Integrated amplifiers — NAD M33

The NAD M33 combines an integrated amplifier, a network streamer, a phono stage and a DAC in one chassis, so amplification, digital conversion, streaming and vinyl playback are all handled by a single unit. In NAD's range of integrated amplifiers it sits above the C 389, C 379 and C 368, which offer progressively lower output and fewer features. A very high damping factor is one of its defining figures.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is 200 W per channel into 8 ohms and 380 W into 4 ohms. Analogue connections comprise a balanced input, two single-ended line inputs and an input for a turntable, with an input sensitivity of 865 mV. The frequency response runs from 20 Hz to 60 kHz within 3 dB. NAD quotes a signal-to-noise figure above 98 dB, THD plus noise below 0.003% and a damping factor over 800. The case measures 435 x 133 x 396 mm and weighs 9.7 kg.

Engineering and use context

Streaming runs on NAD's BluOS platform, which brings multi-room playback and control from an app. Because the network player, the DAC and the phono stage are all inside, the M33 is built to work as a single-box system for most two-channel setups, without a separate streamer, converter or phono preamplifier.

Pairing

With network, digital and vinyl sources handled internally, a turntable and a pair of loudspeakers are all that most systems need around it. The balanced input accepts a source with XLR outputs, and the high power into 4 ohms gives headroom with speakers that present a lower impedance.

Alternatives

The NAD C 389 is a lower-powered integrated amplifier for systems that do not need built-in streaming.