NAD M23 Digital Stereo Power- Amplifer

The NAD Masters M23 is a top-class stereo power amplifier that delivers enormous output power in both two-channel and bridged mono operation. This amplifier stage is capable of driving any passive loudspeaker with ease and in the best possible quality. This makes it an ideal choice for audiophiles who place the highest demands on their music reproduction.

The innovative power amplifiers of the M23 combine the proven Hybrid DigitalTM circuit from NAD with the EigentaktTM technology from the Danish digital amplifier pioneer Purifi. This exclusive cooperation results in amplifier stages that operate absolutely noise- and distortion-free. With a continuous output of 2 x 380 watts and a pulse output of 2 x 520 watts at 4 ohms, the M23 sets new standards in audio technology. If required, the M23 can also be operated in a bridge circuit as a mono power amplifier and then delivers an impressive four-digit pulse output that pushes even the most demanding loudspeakers to their performance limits.

The HybridDigital™ Purifi Eigentakt™ amplifier technology

Purifi is a Danish technology company that has set itself the goal of identifying and eliminating the last remaining weaknesses in digital amplifier technology. The Purifi Eigentakt™ technology impresses with extremely low intermodulation distortion and a particularly low distortion factor of just 0.0007% across the entire frequency response and the entire power bandwidth. In addition, the technology has minimal self-noise, which results in extremely clear and precise sound reproduction.

A major advance in the development of Eigentakt™ technology was the identification and elimination of the so-called memory effect in the components of the amplifier's output filter. This effect, known as hysteresis, can lead to audible sound degradation in conventional digital amplifiers. By modifying the output stage and using intelligent algorithms, Purifi was able to significantly reduce the hysteresis effects, resulting in a significant improvement in sound quality.

Another advantage of the Eigentakt™ power amplifiers is their insensitivity to changing loudspeaker loads. The extremely low output impedance also leads to a very high damping factor, which results in absolutely clean and controlled bass reproduction. This is particularly important for music lovers who place great value on precise and dynamic bass reproduction.

Digital technologies and efficiency

The M23 uses efficient switching power supplies and Class D output stages that operate very linearly over a wide bandwidth. This technology ensures consistent performance across all speaker loads and significantly exceeds the quality of classic and power-hungry linear power supplies and inefficient Class A/B output stages. With its precise, detailed and dynamic sound as well as its amazingly controlled reproduction and unparalleled transparency, the M23 sets new standards in audiophile music reproduction.

Flexible application possibilities and technical features

The NAD M23 power amplifier is a powerful partner for any high-quality stereo preamplifier or other HiFi components with a level-adjustable stereo preamplifier output, such as CD players or music streamers. Owners of a NAD M33 streaming integrated amplifier also have the option of expanding their HiFi system to a system with 2 x 700 watts of continuous power. Here, the bridged M33 takes over the amplification of one stereo channel and the bridged M23 takes over the amplification of the other stereo channel.

The main features of the M23 include

• HybridDigital™ Purifi Eigentakt™ Amplifier
• Continuous output power: 2 x 200 W at 8 O, 2 x 380 W at 4 O
• Pulse power: 2 x 260 W at 8 O, 2 x 520 W at 4 O
• Pulse power in bridge circuit: 1,017 W at 8 O
• Virtually unmeasurable noise and extremely low harmonic and intermodulation distortion
• Very broadband, straight frequency response
• Can be controlled with any loudspeaker load
• Balanced XLR inputs and gold-plated RCA inputs
• Three-stage selectable input sensitivity (low/mid/high)
• 12 V trigger input for automatic on/off
• Brightness adjustable LED display
• Earth terminal and separate power cable

Symmetrical signal transmission and high-quality aluminum housing

Symmetrical signal transmission is a must in professional sound reinforcement technology and recording studios, as it transmits audio signals over two conductors, which minimizes interference. In addition to gold-plated RCA sockets, the M23 has symmetrical XLR inputs that ensure trouble-free signal feed without noise or interference. The M23 also offers three-stage adjustable input sensitivity, a 12 V trigger input for automatic switching on and off, and automatic switching on when an audio input signal is present. A ground terminal prevents ground loops and hum in audio systems with multiple amplifiers.

The NAD M23's housing is made of high-quality aluminum and is designed to be both elegant and functional. Sturdy panels and magnetic iso-point feet provide a solid foundation for the multi-layer circuit boards and complex internal construction. The external design is simple and elegant, with a solid front panel and a sturdy chassis that shines in the typical two-tone black and silver look of the NAD MASTERS series.

TECHNICAL DATA

• Continuous output power at 4 O: 2 x 380 W (20 Hz – 20 kHz at specified distortion factor, both channels driven)
• Continuous output power at 8 O: 2 x 200 W (20 Hz – 20 kHz at specified distortion factor, both channels driven)
• Continuous output power in bridge circuit: 700 W (20 Hz – 20 kHz at 8 O)
• Total harmonic distortion (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.00069 % (XLR), <0.0013 % (Cinch)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >101.7 dB (500 mV input, 1 W power at 8 O)>127 dB (200 W power at 8 O)
• Clipping power: 210 W (stereo, at 1 kHz, 0.1% THD)770 W (bridged, at 1 kHz, 0.1% THD)
• Pulse power: 2 x 260 W at 8 O, 2 x 520 W at 4 O, 1,017 W in bridge circuit at 8 O
• Damping factor: >800 (8 Ohm, 20 Hz – 6.5 kHz)
• Frequency response: ±0.06 dB (stereo, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, -3 dB at 60 kHz), ±0.054 dB (bridged, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, -3 dB at 60 kHz)
• Input impedance (R and C): Cinch and XLR: 56 kO + 200 pF
• Input sensitivity (for 200 W at 8 O): 4.5 V (low), 2.5 V (mid), 1.4 V (high)
• Gain stereo mode: 19 dB (input sensitivity low), 23.9 dB (mid), 29.2 dB (high)
• Gain bridge mode: 25.1 dB (input sensitivity low), 30 dB (mid), 35.2 dB (high)
• Maximum output current: >25 A (at 1 O, 1 ms)
• Standby power consumption: <0.5 watts
• Dimensions: 435 x 133 x 396 mm
• Weight: 9.7kg
• Carton weight: 17.5 kg