NAD Streaming Amps

bem

I'm looking for some input on a streaming amp for my family room audio/TV room. I have Roon and I'm a Tidal subscriber so I'm looking for a streamer/amp that will allow me to connect my TV, Apple TV, and DVD player and utilize my Tidal subscription. I've been looking around and I'm considering the NAD C389 with the BlueOS module. List price is about $2100 but it can be bought for less. Does anyone have any experience with these NAD amps? Also if anyone has any other suggestions on how I might do this, I'd appreciate the input. As for speakers I'm currently using an inherited pair of Polk Monitor Series 11T's. I'll probably be selling these in the near future. Not sure yet about what I'd consider for replacements.

newbie308

I'm absolutely no expert on streaming devices, but I did sit and listen to the NAD M33 at Audiolab in Morrisville PA and I was extremely impressed. The M33 has a very good phono section, if you have a turntable. Admittedly, I anticipated disappointment since it uses digital amplifier technology, but it was excellent.

bem

Thanks for your comments. The more I look into things I’m starting to think that I may consider going into separates like a streaming DAC and a good quality integrated amp. Along with this I’ve decided to increase my budget to around 3K for the electronics. As I said the old Polk Monitor 11t’s will not be around much longer. I’m actually looking at used pair of speaker to replace them. I have a chance to pick up a used pair of speakers made by Spendor. While not inexpensive they sound great and will fit the room location nicely without causing WAF issues. I’m still not certain yet. This project started out as simple family room audio improvement project and is taking me to areas where I really shouldn’t be going. I think it’s called “scope creep”.

jbreezy5

bem wrote: »

Thanks for your comments. The more I look into things I’m starting to think that I may consider going into separates like a streaming DAC and a good quality integrated amp. Along with this I’ve decided to increase my budget to around 3K for the electronics. As I said the old Polk Monitor 11t’s will not be around much longer. I’m actually looking at used pair of speaker to replace them. I have a chance to pick up a used pair of speakers made by Spendor. While not inexpensive they sound great and will fit the room location nicely without causing WAF issues. I’m still not certain yet. This project started out as simple family room audio improvement project and is taking me to areas where I really shouldn’t be going. I think it’s called “scope creep”.

It’s the nature of the hobby beast.

jbreezy5

newbie308 wrote: »

I'm absolutely no expert on streaming devices, but I did sit and listen to the NAD M33 at Audiolab in Morrisville PA and I was extremely impressed. The M33 has a very good phono section, if you have a turntable. Admittedly, I anticipated disappointment since it uses digital amplifier technology, but it was excellent.

You’ve got me thinking about the C700 and M10 for the office system.

Been considering a small, lifestyle all-in-one dac/amp/streamer.

Thanks for sharing your impressions.

bem

I’ve had experience with the Bluesound POWERNODE which I believe uses the same amplifier technology as the C700. It’s actually pretty good. It’s about $900. It doesn’t have the display screen like the C700. I’ve been using it on my “interim” system.

jbreezy5

bem wrote: »

I’ve had experience with the Bluesound POWERNODE which I believe uses the same amplifier technology as the C700. It’s actually pretty good. It’s about $900. It doesn’t have the display screen like the C700. I’ve been using it on my “interim” system.

What separates are you considering?

bem

Too early to say. I’m just starting down this new path . Given that I’m really not looking for a lot of inputs, an integrated amp may be be overkill. I may only need the ability to stream Tidal and connect to an Apple TV, DVD player and a television. I know I can connect the DVD player and Apple TV to the HDMI inputs on the TV and use HDMI (ARC) as an input to the streamer. I’m thinking that maybe a streaming DAC with outputs to a power amp will do the job. I still won’t rule out something like a NAD M10 v2 until I explore the separates(Streamer/DAC/Power amp option). I guess I’m really looking for input from Club Polk folks if they have a system with similar requirements.

jbreezy5

Are you going to add a separate preamp or use a streamer as preamp if you go the separates route?

bem

Excellent questions. I’m thinking that I might investigate a streamer/DAC/preamp and a power amp. I’m not sold yet on all in one units that have a streamer/DAC/amp. Although, I may still end up with one if the cost of separates gets too high. If I go the separates route I’ll probably be looking at pre owned units.

erniejade

If you go m10 make sure to get the V2 version

bem

Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind on the NAD M10. I also plan to check out some NAIM all in ones. They seem a bit pricier.

jbreezy5

bem wrote: »

Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind on the NAD M10. I also plan to check out some NAIM all in ones. They seem a bit pricier.

If measurements matter to you, I would steer clear of the Naim Uniti Atom. Overpriced for what you get, imo.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/naim-uniti-atom-review-streamer-amp.35213/

bem

Thanks for the link. It does seem like a lot of money for what you get. It’s interesting that bench specs are disappointing yet there seem to be some very positive reviews on You Tube.

stangman67

I’ve got a NAD M10 V2 downstairs in the living room and love it. It’s easy to use and sounds great. Really can’t go wrong

bem

Glad to hear that you like the M10 V2. It’s at the top of my list right now. I’m having a hard time justifying the cost of some of the other “all in one” units. The M10 V2 might be answer. Are you happy with the class D amp that is in the M10.

stangman67

Yes absolutely. It’s driving some power hungry DIY bookies right now and does a great job with them. It’s no high current powerhouse but it’s amazingly good for the form factor.

bem

That’s good to hear. Just curious, do you use the room correction software (Dirac Live)? If you do, what do you think of it?

stangman67

I haven’t used Dirac yet although I suppose I should mess with it. In general Dirac is well respected so I’d imagine it would do wonders on low frequency response, which is really what these auto eq settings shine at. If I was to integrate subs, I would certainly run Dirac but TBH I am very happy with how it sounds without running any correction. This is not my main rig so I don’t do much critical listening, just enjoy rocking tunes while I am hanging out

bem

Hey, thanks for your input. Also, nice setup in your cave. If you don’t mind me asking, what do you have going on with your book shelf speakers?

stangman67

If you are asking what they are, they are a DIY kit build. They are a Jeff Bagby/Javad Shadzi design called the Helios CM. All SB acoustic drivers, soft dome tweeter,8” woofer and 10” passive. I have a couple threads on the build on here.

bem

Just read your April 2022 thread on your DIY build project. I don’t know how I missed it. What an amazing project! It must have been so satisfying to complete it. The finished product looks incredible.