it would pair with the Sopras and a well implemented lower-mid tier R2R or DS AKM4499 DAC? (I have a couple such DACs en route to try along with a DDC) Around the M23’s pricepoint, even say up to say €5k – is there anything else you would suggest I consider given your great familiarity with the Sopras?
Many thanks and keep up the good work,
Jake
Hi Jaap, sorry I got a little carried away there… take 2 – may I be more succinct.
Which in your experience would be a better match for the Sopra No 1’s, the NAD M23 or the Kinki Studio EX-M7? Appreciate you’ve said the Pass Labs Int-25 is a marvellous match to the Sopras, but it’s beyond my current budget alas.
Regards,
Jacob
Hi Jacob!
No problem. We are just very busy with the preparation of a live stream.
It is hard to say what amp is better. It mostly depends on taste. Both will work absolutely fine. The Kinki will bring a tad more air, but the M23 will have more control I think.
Hi,
Ohhh the bug !
How do this NAD M23 compares against the Kinki EX-M7, ?
Warm regards
Miguel
Thats very hard to answer. We had both, but on different systems.
Thanks Man, I was hoping there was going to be a clear winner
Cheers !
Welcome!
Hi,
Ohhh the bug !
How do this NAD M23 compares against the Kinki EX-M7, ?
Warm regards
Miguel
Thats very hard to answer. We had both, but on different systems.
Thanks Man, I was hoping there was going to be a clear winner
Cheers !
Welcome!
Just read this review and see your comparison with your current reference the X150.8 but how does the M23 compare to you old reference the Bryston 4B3.
I think the Bryston had more grunt… Imaging is comparable I estimate. M23 is more neutral.
Just read this review and see your comparison with your current reference the X150.8 but how does the M23 compare to you old reference the Bryston 4B3.
I think the Bryston had more grunt… Imaging is comparable I estimate. M23 is more neutral.
Thanks for nice review. Could you compare Benchmark AHB2 against NAD M23? I’m using AHB2 myself and I’m curious to know if M23 brings any advantage except of more power.
The M23 is already back to the importer, unfortunately. I think they are very comparable in a way. The M23 could be a touch more warm sounding…
Hi,
thank you for this comparison. It was the one I was looking for.
So as expected M23 sounds better than C 298.
Since M23 costs almost twice the price of C298,
I am wondering how does two C 298 bridged sounds compare to one single M23?
Thanks,
Barlas
Hi!
Bridge mode doesn’t improve quality. It just gives you more power / grip. The M23 is more fluid and smooth. That difference will always be the same: bridge mode or not.
Thanks for nice review. Could you compare Benchmark AHB2 against NAD M23? I’m using AHB2 myself and I’m curious to know if M23 brings any advantage except of more power.
The M23 is already back to the importer, unfortunately. I think they are very comparable in a way. The M23 could be a touch more warm sounding…
Hi,
thank you for this comparison. It was the one I was looking for.
So as expected M23 sounds better than C 298.
Since M23 costs almost twice the price of C298,
I am wondering how does two C 298 bridged sounds compare to one single M23?
Thanks,
Barlas
Hi!
Bridge mode doesn’t improve quality. It just gives you more power / grip. The M23 is more fluid and smooth. That difference will always be the same: bridge mode or not.