fc-racer

The key is whether you can obtain satisfactory volume levels within the range of -80 to +10db. Volume controllers have no set standards in amplifiers. Some manufacturers use volume controls that give you 100% of the output capability of the amplifier just before clipping at 1/3 rotation of the dial. This is purely done for marketing reasons to make people believe the amplifier is more powerful. They use the same trick in cars where the first 1/3 of the accelerator pedal travel provides 90% of the signal to the throttle body. Both the amplifiers I now use in my homes have honest implementations of volume control. This means that you ignore where the volume is within the range, but instead focus on whether you can reach the volume levels you want within the range available. This is a much better way of doing things and I appreciate both NAD and Creek Audio for setting up their volume controllers in this more honest way. I should note that I've used the NAD C390DD with 86db speakers and I could get enough volume out of them that I can't imagine anyone wishing for anything more unless they had a very large room. The Creek 100A has a bit less headroom and I can hear some compression at very high volume levels with 86db speakers. With 89db speakers, both amplifiers provide more than enough sound volume.

News release is now out for the M32: http://www.nadelectronics.com/img/Marketing/NADMasters-M32_M50_2-May4-2016.pdf They don't go into the specs much besides 150w x 2. Given it's a master series, it should have very high dynamic power. One negative is that the BluOS MDC module is optional. At USD3999, I thought it would be included.

Hi all, it it looks like NAD is about to launch a new integrated amplifier in their masters line. From the limited info online from TAS and a European retailer site, it appears this new amplifier will be based off their direct digital platform (M2 and 390DD). Specs appear to be 150w x 2, and the initial info suggests built-in BluOS comparability. I would love to hear any more info on this unit. I've had the C390DD for a while now with the BluOS MDC and love the amplifier. Only thing I don't like is that it doesn't look particularly impressive, nor are the materials it's made of all that special. The M32 should rectify all that (at a higher cost of course!). If if you have any info, please post

That's correct. The only way to enter the eq adjustment is manually. I used REW to suggest what frequency to apply the adjustments. We don't have many bands, so I chose the ones closest to the REW recommendations. In regards to narrow or wide, I tried both and just re-measured with REW; with such a simple and effective tool, there isn't a need to really know how wide or narrow the Q is. Even though I'm big on neutral, flat measuring speakers, the reality is that I didn't tune out all of the bass modes and left the bass a few db higher than the high frequencies. For the music I listen to, I like a bit of extra weight down low. One of my modes is +12db. I used the bass EQ to bring it down -6db and the measurements showed exactly +6db after.

Hi Trappy, For me, I think the biggest draw of the Creek is that Mr. Mike Creek still owns the company It's nice to support a family business. The build quality and materials are also fantastic, really great packaging. I'm us d to live in Toronto, but live in Asia now. Hope the winter ends soon for you!

It's interesting you mention that because I felt the same way, so I did extensive testing using REW between the NAD and a highly regarded amplifier (Creek 100A) noted for its "punchiness" (whatever that means!). What I found after several hours of testing were two things: 1. When matched to within 1db, there was no difference in punchiness or scale or dynamics between the amps. I doubt even a super human could tell any difference. 2. For some reason, I would naturally play the NAD at a lower volume level than the Creek. I put this down to the slow volume control on the NAD vs. the Creek. I wrote a review of the amps on another forum so I won't repeat it here, but in the end, the NAD stayed in my main system and the Creek got relegated to the secondary system. Main reasons are I'm a sucker for no hiss on the NAD (love how music at high volumes rises from complete silence), and I feel the NAD has better control of the lower frequencies.

Hi Tim, I'm happy to hear the BluOS has made things better for you! I was confident it would make you happy as I find it to be a fantastic addition to the 390DD that really differentiates it from other amps. I never tried the NAD method for the bass measurement as I also have REW and used that. REW is incredible and the developer deserves to become rich from creating that fantastic software. Before REW, I had no idea what my room was doing. The only thing that continues to annoy me about this setup is the screen. I wish there was a way to auto-off the screen 15 seconds after the last user input. I find the scrolling file names distracting and annoying and it cheapens the appearance of the amp. I've already sent in a feature request but we'll see if NAD is able to implement it in the future. Otherwise, this amplifier continues to amaze me with its clean sound, at low and high volume levels.

I think your comment about NAD is unfair. I have not had the same experience as you with my 390DD. Indeed, I've been exceptionally happy with its performance and its ability to stay current with add-in modules. Here is a company that created this innovative implementation of technology to bring an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio and the ability to play music with essentially no audible distortion. The 390DD is my fourth NAD amplifier and all three previous ones are still fully functional and continue to provide great sound. I haven't had any warranty issues or service issues with the NAD amplifiers over the last 20 years. In regards to your points: 1. Nice to have but the updates are not mission critical and the forum users are good at notifying each other of updates. That's how I heard about the 2.88 update. 2. Agree with you on this. They need a better implementation. The BluOS module also has the same issue. 3. When you bought the amp, it was clear this feature was not there. Suggest you pick up an NAD 3020 or a good headphone amp from Oppo. 4. Don't use the output so cannot comment. 5. The BluOS is the same price as the Ruby DAC on my Creek 100A, so I think it's in-line and reasonable. Now that I've had the module for a few months, I almost exclusively use BluOS. It expands the amplifier capabilities significantly and allows music from a multitude of sources. NAD has also said they'll add MQA capability for free in the near future. 6. Technology moves on and things get upgraded. I highly doubt a human can tell the difference between 192 and 96. Get the BluOS module and you won't care about USB anymore. 7. Agree that I'd like more bands, but it's still a very useful feature. My Creek does not have anything and the room modes are out of control. The NAD sounds much better in that room because I can tame 90% of the modes. I apologize if the above comes across as harsh, but I felt your comment about NAD was a bit harsh. I've had great experiences with their support when I've had questions and I've been very happy with the 390DD. Indeed, I'm planning to buy the new M32 because the only thing I don't like about the 390DD is the budget materials of the packaging.