Thank you for the thorough review of this high performing amplifier. Just a couple observations:
- I understand SMPS's being highly regulated in comparison to linear supplies thus limiting peak power performance. What I don't understand is the peak power output being less than the steady state power output at the same distortion/load values. I'd be interested in seeing a technical explanation of that.
- I'm curious about the differences in electrical/thermal design and performance between the M23 and the C298. They're based on the same licensed technology and the fact that NAD is able to do their own board design and SMPS design probably gives them some flexibility in ultimate performance compared to amplifiers using the Purifi module and one of the Hypex SMPS modules "off-the-shelf." I get that the enclosure of the M23 and enhanced industrial design drives additional cost and that the more thought-out internal layout would drive some NRE cost above and beyond that of the C298. Given that the C298 tested nearly the same in Stereophile's test in terms of output and as I recall the THD+N performance was similar, it seems like the M23 is simply a variant of the C298 targeted at buyers to whom aesthetics and design practices matter. Is this a fair conclusion?