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NAD M28 Seven Channel Power Amplifier Preview

NAD’s Masters Series M28 Seven-Channel Power Amplifier is an amazing component that delivers a continuous 200 watts per channel into seven channels, drives any speaker load, and does it without breaking a sweat.

I’ve just received one for review and I’m already amazed after having just unpacked it. At a good bit less than 50 pounds, it weighs less than most AV receivers and is smaller in size. That seven channels are packed into it is a true achievement in design and technology. It’s Class D with amp modules designed by Purifi in Denmark and manufactured by NAD. They’re called Eigentakt and they are new on the market. They can also be found in NAD’s M33 streaming amplifier as a two-channel configuration.

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The M28 is a balanced amp so I made use of its seven XLR inputs and connected it to an Integra DHC-80.1 processor and a set of Axiom speakers: LFR1100s up front (two channels each), a VP180 center and a pair of QS8 surrounds. It also has single-ended inputs selectable by a tiny toggle switch for each channel. A 12v trigger input lets me turn on the Integra and NAD components together and a grounded power cord is provided.

Initial listening is beyond favorable. The M28 can play to volumes far beyond what’s safe without distortion or breakup. And apparently without heat either. Even blasting a few tracks from a Foo Fighters CD didn’t raise the amp’s temperature above ambient. This is accomplished with minimal heat sinks and no fans.

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I’ll be spending lots of time with the M28 in the coming weeks. Look for my full review coming soon!

Chris Eberle

Chris' passion for audio began when he took up playing the bassoon at age 12. During his third year at the New England Conservatory of Music, he won a position with the West Point Band where he served for 26 years as principal bassoonist. He retired from the Army in 2013 and is now writing full time and performing as a freelance musician in Central Florida. As an avid movie lover, Chris was unable to turn away the 50-inch Samsung DLP TV that arrived at his door one day, thus launching him irrevocably into an obsession with home theater. Dissatisfied with the image quality of his new acquisition, Chris trained with the Imaging Science Foundation in 2006 and became a professional display calibrator. His ultimate theater desires were realized when he completed construction of a dedicated cinema/listening room in his home. Chris is extremely fortunate that his need for quality audio and video is shared and supported by his wife of over 25 years. In his spare time he enjoys riding his recumbent trike at least 100 miles per week, trying out new restaurants, going to theme parks and spending as much time as possible watching movies and listening to music. Chris enjoys bringing his observations and discoveries about every kind of home theater product to as many curious and well-informed readers as possible. He is proud to be a part of the Team and hopes to help everyone enjoy their AV experiences to the fullest.