NAD C 658 BluOS Streaming DAC/Preamplifier

The NAD C 658 is one of the most fully furnished, future-proofed and intuitive streamers weve come across and at this sub-2000 price, one of the most convincing performers. It puts a big, bold tick in a great number of boxes. Nice work, NAD.

WHAT HI-FI?, OCTOBER 2019

A one-box stop. Streaming DAC, preamp, phono stage, headphone amp. Use the BluOS app, stream MQA

This is the product to get if digital setup is confusing or overwhelming. Just add a power amp and speakers for a fully functional streaming platform with one of the neatest most intuitive manufacturer apps out there: BluOS.

A Sabre DAC ensures detailed and musical output, and the NAD C 658 also features Dirac room correction. And yes, it’ll do the “full unfold” of all MQA content.

Features

• BluOS Network Streaming with MQA Decoding
• ESS Sabre DAC
• Dirac Live Room Correction*
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Dual Band Wi-Fi ac/n
• 2-way Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth
• 2 x MDC Slots for Future Expansion
• MM Phono Input
• 2 x Line Inputs
• 2 x Optical Inputs
• 2 x Coax Inputs
• Balanced Preamp Output
• Preamp Output
• Stereo Subwoofer Output
• High Current Headphone Out
• USB socket for adding optional wireless output module
• IR In with Learning Function
• Trigger Out/In

Specifications

Supported audio file formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, ALAC, OPUS, MQA, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, Supports converted DSD playback via the BluOS desktop app (only)
Native sampling rates:Up to 32 bit/192 kHz

BluOS
Supported operating systems: Plays music from network shares on the following desktop operating systems: Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, Vista, 7, 8 to current Windows Operating Systems and Mac OS X versions
User interface mobile operating system: luOS Free Android and iOS App available online at Google Play and Apple App store
Supported cloud services: Spotify, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz, HDTracks, HighResAudio, Murfie, JUKE, Napster, Slacker Radio, KKBox, BugsFree internet radioTuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, Calm Radio, Radio Paradise
Bluetooth: Bluetooth aptX HD wireless built-in, two-Way
Network connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet RJ45,WiFi 5 (802.11 ac/n)

Dimensions (WHD):17-1/8″ x 3-15/16″ x 16″

Shipping Weight: 22.3 lb.

A New Kind of Stereo Component

The NAD C 658 is a new kind of stereo component, one that at once changes preconceptions and opens new possibilities for audio reproduction. You see, there has never before been a component offering such a rich palette of both new and proven technology.

The C 658 has incorporated these fundamental truths to create an entirely new type of component that combines a Network Streamer, a state-of-the art DAC, and many aspects of the traditional preamplifier into a single highly cost effective package. And thanks to NADs exclusive Modular Design Construction, it will keep pace with the latest technology, not yet introduced, but inevitably coming in the future. In fact, an optional HDMI 4k switcher module is available now allowing the best sound from any of the many HDMI sources available (like game consoles and video STBs).

While the C 658 immediately replaces (or adds) your Streamer, DAC, and Preamp, it also adds many new features you may not be aware of, like a Bluetooth aptX HD transmitter to use with your wireless headphones. The highly flexible outputs allow for a true balanced connection to powered speakers or amplifiers. Single-ended connections for amplifiers and subwoofers are also provided and include an adjustable subwoofer crossover executed perfectly in the digital domain. A highly sophisticated MM Phono input is also included along with line inputs for legacy analog components.

BluOS ENABLED

Also on board is BluOS, the most sophisticated High Res streaming system available. BluOS natively supports over 15 streaming music services and indexing of over 250,000 tracks from local network sources. The C 658 becomes a node in the BluOS ecosystem allowing high res network streaming to 64 zones and control options for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac OS phones, tablets, and desktop devices. BluOS also supports all major smart home controllers and is available in a wide range of products making it easy to create a whole house audio system with the C 658 at its heart.

High Resolution in Every Detail

Most NAD components have been ‘high res’ for 45 years with very wide bandwidth, low distortion, and ultra-low noise. We just never had high resolution source material to play. With high res digital recording and streaming, combined with advanced technology like MQA, record companies are opening their vaults and releasing Studio Master Quality recordings. MQA decoding is available on all digital inputs in addition to BluOS streaming content.

The C 658 is pure High Res from input to output and features the ESS Sabre 32-bit DAC, one of the best performing DACs on the market today with its 118dB Dynamic Range and incredibly low jitter spec. All preamp functions are executed in the digital domain, including the same wide range non-truncating digital volume control used in NAD’s Masters Series components. This offers an incredibly short analog signal path that, rather uniquely, is identical for all volume settings. Sophisticated active power supplies provide super clean voltages to all circuits to keep noise and distortion at the edge of measurability.

MAKE THE SPEAKERS DISAPPEAR (ITS NOT MAGIC)

The C 658 is also the first NAD stereo component to feature Dirac Live room correction, the most sophisticated and effective room correction available. Dirac corrects the impulse response of your speakers, in addition to the frequency response of your room, for a truly transparent window into the musical performance. When the room resonances are tamed and the transient response is corrected, the result is magical. You have never heard your speakers sound this invisible or this good!

Note: These features will be implemented via future software upgrades. The C 658 will include a license for Dirac Live with the option for advanced users to upgrade to a Dirac Live Full Frequency version.

Master Quality Authenticated

Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) is a revolutionary end-to-end technology built into every BluOS Enabled amplifier to capture and deliver MQA music to your speakers in the purest quality. All BluOS Enabled players and systems include a powerful decoder and audio renderer for the millions of the MQA encoded songs, The MQA logo shown in the BluOS app indicates that the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and lets you know that you are hearing exactly what the artist recorded and approved in the studio.

Traditional NAD Performance and Value

The C 658 is part of NAD’s Classic Series of components which have an enviable reputation for giving music lovers more enjoyment for less money. If you want a solid block of handcrafted aluminum with gold plated accents, youll need to look elsewhere. If you want state-of-the-art performance and features in a sturdy no-nonsense package, then you have the right address.

Product Features

• BluOS Network Streaming with MQA Decoding
• ESS Sabre DAC
• Dirac Live Room Correction
• Gigabit Ethernet
• Dual Band Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac
• 2-way Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth
• 2 x MDC Slots for Future Expansion
• MM Phono Input
• 2 x Line Inputs
• 2 x Optical Inputs
• 2 x Coax Inputs
• Balanced Preamp Output
• Preamp Output
• Mono Subwoofer Output
• High Current Headphone Out
• USB socket for adding optional wireless outputmodule
• IR In with Learning Function
• Trigger Out/In