NAD Masters M23 V2 Stereo Power Amplifier

Second-Generation Eigentakt, and a Distortion Figure to Match

The M23 V2 is NAD's Masters-series power amplifier, and its distortion figure is the headline: below 0.00069% through the balanced input. That is four zeros before the first significant digit.

It makes 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 380 into 4 ohms. The power comes from second-generation Purifi Eigentakt modules that NAD had custom designed for this particular amplifier.

Bridged to mono it delivers 700 watts continuous into 8 ohms. A pair of them will drive essentially any loudspeaker you are ever likely to put in a domestic room.

Inside the Chassis

Frequency response holds within 0.06dB from 20Hz to 20kHz in stereo, and 0.054dB bridged to mono. Those are figures you would normally expect to see quoted for a preamplifier, not for something driving loudspeakers.

Damping is better than 800 from 20Hz to 6.5kHz. Distortion through the single-ended RCA input measures below 0.0013%, which is still an order better than most amplifiers manage through their very best connection.

The XLR and RCA inputs are auto-sensing at 56k ohms, so the amplifier selects whichever is connected. Three gain settings take 1.4, 2.5 or 4.5 volts for full output. It is 435mm wide, 133 high and 381 deep, and weighs 9.7kg.

Who Is This Amplifier Best For?

• You want the amplifier to disappear — distortion below 0.00069% and response flat within 0.06dB mean what reaches the speakers is what left the preamplifier, which is the entire argument for this amplifier.
• Your speakers are demanding — 200 watts into 8 ohms and 380 into 4, with damping above 800, and 700 watts each if you bridge a pair to mono.
• Your preamplifier output is unusual — three gain settings take 1.4, 2.5 or 4.5 volts for full output, so a professional source and a domestic preamp both land in a usable range.
• You switch sources between connections — the XLR and RCA inputs are auto-sensing, so the amplifier follows whichever is live rather than needing a switch set.
• You want the power stage and the control stage separate — Masters M66 BluOS handles volume and source selection, or any streamer/DAC preamp will

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect your preamplifier by balanced XLR or single-ended RCA — the amplifier senses which is in use. Set the gain to suit your preamplifier's output, then connect speakers to the binding posts.

For mono, set bridged mode on each amplifier first. At 9.7kg and 133mm high it needs no special shelf and generates little heat for its output.

Pairs Well With

Here are some great companions:

• Preamplifier: Required, and the natural next decision — see our Preamplifiers.
• Speaker Cables: Carry the current properly — see our Speaker Cables.
• Interconnects: Balanced XLR is the better run from preamp to amp — see our Interconnect Cables.
• Audio Rack: Give the amplifier a proper shelf — see our Audio Racks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does it make?

200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 380 into 4 ohms. Bridged to mono it makes 700 watts continuous into 8 ohms.

How is the V2 different from the original M23?

It uses the latest generation of Purifi Eigentakt modules, custom designed by NAD, for further reduced distortion.

How low is the distortion, really?

Below 0.00069% through the balanced XLR input and below 0.0013% through RCA, with response flat within 0.06dB across the audible band.

What do the three gain settings do?

They set how much input voltage gives full output: 1.4V on high gain, 2.5V on mid, 4.5V on low. Pick the one that suits your preamplifier.

How big is it?

435mm wide, 133mm high and 381mm deep, weighing 9.7kg.

What warranty does it carry?

NAD's warranty is set by the distributor in each country rather than published as one global term. Call us on 800-942-0220 and we will confirm the US term.

See It in Action

What changed in the V2 revision of the M23:

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