[ManBat]

I Recently purchased both after spending 3 years actively listening to many multi channel amps. I have just bi-amped my PMC speakers with Chord Twin Epic and the sound combination of the M25 and the M15HD is outstanding. If you are considering a pre/power combination you must audition these. Musically far superior to most competitors above and beyond its price point. The finish of the Master series is simply impeccable. The combination with the PMC's is fantastic with all forms of media, lossless, Blueray, CD, and SACD.
First points to improve - the M15HD user graphic interface is very simple - it should have the option of setting the amp up in normal Audyssey mode with a supplied mic - instead of having only the pro option available (at extra cost - no mic or software supplied - tut tut) The unit is built to last with a superb finish. Minimalist design shines with top class refinement. Multiple connections at the rear with two subs out. The sound is majestic in both multichannel - but two channel stereo is delivered with particular finesse, which is rare for surround processors. The musicality is as good if not better that dedicated units. This is simply one of the best all round solutions for two channel stereo and multichannel listening that I have ever heard. Simply awesome and well worth an audition.

[Apone]

I've not heard the Masters Series processor but what I really like about it is the modular approach for the rear panel.

What options did you go for?

[ManBat]

Originally Posted by Apone

I've not heard the Masters Series processor but what I really like about it is the modular approach for the rear panel.

What options did you go for?

Hi Apone
I purchases the standard variant of the M15HD. Another reason for the NAD selection was the knowledge that it can be upgraded and NAD have already launched an alternative HDMI module. This creates reassurance in future proofing. When you think it's really necessary, you can upgrade what you think is relevant. In the long run this saves money, and for me makes much more sense than the throw away box approach. The above review may sound enthusiastic - and that's because it really is. I would recommend a listen. Cheers

[ManBat]

On another note there is no issues with HDMI handshaking or loud popping sounds that are reported in reviews and forums for alternative amps. There is a satisfying sound when the unit comes on with the M25 and all amps powering. After that HDMI and source switching is silent. Something I've not generally heard from other amplifiers whilst auditioning various units. The M25 gets warm after a full days use but never hot and the M15 is Luke warm.

[Mr_Sukebe]

Out of curiousity, what other kit did you do comparisons against?

[ManBat]

Originally Posted by Mr_Sukebe

Out of curiousity, what other kit did you do comparisons against?

Originally Posted by Mr_Sukebe

Out of curiosity, what other kit did you docomparisons against?

Hi a range of equipment - some of which I can’t remember but here goes:

Denon AVP

Integra 80.2

Arcam avr 600

Arcam 777 / 888

Marantz 800?

Anthem avm50 and Mca50

Two channel

Classe 200? 300?

Electrocompaniet mono blocks

Please note that the comparisons are not scientific and vary in sourcecomponents, cables and sometimes speakers, room dimensions andconstructions...however the signature of the NAD comes through after trial,error and comparison. I suppose the only way to truly tell is for an auditionin your own room...however I do really like the sound of these NADs. Cheers

ManBat - Could you please make sure that your posts are correct when you have finished as I have just had to edit out your errors, next time I will just delete the post instead.

[ManBat]

Originally Posted by recruit

ManBat - Could you please make sure that your posts are correct when you have finished as I have just had to edit out your errors, next time I will just delete the post instead.

Many thanks.

[ManBat]

The guys at Carlton Audio (Melbourne) were kind enough to lone me these two great players to test out with the NAD M15HD at home.
I was again quite surprised when I did an apples vs apples comparison with CD vs WAV - Lossless and FLAC tunes with the same songs.
There was no discernible difference between the Saturn and the latter file formats. None. In testing the Cyrus I thought there was a subtle increase in the top end and base extension, but only very subtle and then only with certain tracks.
The dedicated two channel DACs in the M15HD are truly excellent.
I went a step further and tried some HD tracks downloaded from
https://www.hdtracks.com/index.php?file=best_sellers and they sounded amazing - great detail - imaging and separation.
The guys at Carlton Audio saved me money buying a CD player/Transport - now to spend it on a turntable from them...thanks guys!

[Webmonkey]

Originally Posted by ManBat

I Recently purchased both after spending 3 years actively listening to many multi channel amps. I have just bi-amped my PMC speakers with Chord Twin Epic and the sound combination of the M25 and the M15HD is outstanding. If you are considering a pre/power combination you must audition these. Musically far superior to most competitors above and beyond its price point. The finish of the Master series is simply impeccable. The combination with the PMC's is fantastic with all forms of media, lossless, Blueray, CD, and SACD.
First points to improve - the M15HD user graphic interface is very simple - it should have the option of setting the amp up in normal Audyssey mode with a supplied mic - instead of having only the pro option available (at extra cost - no mic or software supplied - tut tut) The unit is built to last with a superb finish. Minimalist design shines with top class refinement. Multiple connections at the rear with two subs out. The sound is majestic in both multichannel - but two channel stereo is delivered with particular finesse, which is rare for surround processors. The musicality is as good if not better that dedicated units. This is simply one of the best all round solutions for two channel stereo and multichannel listening that I have ever heard. Simply awesome and well worth an audition.

So you bought the old M15 HD and not the new HD2 ????

I am eyeing the HD2 as an alternative to the Onkyo 5509 - for replacing my Thule PR350. It is so strange that the HD2 has been out for 1/2 a year, but no reviews to find

[ManBat]

Originally Posted by Webmonkey

So you bought the old M15 HD and not the new HD2 ????

I am eyeing the HD2 as an alternative to the Onkyo 5509 - for replacing my Thule PR350. It is so strange that the HD2 has been out for 1/2 a year, but no reviews to find

Hi - I bought the M15HD - M15 HD AV Surround Sound Preamplifier - NAD Electronics
I couldn't track down any reviews either. Not much of a difference between the two models apart from an upgrade in HDMI and duel outputs for two displays. If you haven't had an audition I think you'll be impressed with both it's stereo and surround sound abilities. The M15HD and HD2 have MDC, so its also upgradable should you require any new functions. Technology these days requires some future proofing. I can't recommend it enough.

[Webmonkey]

Does it accept DSD from external player, such as the Oppo?

[ManBat]

Originally Posted by Webmonkey

Does it accept DSD from external player, such as the Oppo?

Sorry - I had a quick check on the internet but could not find a definitive answer. You can ask NAD directly and I am positive that the techies will be able to answer your question. Please post if you find out - cheers.

[Webmonkey]

NADs it does not accept DSD :-(. But PCM ofcause

[ManBat]

Originally Posted by Webmonkey

NADs it does not accept DSD :-(. But PCM ofcause

Many thanks - will this be a decision maker or breaker?

[Webmonkey]

Originally Posted by ManBat

Many thanks - will this be a decision maker or breaker?

niether - I would like to have - to send the stream from an Oppo - but I can not help feeling that the M15 HD2 is getting "long in the tooth" - I wonder what happened to the THX Ultra of the first version

[ManBat]

Originally Posted by Webmonkey

niether - I would like to have - to send the stream from an Oppo - but I can not help feeling that the M15 HD2 is getting "long in the tooth" - I wonder what happened to the THX Ultra of the first version

Don't worry about the THX - NAD just didn't want to pay for the certification. The M15HD is a better model than the last one and the M25 has not changed. The new models do not have the THX badge like the previous ones, however if they were to be tested they would be THX Ultra 2.

[Webmonkey]

I am not going for the M25 as I have the 7 channel Sunfire Cinema 400w :-). Should be a class above the m25 :-D.

How well does the room EQ XT work compared to the XT32 version??

[ManBat]

Sorry its been a while since last log in - can't help you with that question as i have not purchsed the professional kit. I am going to wait post renovations and progress with a professional set up using the pro software.

[ManBat]

Originally Posted by Webmonkey

I am not going for the M25 as I have the 7 channel Sunfire Cinema 400w :-). Should be a class above the m25 :-D.

How well does the room EQ XT work compared to the XT32 version??

I just looked up your AMP on Google - its a beast - how does it sound with two channel music?

[Webmonkey]

It sounds great with music. Good tight, warm and controlled. Plenty of headroom. But pricey amp :-)

[ManBat]

Just had a loan of a M56. Picture quality was good - but nothing to shout about. Considering the price, cheaper - much cheaper players can do a better job e.g. Oppo BDP 93 and 95. Music was better but it lacks the functionality of modern multi players. If you can get one really cheap it maybe worthwhile, however I would buy the Cambridge Azur or the Oppo models. Cheers

[Webmonkey]

So Manbat, how is the M15 treating you? :-D

I am curious of how good the room correction is compare to the top of the line XT32 version :-D

[ManBat]

Originally Posted by Webmonkey

So Manbat, how is the M15 treating you? :-D

I am curious of how good the room correction is compare to the top of the line XT32 version :-D

Hi Webmonkey,
No room correction purchased as yet. Waiting for a house renovation and/or a move to another house. Unfortunately you have to buy the pro version for the Master series. However all reports point to the RC being very good.

The good news is the M15/M25 combination is excellent. The sound is on the warm side of neutral which I personally like. Both movies and two channel are detailed with punch and lots of power. The system has really changed and improved in the last four weeks, probably a combination of all the systems burning in - especially the speakers (PMC Twenty 24) and cables. I am really happy with it. I would love to try some alternative speakers in my room and experiment with some of the sound nuances that you get with individual speaker signatures - probably because I'm an audio- fool rather than an audiophile.

[Webmonkey]

How about the XT buildt in??????

[ManBat]

Originally Posted by Webmonkey

How about the XT buildt in??????

I believe that the M15 HD only has the pro version that you have to purchase separately. This medel is now discontinued. The new version the M15HD 2 does come with the pro version and microphone supplied. I'm on hold at the moment so would have to double check when i am back, but pretty sure that this is the case. Cheers

[Webmonkey]

Ahh. Yes. I am ofcause thinking of the HD2 with pro and XT. And 3D support :-)

A guy on the American site said that there was a rumor that at cedia will be an upgrade to XT32 annonced.

[Webmonkey]

Nothing at IFA, if nothing from NAD at Cedia, I will go Onkyo

[ManBat]

Just a quick (nearly) 12 month update -
No issues at all - all program and switching has been smooth with no issues.
Sound - has improved with burn in - combination of cables and speakers too.
Can't fault the sound in any format - I have tried with music - Apple Lossless, WAV, FLAC, CD, SACD, DTS and movies Blue Ray disks, DVD's and various file formats. Simply outstanding.
Functions and programming has been easy - build quality superb and looks fantastic. Looking forward to a modular update to Ultra HD and HDMI versions.

[ManBat]

Recent purchase after listening to a few turntables - Rega RP 3 RP 1 and the lovely Michell Gyro Deck. Partnered with the PS Audio Wave GCPH Phono Stage it makes for lovely detailed and rounded sound with plenty of base weight.
Now trying to find the best way to backlight the acrylic to give it an ambient glow - any ideas out there?