- The latest generation of the affordable NAD Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier stereo integrated amplifier offers a range of improvements.
For years, the Canadian HiFi manufacturer NAD Electronics has had a particularly compact stereo amplifier in its extensive product range, which can justifiably be cited as a prime example of what is commonly understood by the term ‘just add speakers’. We are talking about the NAD Masters M10 BluOS Streaming Amplifier, which the company launched in May 2019 as a compact, modern stereo integrated amplifier based on NAD Hybrid Digital nCore Amplifier Technology and with an integrated streaming client based on BluOS.
Now, with the NAD Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier, the third generation of this solution is already available, whereby, of course, the proven concept based on an amazing amount of power and the greatest possible flexibility in an elegant, compact form is once again relied upon.
A modern masterpiece
As the name suggests, the NAD Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is part of the NAD Masters Series, a product line that, according to NAD Electronics, is designed to meet the most demanding requirements. Even though the NAD Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is the smallest in a range of finest High-end HiFi solutions, it proudly carries the genes of its big brothers.
Powerful stereo integrated amplifier in a compact form
At its core, the new NAD Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is also a very powerful amplifier, relying on a hybrid digital NCore Class D circuit design that can deliver 100 watts per channel at 4 or 8 ohms. The manufacturer also speaks of a dynamic power of up to 160W at 8 ohms and even 300W at 4 ohms, so the amplifier has the appropriate reserves.
New D/A converter
With the latest generation, a new D/A converter is also being introduced. From now on, an ESS Sabre DAC from the specialist ESS Technology Inc. will be used for signal conversion. The ESS ES9039 is used to achieve an even higher dynamic range, less noise and more details, as the manufacturer states. It processes audio data at up to 32-bit/768 kHz and is also capable of processing content encoded in lossy MQA.
From phono preamplifier to HDMI
The “little one” has no lack of interfaces, because in addition to a line in and a phono preamplifier, designed for drives equipped with MM pickup systems, there is a coaxial and optical S/PDIF interface, a USB-A port and an HDMI port for connecting a TV set, whereby the HDMI port is of course designed as eARC and supports HDMI CEC.
It is important to note that the NAD Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier not only has a preamplifier output but also two independent subwoofer connections, and of course 12 V trigger inputs and outputs are available.
Hi-res Audio Streaming via BluOS
When connected to a network via WiFi or its Gigabit Ethernet interface, NAD’s new Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier functions as a highly versatile streaming client via the BluOS streaming platform, accessing local content on the network as well as countless streaming services such as Amazon Music, TIDAL, Spotify, Deezer, Qobuz and many more.
This amplifier also supports the streaming platforms Apple AirPlay 2, TIDAL Connect and Spotify Connect via BluOS and is listed as Roon Ready.
Up to 64 streaming clients can be used in total, with central control conveniently carried out via the BluOS app for Apple iOS, Google Android, Apple macOS and Microsoft Windows.
Setting up a surround system
BluOS is also the basis for building a surround system around the new NAD Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier if desired, using optional BluOS-enabled rear speakers. This way, surround sound in Dolby Digital can be used in the form of a 4.0-channel, 4.1-channel or even 4.2-channel surround system.
Best results with Dirac Live, now including Dirac Live Bass Control
For consistently optimal playback results based on individual circumstances, Dirac Live Room Correction is once again available, whereby the NAD Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is also to offer Dirac Live Bass Control for the first time. This not only enables the optimisation of multiple subwoofers, but also the co-optimisation of subwoofers and speakers to significantly improve the integration between main speakers and subwoofers, as the manufacturer explains.
Bluetooth transceiver including aptX HD
The compact stereo integrated amplifier is equipped with Bluetooth, whereby it relies on a so-called transceiver that can both send and receive. This means that not only can you integrate smartphones as a source, but you can also control Bluetooth headphones. The codecs SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX HD are supported.
If supported by the source device, pairing via Bluetooth is particularly easy using NFC Bluetooth pairing.
Integration into a wide range of control solutions
The new NAD Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier can be integrated into a wide range of control solutions in a variety of ways. It is compatible with Crestron, RTI, Elan, Lutron, URC and Control4, the leading solutions in this field.
Elegant and compact, easy to use
The NAD Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is an extremely compact solution, measuring just 215 x 100 x 260 mm, and with its black aluminium housing, it is also extremely elegant.
The design comes from the company DF-ID and relies on a touchscreen colour display that dominates the front panel with Gorilla glass and serves as the central control element. A matching infrared remote control is also included.
Pricing and availability
The new NAD Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is scheduled to be launched in the fourth quarter of 2024 at a suggested retail price of € 2.499,-.
Getting to the point
For years, NAD Electronics has been pushing the field of so-called Just ad speakers systems, solutions that offer everything you would expect from a modern, networked HiFi system in the most compact, elegant form possible. This is done above all with solutions that, surprisingly, can be assigned to the premium segment, namely the so-called NAD Masters Series, with the new NAD Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier now being announced as the third generation of this product line with significant improvements. The ideal amplifier for the internet age is said to be even better with these improvements, as NAD Electronics promises in this regard.
| PRODUT | NAD Masters M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Price | € 2.499,- |
| Brand | NAD |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | NAD Electronics International |
| Distribution Austria | smart audio GmbH |
| Distribution Germany | Dali GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
