Audio Asylum Thread Printer

Get a view of an entire thread on one page

FAQ / News / Events

Amp/Preamp Asylum

RE: "giant killing" class D amps?

98.217.232.139

Les Anderson

In Reply to: RE: "giant killing" class D amps? posted by cawson@onetel.com on December 30, 2017 at 10:18:19

Thanks. I was not aware zetex was acquired by CSR. So I wonder what has changed under the hood on these units since the m2? Hard to believe it's nothing.

My c390dd is fully loaded with the analog card and newer smaller BluOS card. The phono stage in the analog card is not great but the adc is transparent so I use an outboad and am hoping/expecting the m32 phono stage is improved. Have you used it?

The c390dd does support mqa via bluos. I am going to yank the card out of it and put it in the m32. The c390 even offers rudimentary, yet effective room eq in the form of a 5 band eq covering the lower frequencies that works with a spl meter. I am hoping this omission in the m32 is due to Dirac live implementation on the roadmap.

Anyway, I am assuming the m32 improved the power supply as you suggest and that they use better parts. The m32 is a stunner aesthetically.

What are you expecting to get out of the m50.2? I have read that it's bluos implementation is more sophisticated, but haven't dug into the details.

Follow Ups:

RE: "giant killing" class D amps? - cawson@onetel.com 14:51:34 12/30/17 (4)
I have the Mk I BluOS card that fits the large slots. From what you say, the Mk II is slimmer for the smaller slots.

I've not used any of the analogue inputs on the M32, nor on the M12 that I'll be selling soon, as I have no analogue devices.

Apart from hopefully even better streaming and radio, I'm expecting the M50.2 to play my stored music from its built-in HDs far better than via a remote NAS. My RipNAS is nearly full and its ripper needs replacing, hence my impatience to get an M50.2. Also as I recently sold my Mark Levinson 390S CDP, the M50.2 will offer both CD ripping and playback without ripping - a very rare feature for some reason.
- RE: "giant killing" class D amps? - Les Anderson 17:17:12 01/05/18 (2)
  I took delivery of an M32 Wednesday. I am acutely aware of psychological bias, and I think it is the most understated element of our hobby, and it is early in my ownership- but I have to say that the m32 seems to be so far beyond the c390dd that it defies logic. The best amplifier I have ever owned is a Devialet 120, and the m32 is definitely in this territory- if not even better. I have a ton of travel coming up, but will do a write up after I get a few hundred hours on it. Also, FYI- here is a link that indicates some promise that DIRAC Live may be added to the m12/m32. http://www.avsforum.com/forum/90-receivers-amps-processors/1530195-nad-m17-m27-43.html#post55411882
  - RE: "giant killing" class D amps? - RioTubes 15:38:14 02/10/19 (0)
    Recognizing your post is a year old, I'm curious if you kept the M32 and how you'd characterize the contrast to C390DD (which I own and am considering upgrading to M32). Thanks
  - RE: "giant killing" class D amps? - cawson@onetel.com 05:11:25 01/06/18 (0)
    Les - Excellent that you are immediately impressed by the M32. I bought mine 10 months old, so I can't suggest how much or little improvement you will notice after burning in.
    I presume you have installed the BluOS card from the C390 into the M32. I look forward to your update when you return from your travels.
    I've read a little about DIRAC but I must admit I don't know how it works. Is it an extra box in the signal path, or is it 100% software that is used by M32 to adjust for room / speaker deficiencies? I'm thinking of getting Martin Logan 13A speakers which have their own ARC system for sub-500 Hz equalisation. Peter
    
    Edits: 01/06/18
- RE: "giant killing" class D amps? - Les Anderson 15:24:20 12/30/17 (0)
  Ahh, I see. In your case the m50.2 makes sense. I use a NAS, but just end up streaming Spotify, Tidal or Radio Paradise 99% of the time so it is not on the front of my mind.
  
  The newer bluos card is smaller, but offers no other advantage.
  
  I have become a big fan of NAD over the last few years. I used to raise my nose at the brand and consider it as mid fi, but with tech like this a company of Lenbrooks scale can simply do things that small boutique companies cannot. They have also shifted their focus, and gone upmarket and the new masters stuff is undoubtedly the real deal.
  
  Have you found a good community of m32 users anywhere?

Post a Followup:

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: