NAD
Features
• BluOS network streamer provides access to over 20 streaming services, including several that deliver lossless and high-resolution audio
• Flagship ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC and ES9822PRO ADC chips
• Innovative Dynamic Digital Headroom (DDH) circuit eliminates digital intersample peak clipping distortion
• Full MQA hardware decoding and rendering
• Support for Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
• Seamless integration with smarthome control systems such as Crestron, Control4, ELAN, RTI, URC, and others
• Support for Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri voice control
• Dirac Live Room Correction
• Four balanced and four unbalanced subwoofer outputs
• Dirac Live Bass Control enables seamless blend between the subwoofer(s) and main speakers, and smooth bass response throughout the listening area
• Ultra-quiet MM/MC phono stage with precise RIAA equalization, high overload margins, and infrasonic filter
• HDMI port with eARC support
• Two optical and two coaxial S/PDIF inputs, one AES/EBU balanced digital input, two pairs of RCA line-level analogue inputs, one pair of XLR balanced inputs
• Dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and very high output voltage capability
• Ultra-precise resistor-ladder digital volume control
• 7″ front-panel touchscreen
• Elegant aluminium casework
• Two MDC2 expansion slots for adding future capabilities
• Premium IR remote control included
*all features and details listed are preliminary
What's in the Box?
Warranty
A revolutionary hi-fi product from NAD Electronics, the Masters M66 combines an audiophile-grade DAC with a high-resolution multi-room music streamer. Not only is the Masters M66 BluOS streaming DAC-preamplifier the most advanced preamplifier NAD has ever offered, it represents an entirely new class of hi-fi separate components. With a plethora of inputs, including MM/MC phono and HDMI eARC, the M66 is a highly-capable, compatible amplifier.
Dragon Cable Recommendation: We recommend pairing the NAD Electronics M66 Streaming DAC Preamplifier with the Black Dragon Power Cable, Silver Dragon Network Cable, and Silver Dragon Interconnect Cable. The Black Dragon Power Cable is the ultimate power cable designed to be dead quiet and reject all EMI and RFI interference. 4-11Awg Stranded high purity slow drawn Copper conductors are used per cable in a star Quad configuration. The cable has a single 100% coverage shield but can be doubled up for noisy environments plus it is relatively flexible. Pair the M66 with your favorite subwoofer and you’ve got the perfect hifi setup.
Choose our Silver Dragon Interconnect Cable with RCA connectors to integrate the M66 with other audio devices in your setup. Sold in Pairs, the Silver Dragon V2 is our top-of-the-line silver conductor-based interconnect. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key. The braided geometry itself acts as a noise rejection and the shield aso adds more durability to the cable for runs on a studio floor. Lastly, the Silver Dragon Network Cable will provide a stable network connection to the M66 during use. High speed, low latency, and low jitter perfect bit rate communication between audio components can be maximized by using solid core silver conductors. The Silver Dragon Network Cable uses 8 solid core 99.999% pure silver 26AWG Teflon insulated conductors.
Connect Everything
The M66 is a highly-capable Streaming DAC Preamplifier with a full suite of analog and digital inputs, accommodating all of your source components. Vinyl fans will appreciate the M66’s ultra-quiet MM/MC phono stage, which features precise RIAA equalization, high overload margins, and an innovative circuit that suppresses the infrasonic noise that is always present with vinyl playback without affecting bass response. For TV and home theater, movie viewing, there’s an HDMI eARC port for connection to an HDTV. Other options include two coaxial and two optical S/PDIF inputs, an AES/EBU balanced digital input, two pairs of RCA line-level analogue inputs, and one pair of XLR balanced inputs for connection to a power amplifier.
Additionally, the M66 has four unbalanced RCA and four balanced XLR subwoofer outputs. The M66’s dedicated headphone amplifier has very low output impedance and very high maximum output voltage, enabling it to drive demanding high-impedance studio monitor headphones. The M66 also has Bluetooth connectivity, with support for the AAC, LDAC, and aptX HD codecs.
Stream Music Everywhere at Your Fingertips
Featuring a high-resolution network streamer based on the acclaimed Bluesound BluOS multi-room music-management system, the M66 provides access to more than 20 streaming services, including several that offer lossless and high-resolution audio. Using the intuitive BluOS app on a smart device or personal computer, listeners can play music from their favourite streaming service, their personal music libraries, and thousands of Internet radio stations, in resolution up to 24-bit/192kHz. Like all BluOS-enabled components, the M66 has full MQA decoding and rendering capability.
With BluOS, you can listen to music in just one room; or share music over your home network with up to 63 additional BluOS-enabled components from NAD and other hardware partners. The M66 integrates easily with home-control systems from Control4, Crestron, ELAN, RTI, URC, and others. Listeners can also control playback by voice using Amazon Alexa or Apple Siri. As a Roon Ready component, the M66 can be integrated into an existing Roon ecosystem for even more flexibity than what's imaginable.
Advanced Technologies, Elegant Design
The Masters M66 represents the pinnacle of what is technically achievable in a two-channel preamplifier today, and will maintain its technological leadership for decades to come. On the rear panel are two expansion slots that support MDC2, the latest generation of NAD’s Modular Design Construction future-proofing technology. As technology evolves, this will enable M66 owners to add new capabilities simply by inserting an MDC2 module into one of the slots.
The M66 integrates Dirac Live Room Correction and Dirac Live Bass Control for the most accurate in-room performance than any two-channel component ever offered. With four balanced and four single-ended subwoofer outputs and the Dirac Live Bass Control, users can connect multiple subwoofers and calibrate them independently. Dirac Live Bass Control optimizes subwoofer output in both the frequency and time domains, achieving a seamless blend between the subwoofer(s) and main speakers, and delivering smooth, consistent bass response through the entire listening area, not just in the sweet spot. Connect the supplied calibrated microphone to the M66's USB port and then launch the Dirac Live app on a smart device or personal computer. The app will walk you through the calibration process, and then generate correction filters that compensate for acoustic problems like standing waves and unwanted reflections. You’ll enjoy more textured bass, improved tonal accuracy, vastly improved clarity, and more focused imaging.
Everything about the NAD Masters M66 BluOS streaming DAC-preamp is intended to inspire pride of ownership: the gorgeous 7″ touchscreen, the elegant aluminium casework, and the silky-smooth digital volume control. With its leading-edge technology, unmatched versatility, and superb build quality, the Masters M66 is truly a masterpiece of sound.
Perfect Response
The M66 integrates Dirac Live Room Correction and Dirac Live Bass Control. Connect the supplied calibrated microphone to the M66’s USB port and then launch the Dirac Live app on a smart device or personal computer. The app will walk you through the calibration process, and then generate correction filters that compensate for acoustic problems like standing waves and unwanted reflections. You’ll enjoy more textured bass, improved tonal accuracy, vastly improved clarity, and more focused imaging.
Peak Performance
At the heart of the M66’s digital section are ESS Technology’s flagship Sabre digital-to-analog converter and ADC chips. These audiophile-grade designs are known for their exceptionally wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise and distortion, and outstanding time-domain performance. The M66 is the first component to feature NAD’s innovative Dynamic Digital Headroom (DDH) circuitry. which can be activated through the BluOS app. This feature effectively eliminates digital inter-sample peak clipping distortion, resulting in more impactful yet less strident percussion sounds, particularly noticeable in rim shots and cymbals.
For volume adjustment, the M66 employs an ultra-precise resistor-ladder control circuit. Compared to traditional analogue circuits, the M66’s digital volume control markedly reduces thermal and related distortions, maximises dynamic range, and more accurately matches left- and right-channel output across the entire volume range.
By default, analog signals are converted to digital so that functions like Dirac Live Room Correction and Bass Control are available with all sources. However, the M66 has a selectable Analog Direct mode that bypasses all digital processing, and separate signal paths for analogue and digital sources. Internally, the analogue and digital sections are physically separated and shielded from each other with their own separate power supplies sections, so that analogue signals are unaffected by digital interference when Analogue Direct mode is engaged. This results in distinct volume attenuation, superb left and right tracking and very low noise.
NAD Electronics: Music First
NAD Electronics, a renowned audio equipment manufacturer owned by Lenbrook Group, based out of Canada, has been at the forefront of high-fidelity sound reproduction for decades. Their product lineup showcases a diverse range of audio components, including the innovative NAD C series, which features everything from phono preamplifiers to CD players and turntables. At the heart of many NAD products lies their proprietary Hybrid Digital technology, which combines the efficiency of digital amplification with the warmth of analog circuits. This technology can be found in various devices, such as their stereo power amplifiers and BluOS streaming amplifiers. Notable models like the NAD C 658, a versatile streaming DAC and preamplifier, and the NAD C 700, an all-in-one streaming amplifier, demonstrate the brand's commitment to modern audio solutions. For those seeking a compact yet powerful option, the NAD D 3045 hybrid digital DAC/amplifier offers impressive performance in a small footprint. Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast looking for a quality phono stage or a digital audio aficionado in search of a cutting-edge streamer, NAD's comprehensive range caters to various audiophile needs while maintaining its reputation for exceptional value and sound quality.
Features
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi networking
- BluOS network streamer provides access to over 20 streaming services, including several that deliver lossless and high-resolution audio
- Flagship ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC and ES9822PRO ADC chips
- Innovative Dynamic Digital Headroom (DDH) circuit eliminates digital intersample peak clipping distortion
- Full MQA hardware decoding and rendering
- Support for Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
- Seamless integration with smarthome control systems such as Crestron, Control4, ELAN, RTI, URC, and others
- Support for Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri voice control
- Dirac Live Room Correction
- Four balanced and four unbalanced subwoofer outputs
- Dirac Live Bass Control enables seamless blend between the subwoofer(s) and main speakers, and smooth bass response throughout the listening area
- Ultra-quiet MM/MC phono stage with precise RIAA equalization, high overload margins, and infrasonic filter
- HDMI port with eARC support
- Two optical and two coaxial S/PDIF inputs, one AES/EBU balanced digital input, two pairs of RCA line-level analogue inputs, one pair of XLR balanced inputs
- Dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and very high output voltage capability
- Ultra-precise resistor-ladder digital volume control
- 7″ front-panel touchscreen
- Elegant aluminium casework
- Two MDC2 expansion slots for adding future capabilities
- Premium IR remote control included
- *all features and details listed are preliminary
What's in the Box?
- Masters M66 BlueOS Streaming DAC-Preamplifier
- Two detachable mains power cord
- SRM1 remote control with 2 AA batteries
- Mic Assembly with Ferrite Base
- USB MIC Sound Adaptor
- USB flash drive
- Cleaning cloth
- Quick Setup Guide
- Four pieces of magnetic feet
- Cleaning cloth
- Quick Setup Guide
FAQ
Is the NAD M66 compatible with Roon?
Yes, the NAD M33 is a Roon Ready component, meaning it can be used with the Roon ecosystem and serve as a Roon endpoint.
Specifications
- PREAMPLIFIER SECTION
- LINE IN, SINGLE-ENDED ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT
- THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.001 % at 2V out
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >105 dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out, unity gain)
- Channel separation: >120 dB (1 kHz), >108 dB (10 kHz)
- Input impedance (R and C): 56 kohms + 100 pF
- Maximum input signal: >5.6 Vrms (ref. 1% THD), >8 Vrms (bypass, ref. 1% THD)
- Output impedance: Source Z + 22 ohms
- Input sensitivity: 185 mV (ref. 500 mV out, Volume maximum)
- Frequency response: ±0.2 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz), ±0.2 dB (bypass, 20 Hz - 80 kHz)
- Maximum voltage output -IHF load: >5 V (ref. 0.1 % THD), >10 V (bypass, ref. 0.1 % THD)
- BALANCED IN, BALANCED ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT
- THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.001 % at 2V out
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >105 dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out, unity gain)
- Channel separation: >120 dB (1 kHz), >120 dB (10 kHz)
- Input impedance (R and C): 56 kohms + 100 pF
- Maximum input signal: >5.6 Vrms (ref. 1% THD), >8 Vrms (bypass, ref. 1% THD)
- Output impedance: Source Z + 22 ohms
- Input sensitivity: 92.5 mV (ref. 500 mV out, Volume maximum)
- Frequency response: ±0.2 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz), ±0.2 dB (bypass, 20 Hz - 80 kHz)
- Maximum voltage output -IHF load: >10 V (ref. 0.1 % THD), >20 V (bypass, ref. 0.1 % THD)
- DIGITAL SOURCE IN, SINGLE-ENDED ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT
- THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.0005 % at 2V out
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >108 dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out, unity gain)
- Channel separation: >126 dB (1 kHz), >115 dB (10 kHz)
- Input sensitivity: -20.25 dBFS ref. 500 mV out (-6 dBV), Volume maximum
- Frequency response: ±0.2 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Maximum voltage output -IHF load: >5 V (ref. 0.1 % THD)
- DIGITAL SOURCE IN, BALANCED/ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT
- THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.0005 % at 2V out
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >108 dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out, unity gain)
- Channel separation: >126 dB (1 kHz), >115 dB (10 kHz)
- Input sensitivity: -26.25 dBFS ref. 500 mV out (-6 dBV), Volume maximum
- Frequency response: ±0.2 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Maximum voltage output -IHF load: >10 V (ref. 0.1 % THD)
- LINE IN, SINGLE-ENDED SUBWOOFER OUTPUT/2 SUBWOOFERS
- THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.005 % at 2V out
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80 dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out, unity gain)
- Output impedance: 480 ohms
- Maximum voltage output -IHF load: >5 V (ref. 0.1 % THD)
- BALANCED IN, BALANCED SUBWOOFER OUTPUT/2 SUBWOOFERS
- THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.005 % at 2V out
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80 dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out, unity gain)
- Output impedance: 480 ohms
- Maximum voltage output -IHF load: >10 V (ref. 0.1 % THD)
- PHONO INPUT, SINGLE-ENDED ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT (Analog Direct)
- THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz) at 2 V out: MM <0.008%, MC <0.02%
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out): MM >82dB, MC >75dB
- Input Impedance (R and C): MM: 56 kohms/100 pF, MC: 100 ohms/280 pF
- Input sensitivity (ref. 500 mV out, Volume maximum): MM: 1.7 mV, MC: 123 µV
- Frequency response: ±0.2 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Maximum input signal at 1kHz (ref. 0.1 % THD): MM >80 mVrms, MC >7 mVrms
- LINE IN, HEADPHONE OUT (Analog Direct)
- THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.002% at 1V out
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >98 dB (32 ohms loads; A-WTD, ref. 0.5V out, unity gain)
- Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Channel separation: >62 dB at 1kHz
- Output impedance: Source Z + 4.7 ohms
- POWER CONSUMPTION
- Standby ON, Network Standby mode: 8W
- Standby ON, Deep Standby mode: 0.5W
- BLUOS SECTION
- AUDIO
- Supported Audio File Formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, WMA-L, OGG, ALAC, OPUS
- Supported Hi-Res Audio File Formats: FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, MPEG-4 SLS
- Sampling Rates: up to 192kHz
- Bit depths: 16 – 24
- CONNECTIVITY
- Network connectivity: Ethernet RJ45, Gigabit 1000 Mbps
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), dual-band
- Bluetooth codec: Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD
- Bluetooth connectivity: Two-Way (Receive and Headphone modes)
- USB: Type A (FAT 32 formatted)
- USER INTERFACE
- Supported operating system: Music playback from network shares on the following desktop operating systems: Microsoft Windows 10 or higher and macOS 10.3 or higher
- Mobile Application: Free BluOS Controller App available for download from the respective App stores of Apple iOS devices (iPad, iPhone and iPod), Android devices, and Windows or mac os desktops
- Front panel: 7-inch full color touch screen
- Remote control: SRM1 remote control
- SUPPORTED SERVICES
- Music services: Amazon Music, Bugs, CustomChannels, Deezer, IDAGIO, KKBOX, Napster, Neil Young Archives, nugs.net, Qobuz, QPlay, Qsic, SOUNDMACHINE, Spotify, TIDAL, Tunify
- Free internet radio: Calm Radio, SiriusXM, iHeartRadio, LiveXLive, RADIO.COM, Radio Paradise, TuneIn
- Integration services: Control 4, Crestron, ELAN, Lutron, Push, Roon, RTI, URC
- Digital Assistant: Amazon Alexa, Siri
- DIMENSION AND WEIGHT
- Gross dimension (W x H x D): 435 x 133 x 382 mm / 17 1/4 x 5 1/4 x 15 1/8 inches
- Net weight: 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs)