NAD Masters M66 and Dali Epikore 11 - Singapore Launch

2 March 2024

Introduction

Lenbrook Asia launched the NAD Masters M66 flagship streamer/DAC-preamp and the Dali Epikore 11 speakers today.

The Masters M66 is a BluOS streamer and DAC-preamp that features rich functionality and the latest technology in a single box. The full suite of inputs/outputs include a HDMI eARC port, an MM/MC phono stage and four sub-woofers outputs which can be individually configured. 

An ESS Sabre ES9038PRO DAC is the heart of the DAC section, while an ES9822PRO ADC handles analog to digital conversion. 

Sonic quality has been prioritised with physically separated analog and digital sections with independent power supplies, while the volume control is based on a resistor-ladder control circuit. Analog purists would be pleased to know that the M66 can also be operated in Analogue Direct mode which bypasses all digital processing. 

A full-license version of Dirac Live Room Correction and Live Bass Control is included, making the cost of ownership of the M66 a great value proposition. 

The Dali Epikore 11 speaker was launched to celebrate Dali's 40th anniversary. Standing at a proud 160.2 cm tall, this 4½ way design incorporates Dali's EVO-K hybrid tweeter which is a combined soft-dome and planar magnetostatic ribbon tweeter, a 6.5 inch midrange and four 8 inch woofers. The cabinetry work is outstanding and Lenbrook shared that Dali owns its own furniture maker to make their speaker cabinets. 

For the demonstration, Lenbrook paired the M66 with M23 stereo power amplifiers (operated in bridged mono mode) while the Dali was assisted with a pair of REL Carbon Special subwoofers.  

Impressions

Sonically, this system was as big as it was visually imposing. It had astounding dynamics and the genuine ability to pressurise the large showroom space with deep and chest-thumping bass. I was pleasantly surprised that it was equally adept at reproducing small-scale works with finesse and delicacy. 

Soundstaging was outstanding with careful placement of instruments and voices, with good width, depth and height too. Music was reproduced without harshness or grain, even at very high volumes. 

Tonally, the system is on the laidback end of the spectrum although there is plenty of detail in the high-frequencies to balance things out. Although these speakers could probably blow your roof off, they will appeal more to listeners who want a comfortable and non-fatiguing presentation.

Lenbrook also demonstrated the effect of DIRAC as they toggled it on-and-off. The music sounded harsh and the soundstaging lost a great degree of precision sans DIRAC. Having covered DIRAC in the NAD C 3050 LE amplifier, this did not come as a surprise to me. 

Conclusion

This is a system well-worth checking out if you are looking out for a modern and high-end solution to your audio needs. The Masters M66 showed great promise, and the possibility of future software upgrades, or modular upgrades is an attractive proposition.