How would you go about comparing the NAD M2 with the McIntosh? Just curious. They are totally different pieces. The Mc is an integrated amp that does not accept AES/EBU or any other digital input and the NAD M2 does accept AES/EBU.
The NAD M2 is not an integrated amp. Its a direct digital amplifier.
If you actually compared them, you would need to say what kind of DAC you used with the Mc.
I love the M2. Coupled with the right media server, the sound is incredible.