The test set-up
Contents
We had the NAD M23 connected to a a couple of speakers. We also combined this power amplifier with several d/a converters and of course our Pass Labs XP-12. The gear used:
- Pass Labs XP-12
- NAD M23
- TAD Evolution 2
- Diptyque DP107
- Grimm UC1
- Sonnet Pasithea
- Grimm TPM wiring
- Driade Flow cabling(speaker / interlinks)
- Isotek filters(Titan / Aquarius)
- YETI Power cables
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
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 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,
Ohhh the bug !
How do this NAD M23 compares against the Kinki EX-M7, ?
Warm regards
Miguel
Hi,
Ohhh the bug !
How do this NAD M23 compares against the Kinki EX-M7, ?
Warm regards
Miguel
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.
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.
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.
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.