The M2 is really sort of a hybrid. It is a traditional amp with non-traditional inputs. It is an integrated amp in spirit but doesn't have all the functionality that a traditional integrated would have. In addition to balanced and RCA analogue inputs the M2 has dual coax and dual optical inputs, a single optical and coaxial output, 12 volt and IR inputs, and a 12 volt output. At $6k, you would do well to consider using the internal DACs of the M2 as you certainly are paying for them.
Discuss "NAD M2 Direct Digital Amplifier" here. Read the article.
The amp has 3 digital coax inputs for decoded stereo uncompressed digital audio (PCM). So technically they could be right about the first true high def resolution audio.
My 1989 Onkyo Grand Integra stereo integrated amp has 2 optical, 3 coaxial digital, and 7 analog inputs. Digital stereo integrated amplifiers came out first in 1986, if i recall correctly.
I always liked NAD but I think this unit goes in the wrong direction for the company.
I was always proud of packing a pair of NADs in my acoustic package for decades. I had a pre-amp/power-amp combo that toted the NAD logo. I still have the 2-channel somewhere and it's ready to be deployed if I ever need a bit more current to a couple of channels someday when I have a bigger living-space.
I love my NADs - I'd often show them off at parties. Thier striped down style brought adjectives like "spartan" or "utilitarian" to mind. To me NAD is a thick chunk of lean ground round cooked to perfection at on a grill by some unassuming grill-meister who can cook up a hell of a burger that blows away area restaurants.
I never thought of NAD a pretentious sliver of filet mignon. I hope this isn't the way the company is going.
But a $6K 2 channel digital amp - I dunno. I always thought of NAD as being the choice of higher minded (little a) audiophiles on a budget - and not people ready to drop $6K on a single component.
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Last edited by Wayde Robson : 05-30-2009 at 09:00 PM.
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Are you sure it was from 1989? Which model number was it? Was it the Onkyo Integra A-8800 or was it the Onkyo Grand Integra A-G10? The A-G10 was very very expensive by the way. And it had an 18-bit opto drive. And it was able to drive 2-ohm loads, same as the A-8800. These two were the 1988 models.
I do remember some Akai Digital Stereo Integrated Amplifier, the AM-73, from 1987.
And also the AM-93.
The AM-73 (4-times oversampling converter) has a single optical input (the AM-93 has one more, with 8-times oversampling), and 3 coaxial digital ins, with a pair of digital outs as well (for DAT machines). The AM-73 was an excellent integrated amp with ability to pass peaks over 200 watts with ease. And it has a very good sound too. And it was quite heavy.
Also from 1987, there was Sony and Luxman with digital sections.
And there was a Denon Digital Preamplifier too, that garnered universal praise for it's very exceptional sound quality.
Bob
It's the A-G10, are you sure the A-8800 has the Grand Integra moniker? It's not in my 1988 Onkyo GI catalog.
At that time Philips, Pioneer and AKAI had great digital integrated amplifiers, but as you said they were very expensive. The AG10 listed for $3K. Still a great amp today even with it's limited remote control. (Controls volume and polarity only).
I am really looking forward to this amplifier. If the price is $3995.00 as stated in Stereophile (blog.stereophile.com/ces2009/go_nad) then it is worth it.
I hope that it has more speed and resolution than a Spectral setup.
NAD M2 Direct Digital Amplifier
Linear Mode
