NAD has added an integrated amplifier to its Master Series. The new M32 employs NAD's DirectDigital design, in which the pre-amplification and power amplification are combined in a single amplifying stage and signals are converted to analog at the speaker terminals in order to provide the shortest signal path possible. The M32 is rated at 150 watts per channel and features NAD's flexible Modular Design Construction, with the option to add the BluOS multi-room music streaming platform. It features AES/EBU, USB, coaxial/optical digital, MM phono, and single-ended line inputs, as well as a high-quality heapdhone output and a subwoofer output. The M32 carries an MSRP of $3,999.

From NAD
NAD Electronics announced the immediate availability of their Masters Series M32 DirectDigital Amplifier ($3,999 U.S. MSRP). The M32 is an elegant, top-of-the-line, BluOS-ready integrated amplifier with a host of features that offers maximum flexibility and excellent efficiency with reduced noise and distortion. The M32 also includes a phono input and a dedicated headphone amplifier to accommodate music lovers of all kinds.

NAD Masters Series M32
NAD has a storied history in integrated amplifiers dating back more than forty years. With the M32, however, NAD is reinventing the integrated amplifier, as we know it. DirectDigital amplification combines all pre-amplification and power amplification functions into a single amplifying stage. With 150W X 2 on tap, the M32 is a true digital amp (not just Class D) that is computer controlled and amplifies entirely in the digital domain, converting to analog at the speaker terminals. This gives it the shortest signal path possible.

As for the M32's advanced design architecture, flexibility and expandability are front and center. There are four MDC (Modular Design Construction) slots with three for customization and expandability, and all are 24/192 capable.

Among the most compelling features on the M32 is that it is multi-room and high-res ready with the optional BluOS module that can occupy one of the MDC slots and fully integrate, literally becoming part of the M32. BluOS is an advanced operating system for music management and control that includes support for local NAS drives and premium Internet streaming audio services like Spotify, Tidal and many others. Of course, all the popular formats are supported, including MQA, AAC, Ogg, MP3, and Bluetooth aptX--wherever or however music is accessed, it can be enjoyed with ?the BluOS equipped M32.

Users can control BluOS with an easy-to-use app for the smartphone, tablet or desktop and can take advantage of extensive 3rd party control system integration for seamless system performance and reliability. Moreover, the M32 with BluOS is a wireless multi-room system fully compatible with the amazingly affordable Bluesound wireless speakers and digital music players for mix-and-match system flexibility.

Inputs include:
• AES/EBU, Coax and Optical, USB A and USB B
• MM Phono Input
• Single-ended Line Inputs
• Asynchronous USB 2.0 (24/192) Computer Input
• AES/EBU, Coax, and Optical 24/192 Inputs

On the output side, for personal audio aficionados, there is a dedicated high performance headphone amplifier with a ¼" jack on the front. Around back, the rear panel hosts two sets of speaker outputs capable of bi-wiring and a Subwoofer Output with a fully configurable Digital Crossover.

"NAD has redefined the modern audio component system in an entirely new way, starting with the M2 DirectDigital Amplifier a few years ago and culminating last year with the groundbreaking M12 Preamp DAC and M22 power amplifier," explained Greg Stidsen, Director of Technology and Product Planning for NAD Electronics. "NAD has eliminated obsolescence with Modular Design Construction while expanding the frontiers of connectivity with BluOS. The M32 isn't just futureproof, it's the future."

On November 10, 2016, at an awards ceremony in New York City, CES announced that the NAD M32 was named a CES 2017 Innovations Awards Honoree. A pre-eminent panel of independent industrial designers and engineers as well as prominent members of the trade media judge products entered into this competitive program. The Innovations award honors outstanding design and engineering in cutting-edge consumer electronics products across 29 product categories.

Key Features of the M32:
• DirectDigital amplification, combining all preamplification and power amplification functions into a single amplifying stage
• Four MDC slots with three for customization and expandability, all are 24/192 capable
• MM Phono Input
• Single-ended Line Inputs
• Asynchronous USB 2.0 (24/192) Computer Input
• AES/EBU, Coax, and Optical 24/192 Inputs
Subwoofer X-over with Selectable Crossover Frequency and Levels, Headphone Amplifier and two sets of Speaker Outputs for Bi-wiring

Additional Resources
• NAD and Bluesound Add Roon Support at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• MQA Support Added to Select NAD Electronics at HomeTheaterReview.com.