NAD M23 versus Benchmark AHB2

[Gregm]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Yes, a common advise from all of you is to try to listen to both. I do not have a dealer nearby, I will see if I can purchase both and then return the one I like less.thanks to all of you for all the advices and thoughts.

That is a thorough but expensive approach! Let me give some additional, very subjective, info:
The Benchmark is very well engineered, it measures well, and performs accordingly. You'll likely find the sonic result boring.
The M23 is based on the Purifi module, it is less accurate and not as linear on top as the Benchmark; it will probably match well with your speakers -- they're a great design, but sometimes a bit hot in the upper register.

Speaking of Purifi based amps, you could opt for the much more reasonably priced, but less prestigiously named, Audiophonics amp from... Audiophonics. They are very presentable, well made, thoroughly engineered -- just not a premium brand

Keep in mind there is a new module Eigentakt midule hitting the market soon (or has it hit already?).

 

[aldo_75]

I have owned both, although the M33 rather than the M23 - basically the M33 adds streamer, DAC and Preamp, but the power amp part is the same Purifi Eigentakt Class D as M23.

I'd suggest you try to borrow demo units to compare the two. If you do that, I'll bet a pound to a penny that you'll take the M23.

Both measure well (the ABH2 maybe marginally better) and both are dead quiet, but with your speakers, most high quality amps with a good S/N ratio should be quiet.

The difference will be in the relative life-like excitement-factor that you get from these amps. From my experience, one will be drearily dull - though some may prefer that - and the other will offer thrills more like the live concert-hall performance you are likely to be looking for. I'll leave you to draw your own conclusion, but both are good amps, only one is the sort of amp you'll be often turning up the volume of.

PS - I home tested 12 amps before deciding which to keep and it was surprising how much they varied. Some, to my surprise were disappointing (Quad, Benchmark and Sugden amongst them), others were very tempting (GamuT , Mark Levinson and Accuphase) and their Class had little to do with it. I went for the amp that offered the most entertaining and exciting sound through my already entertaining and exciting speakers. I suspect my choice of listening material may be similar to yours.

Thanks for sharing your experience and all the details. You did not take the route of using the rest of the chain to give color/excitement

That is a thorough but expensive approach! Let me give some additional, very subjective, info:
The Benchmark is very well engineered, it measures well, and performs accordingly. You'll likely find the sonic result boring.
The M23 is based on the Purifi module, it is less accurate and not as linear on top as the Benchmark; it will probably match well with your speakers -- they're a great design, but sometimes a bit hot in the upper register.

Speaking of Purifi based amps, you could opt for the much more reasonably priced, but less prestigiously named, Audiophonics amp from... Audiophonics. They are very presentable, well made, thoroughly engineered -- just not a premium brand

Keep in mind there is a new module Eigentakt midule hitting the market soon (or has it hit already?).

Thanks so much for the advice. I will look at it. I was recently (just for fun) looking at DYI CLass D power Amp, still learning. How does the Hypex Nilai5000 compare with the other modules (like Purifi, Eigentakt, etc). Any significant difference? Any sense of what is the big difference with the NAD M23 ?

One more question (if I can): don't you think that keeping the power amp neutral and lifeless while using the preamp to color the sound may be a good idea?

Thanks so much again to all of you for the help and guidance.


PS: I forgot to mention that I'm not interested in the esthetic much.

 

[Audiohertz2]

It would depend on your preference in listening. Personally, I prefer accuracy, especially in my elder years. I've owned a lot of gear, and still do (7 amplifiers), but the ABH2 is nothing like I've owned or listened to before. It is studio quality and is absolutely dead silent and virtually zero distortion at any listening level. However, I have been a fan of NAD gear since the early 80's, and still own 2 of their vintage preamps and their 2200 Power Envelope which I pair with my Thorens TD160. The reviews I have read for the NAD M22 does hat have the absolute measurements of the Benchmark, but measure quite well, and may be more "fun". But, bear in mind the M23 id a Class D amp, and the Benchmark a class H w/ class A/B circuitry. ASR link attached. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/nad-m23-stereo-amplifier-review.45462/

This is impressive if accurate , what speakers and load is the OP using ..?

 

[aldo_75]

This is impressive if accurate , what speakers and load is the OP using ..?

Thanks. I have the KEF R3 Meta, they are 4 Ω and 87dB

 

[kswanson27]

That is a thorough but expensive approach! Let me give some additional, very subjective, info:
The Benchmark is very well engineered, it measures well, and performs accordingly. You'll likely find the sonic result boring.
The M23 is based on the Purifi module, it is less accurate and not as linear on top as the Benchmark; it will probably match well with your speakers -- they're a great design, but sometimes a bit hot in the upper register.

Speaking of Purifi based amps, you could opt for the much more reasonably priced, but less prestigiously named, Audiophonics amp from... Audiophonics. They are very presentable, well made, thoroughly engineered -- just not a premium brand

Keep in mind there is a new module Eigentakt midule hitting the market soon (or has it hit already?

That is a thorough but expensive approach! Let me give some additional, very subjective, info:
The Benchmark is very well engineered, it measures well, and performs accordingly. You'll likely find the sonic result boring.
The M23 is based on the Purifi module, it is less accurate and not as linear on top as the Benchmark; it will probably match well with your speakers -- they're a great design, but sometimes a bit hot in the upper register.

Speaking of Purifi based amps, you could opt for the much more reasonably priced, but less prestigiously named, Audiophonics amp from... Audiophonics. They are very presentable, well made, thoroughly engineered -- just not a premium brand

Keep in mind there is a new module Eigentakt midule hitting the market soon (or has it hit already?).

I've had an AHB2 driving a pair of Quad ESL63s, which I think most would agree are at least fairly revealing speakers, for a couple of years. The AHB2 does exactly what its specs say it should do and that's reproduce the music as it was recorded. If that fits your definition of boring it's not the amp for you. There are plenty of well built, reliable amps at all sorts of price points that will give you some form of coloration if that's what you think you need but I would consider the old adage "be careful what you wish for". As others have posted try 'em all in your system.

 

[aldo_75]

I've had an AHB2 driving a pair of Quad ESL63s, which I think most would agree are at least fairly revealing speakers, for a couple of years. The AHB2 does exactly what its specs say it should do and that's reproduce the music as it was recorded. If that fits your definition of boring it's not the amp for you. There are plenty of well built, reliable amps at all sorts of price points that will give you some form of coloration if that's what you think you need but I would consider the old adage "be careful what you wish for". As others have posted try 'em all in your system.

Thanks so much. Let me add one piece of information that I forgot to bring on the table. You may find it silly, but so far I have been listening to musing mainly using headphones (living in a small apt.) and I'm quite happy with the 'coloration' that the rest of the chain produces. Clearly the headphones play a role here, but if the same 'coloration' transfers to the speakers via the power amp (meaning the power amp does not add anything) I will be happy. Thanks. I apologize if my observation are silly, I'm new to the game.

 

[Hear Here]

Speaking of Purifi based amps, you could opt for the much more reasonably priced, but less prestigiously named, Audiophonics amp from... Audiophonics. They are very presentable, well made, thoroughly engineered -- just not a premium brand

The OP should bear in mind that not all Purifi amps will sound the same and price will affect the sound quality. Not only because the Eigentakt board will be specifically tuned for best sound, but it will be built under license to a higher spec than the cheap Eval(uation) boards likely to be found in less expensive Purifi amps. Also the power supply, internal wiring, RFI interference measures, case, feet, sockets will all be better in the NAD. Also, when you come to sell the NAD, it will likely find a buyer prepared to pay good money for it.

 

[Hear Here]

Thanks for sharing your experience and all the details. You did not take the route of using the rest of the chain to give color/excitement

I'm not sure I get the point you're making.

I bought the M33 before the M23 was released and very I'm pleased I did as the cost difference is relatively small and the extra features in the M33 are amazing for the extra price. My simple system consists of the M33 feeding my Avantgarde Duo XD amps - nothing else needed, as a 2TB SSD connected to the M33’s USB socket stores my ripped 1500 CD collection that it can immediately access via BluOS.

PS - In fact in the UK (I've just checked) these 2 units have identical list prices - £3999. For the same price as the M23, the M33 includes the same Purifi Eigentakt power amp, but also (for free!) the BluOS streamer, a top-tier DAC from ESS, a phono stage, Dirac Live (room correction DSP), a touch-screen display panel, an IR remote control, etc. I'd earnestly suggest you look at this box of tricks, even if you won't want to use all these extra features. However, if you find that these extra features prove better than your existing kit, you could sell some of them and have cash to spend on some other luxury!

 

[Kal Rubinson]

I've had an AHB2 driving a pair of Quad ESL63s, which I think most would agree are at least fairly revealing speakers, for a couple of years. The AHB2 does exactly what its specs say it should do and that's reproduce the music as it was recorded. If that fits your definition of boring it's not the amp for you. There are plenty of well built, reliable amps at all sorts of price points that will give you some form of coloration if that's what you think you need but I would consider the old adage "be careful what you wish for". As others have posted try 'em all in your system.

I could say the same with the only change being the insertion of KEF Blade 2 Meta speakers. The accuracy of the Benchmarks is not boring unless you do not want accuracy.

The Eigentakt amps (from NAD and elsewhere) come close enough that the audible differences are inconsequential compared to the differences among speakers and recordings as well as the variabilities of room acoustics. By all means, try to audition all the options but do not lose persepective.

 

[Gregm]

I've had an AHB2 driving a pair of Quad ESL63s, which I think most would agree are at least fairly revealing speakers, for a couple of years. The AHB2 does exactly what its specs say it should do and that's reproduce the music as it was recorded. If that fits your definition of boring it's not the amp for you. There are plenty of well built, reliable amps at all sorts of price points that will give you some form of coloration if that's what you think you need but I would consider the old adage "be careful what you wish for". As others have posted try 'em all in your system.

Thanks for your advice but I am not looking for an amp, nor am I wishing for anything either - I'll take your advice to be careful what I wish for.

 

[Gregm]

Thanks so much for the advice. I will look at it. I was recently (just for fun) looking at DYI CLass D power Amp, still learning. How does the Hypex Nilai5000 compare with the other modules (like Purifi, Eigentakt, etc). Any significant difference? Any sense of what is the big difference with the NAD M23 ?

I haven't directly compared the Hypex Nilai to the EIgentakt -- sorry. Reputedly, the Nilai is quite a ways better than the other Hypex modues -- but that is needs to be confirmed...

One more question (if I can): don't you think that keeping the power amp neutral and lifeless while using the preamp to color the sound may be a good idea?

IMO introducing distortion (i.e. coloured preamp) into the system is not a good idea. It is best to avoid coloured devices as much as possible, where possible! Regards

 

[Rexp]

I could say the same with the only change being the insertion of KEF Blade 2 Meta speakers. The accuracy of the Benchmarks is not boring unless you do not want accuracy.

The Eigentakt amps (from NAD and elsewhere) come close enough that the audible differences are inconsequential compared to the differences among speakers and recordings as well as the variabilities of room acoustics. By all means, try to audition all the options but do not lose persepective.

Actually power amps can make a huge difference, particularly to aspects like imaging/soundstage. After all, if a recording has good imaging, you won't hear it unless your power amp reveals it.

 

[aldo_75]

I haven't directly compared the Hypex Nilai to the EIgentakt -- sorry. Reputedly, the Nilai is quite a ways better than the other Hypex modues -- but that is needs to be confirmed...

IMO introducing distortion (i.e. coloured preamp) into the system is not a good idea. It is best to avoid coloured devices as much as possible, where possible! Regards

Thanks so much for the feedback. I have no experience with pre-amp and even less with Class D amp. The comments from all of you are very helpful, especially considering that I have not listened to any of those amps.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Actually power amps can make a huge difference, particularly to aspects like imaging/soundstage. After all, if a recording has good imaging, you won't hear it unless your power amp reveals it.

If you say so. There are, of course, both poorly engineered and improperly employed amps to take into account.

 

[Audiohertz2]

Thanks so much for the feedback. I have no experience with pre-amp and even less with Class D amp. The comments from all of you are very helpful, especially considering that I have not listened to any of those amps.

Are you currently not using a pre-amp ? I would start there if not ..

 

[Hear Here]

Are you currently not using a pre-amp ? I would start there if not ..

No, please don't, unless you have bottomless pockets and can afford a pile of separates and still find the big dollops of cash needed for speakers that justify that expenditure. Speakers are far and away the most important part of your gear and probably 60+% of your budget should go there. My (list price) £34 K speakers are perfectly well fed by a £4500 all-in-one. No separate preamp, DAC, streamer, power amp, DSP and none of those expensive cables that can never add to sound quality - it's all in one first-class box.

 

[aldo_75]

Are you currently not using a pre-amp ? I would start there if not ..

Thanks .I do, I have the Ferrum OOR. But I’m using as headphone amp. I just got the speakers and I do not have any power amp to drive them. Hence, my question on which one to get. Thanks.

 

[aldo_75]

No, please don't, unless you have bottomless pockets and can afford a pile of separates and still find the big dollops of cash needed for speakers that justify that expenditure. Speakers are far and away the most important part of your gear and probably 60+% of your budget should go there. My (list price) £34 K speakers are perfectly well fed by a £4500 all-in-one. No separate preamp, DAC, streamer, power amp, DSP and none of those expensive cables that can never add to sound quality - it's all in one first-class box.

It is my first journey into speakers. I’m coming from headphone experience only. :-(

 

[Audiohertz2]

No, please don't, unless you have bottomless pockets and can afford a pile of separates and still find the big dollops of cash needed for speakers that justify that expenditure. Speakers are far and away the most important part of your gear and probably 60+% of your budget should go there. My (list price) £34 K speakers are perfectly well fed by a £4500 all-in-one. No separate preamp, DAC, streamer, power amp, DSP and none of those expensive cables that can never add to sound quality - it's all in one first-class box.

Then you are 50% below system potential with an all in one setup ..!

But you’re happy, that accounts for much ..

 

[Audiohertz2]

Thanks .I do, I have the Ferrum OOR. But I’m using as headphone amp. I just got the speakers and I do not have any power amp to drive them. Hence, my question on which one to get. Thanks.

Ok long or short journey ahead , you may or may not be happy with your first pick ..!