NAD Masters Series M32 integrated amplifier

User-upgradeable, plenty of power, and 4-ohm stable

by Crutchfield's Video Team

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The NAD Masters Series M32 stereo integrated amplifier features NAD's DirectDigital circuitry, which shortens the signal path between the amp and speaker for clean, powerful sound. Four user-upgradeable slots in the back let you add functionality and ensure that you'll be able to use the M32 for years to come.

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The NAD M32 DirectDigital DAC Amplifier is part of NAD's Master Series of ultra-high-performance components. This stereo integrated amp is designed to meet the needs of today's high-res music fan. It can handle just about any digital music source that's out there and has loads of clean power to drive even the most demanding speakers. The modular design construction makes the M32 upgradeable and ready for the future.

The M32 has serious power on tap - 150 watts per channel, and that's measured at an extremely low 0.005% total harmonic distortion. This amp will deliver its full rated power into 8 or 4 ohms, and is stable all the way down to 1 ohm, so it will power virtually any loudspeakers. NAD is able to minimize noise and distortion thanks to their DirectDigital amplifier design. Unlike a traditional preamp and power amp setup, the built-in 35-bit DAC acts as a digital preamp, simplifying the signal path. Digital error correction feedback compares the input and output stages to ensure accuracy, before current is provided at the speaker terminals. The result is an incredibly short signal path and a platform that's been purpose built for hi-resolution audio.

The M32 has plenty of connectivity options. Digital inputs include 2 coax, 2 optical, USB, and AES/EBU - all of which are 24/192 capable. When it comes to analog connections, the M32 features 2 line-level inputs, a moving magnet phono input, a preamp output, and a discrete headphone amplifier. If you want even more options, the amp's Modular Design Construction allows maximum expandability. No one wants to invest in gear that will become outdated in a couple years, so NAD implemented their user-upgradable MDC system. The M32 has a 4 MDC slots and includes a preinstalled SPDIF Module. You can even add a BluOS module to make this integrated amp part of Bluesound's wireless, hi-res multi-room ecosystem.

We had the chance to hear the M32 in action in our training room, driving a pair of top-notch floor-standing speakers, and the sound quality from the M32 is stunning. It can drive some of the most demanding speakers with ease, and delivers the performance that critical listeners expect from NAD's Master series. If you have any questions about this or other amplifiers, just give Crutchfield a call.

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