RSSNAD Masters Series M25 Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
- By: Jerry Del Colliano,
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Ask any audiophile about NAD and you are very likely to get a big grin just at the suggestion of the brand. I have called NAD Electronics the "gateway drug" to audiophilia, as their low-priced, no-frills-looking products have the ability to light up a room like fancy tweako gear at a fraction of the price. Feeling a little frisky and wanting to show what their designers can really do, NAD launched a Masters Series of electronics that cost more than their main line of gear, but come with Mark Levinson good looks and a spec sheet worthy of the comparison.
Priced at $3,499, this 160-watts-per-channel seven-channel amplifier has some serious spank. It's built like a tank and comes with a design that included seven discrete channels of amplification capable of dipping down to a whopping 400-plus watts per channel when given a two-Ohm load. The NAD Masters Series M25 has been THX Ultra2-certified, meaning that their power ratings meet THX's high standards and avoid the spec gamesmanship seen with other products. The sound of the NAD Masters Series has a hefty low end but also, more noticeably, a smoother mid- and high-frequency response than the lower-level NAD line. In a recent private demo with an NAD Masters Series system, paired with PSB's newest reference bookshelf speakers, I was treated to a very wide soundstage and out-of-the-box imaging that is normally reserved for systems costing much, much more.
Additional Resources
• Read other 5 and 7 channel amp reviews from HomeTheaterReview.com's multi-channel amp resource page.
• Check out a review of Krell's $03 Three Channel power amp here.
Read The High Points, The Low Points and The Conclusion on Page 2
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Comment on this article
Right around the time I got my APT Holman amp/preamp combe, the NAD 3020 amp came out. One of the most sought after amps at any price, and a lot of people just used it as a preamp. Since that time, I have had much respect from NAD. Always looking to pack great performance and quality, into a great product, at a good price.
This amp looks to be a solid performer at the upper level for NAD. Somewhat of a surprise. But, I think its great they have a product at this price level. And while its true there are other amps with more power, there has always been something special about how NAD delivers its sound to the speakers. I`d like to hear one for myself.
Not a lot of power for this kind of money. Where are the balanced inputs? All THX certification does is add cost. Few if any quality manufacturers bother with that as most amps easily clear those benchmarks.
And its made in China? You're kidding $4500.00?
Here you go. $700 and I'll bet its sound is very close......
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-upa-7
Not a lot of power for this kind of money. Where are the balanced inputs? All THX certification does is add cost. Few if any quality manufacturers bother with that as most amps easily clear those benchmarks.
And its made in China? You're kidding $4500.00?
Here you go. $700 and I'll bet its sound is very close......
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-upa-7
Do you realize how many top ranked pieces of electronics are made in china or japan?
What equipment do you own? besides Emotiva?
You think a $500 amp will compete with moderately priced amps? there are definite differences in sound and detail offered by pricier amps.
So with the mentality you have maybe you should change your name to volkswagenguy
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