NAD Electronics C 658 DAC BluOS Streaming DAC

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Model: C 658 UPC: 5703120210254 Item: 172209


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Product Information

Intelligent. Powerful. Efficient

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. Bold statements? Read on.

Features

  • BluOS network streaming
  • ESS Sabre DAC with MQA decoding
  • Dirac Live Room Correction
  • Gigabit ethernet
  • Dual band Wi-Fi a/c/n
  • 2-way Bluetooth aptX HD
  • 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

Redefining the Architecture of Hi-Fi Playback

As we move deeper into the 21st century the way music is distributed and enjoyed continues to evolve away from physical media to streaming. It also has moved away from analogue to digital. 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 NAD’s 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 analogue components.

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. There was just never 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 resolution from input to output and features NAD’s Direct Digital 35 bit 844kHz DAC, one of the best performing DACs on the market today with its 130dB 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 analogue 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

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!

Traditional NAD Performance

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 hand–crafted aluminum with gold plated accents you’ll 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.

Specifications

Specifications

Line Input/Pre Out

  • THD (20Hz - 20kHz): <0.005% at 2V out
  • Signal-to-noise raito: >106dB (IHF, A-weighted, ref. 500mV out, unity gain)
  • Channel separation
    • >80dB (1kHz)
    • >70dB (10kHz)
  • Input impedance (R and C): 22k-ohms + 100pF
  • Maximum input signal: >4.5Vrms (ref. 0.1% THD)
  • Output impedance: Source Z + 240 ohms
  • Input sensitivity: 93mV (ref. 500mV out, volume maximum)
  • Frequency response: ±0.3dB (20Hz - 20kHZ)
  • Maximum voltage output - IHF load): >4.5V (ref. 0.1% THD)
  • Tone controls
    • Treble: ±7.0dB at 20kHz
    • Bass: ±7.0dB at 60kHz
    • Balance: -10dB

Phono Input/Pre Out

  • THD (20Hz - 20kHz): <0.01% at 2V out
  • Signal-to-noise ratio
    • >84dB (200 ohm source, A-weighted, ref. 500mV out)
    • >76dB (MM cartridge source, IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500mV out)
  • Input sensitivity: 1.44mV (ref. 500mV out, volume maximum)
  • Maximum input signal at 1kHz: >80mVrms (ref. 0.1% THD)
  • Frequency response: ±0.3dB (20Hz - 20kHz)

Line Input/Headphone Out

  • THD (20Hz - 20kHz): <0.005% at 120mW
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: >110dB (32 ohms load; A-weighted, ref. 500mV out, unity gain)
  • Frequency response: ±0.3dB (20Hz - 20kHz)
  • Channel separation: 60dB at 1kHz
  • Output impedance: 6 ohms

DAC

  • Supported audio file formats: Mp3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, ALAC, OPUS
  • High-resolution audio formats: MQA, DSD, FLAC, WAV, AIFF
  • Native sampling rates: Up to 32bit/192kHz
  • Bit depths: 16 - 24

BluOS

  • Supported operating systems: Windows and Mac OS X
  • Supported cloud services: Spotify, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, Qobuz, HDTracks, HighResAudio, Murfie, JUKE, Napster, Slacker Radio, KKBox, Bugs
  • Free Internet Radio: TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, Calm Radio, Radio Paradise
  • Bluetooth quality: AptX HD wireless built-in
  • Bluetooth connectivity: Two-Way (transmit and receivE)
  • Network connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet RJ45, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi

General

  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 17 1/8" x 3 15/16" x 16"
  • Weight: 22.3 lbs.
  • Amazon Alexa compatibility

What's in the Box

What's in the Box:

  • C 658 DAC BluOS Streaming DAC
  • Manual

Reviews

We'd love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a review.

Customer Reviews for NAD Electronics C 658 DAC BluOS Streaming DAC

5.0 / 5.0
4 Reviews
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Rated 5 out of 5
Great product- incredible service
The preamp works wonderfully and I enjoy the music coming from my Thiels. However, the real positive was the service I received from Rob. I’ve always been happy with the products and service through WWS.
October 26, 2021
Purchased
1 year ago
Rated 5 out of 5
A great preamp that music sounds clear, and detailed. Works great with its app to play Tidal or Spotify with no issues.
Very clear sound, the DAC is excellent. I have really been enjoying listening to music through Tidal. When I put the BlueOS app on my Samsung phone it updated the software in the preamp with no problem. I was also tjen to connect Tidal, Spotidy etc through it with no problem. Playing music through my Denon CD player and more importantly my Dual Turntable was good as I expectedit would. The volume with the turntable was lower than the other sources but I was told by a tech that was normal. Having the remote is helpful though not all the functions on the remote do something. To get to some sub menus to make adjustments were a little annoying. Quality of the unit is very good.

Dave again was a great salesman and very helpful. I could buy the preamp by mail catalog but to be able to go in a store, hear it, hear speakers and other audio gear is a huge plus. Support your local stereo stores in your area.
User submitted image
Added Jun 29, 2021
June 29, 2021
Purchased
1 year ago
Rated 5 out of 5
C 658 DAC BluOS Streaming DAC
The preamp is wonderful. Very clear sound, flexible features as well as streaming at higher quality with MQA with Tidal. Highly recommend
June 15, 2021
Rated 5 out of 5
Welcome to the future of Music
So after much painful deliberation I took the leap and purchased the NAD C658, there was not a ton of information review wise out there so I was nervous making a large purchase like this sight unseen seeing the last time I bought something like this I took a few of my favorite CD's to the local Stereo shop and conducted a proper audition with knowledgeable folks I know and trust. Unfortunately those days are long gone. Luckily this is one fantastic piece of stereo equipment that has a ton future proof technology with the expansion ports and software updates. The sound quality is better that anything I have ever owned, and the use of it is so convenient and setup was easy. I have ripped my entire collection to FLAC and plugged the drive into the back of the unit, Bluos loaded everything right up for immediate use. I later setup Tidal and here is were things really got good, streaming Tidal Masters is a game changer better than CD quality at a tap of the tablet and everything is lightning fast change songs in an instant, functionality has exceeded my expectations. I will be keeping Tidal after the free trial and all of their music starts at 16/44.1 FLAC so full CD quality and up this has totally changed how I listen to music all of the disc are gone and will be selling them off. I have been using the wireless connection with no issues what so ever streaming which was a concern for me going in but no issue at all. Getting a bit older my taste in music has evolved and having Tidal keeps me from ever having to purchase music again which could have easily exceeded the cost of this unit a win, win if there ever was one. Rock On! or maybe Jazz....
This review was collected as part of a promotion
Tidal Masters
Nice looking gear
May 28, 2019

Q&A

Customer Q & A

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Browse 5 questions Browse 5 questions and 5 answers
What is the difference between this unit and the c 368 with Bluos installed? Looking for an amp that can do it all. Not convinced the M10 is a solution either.
New User U on Apr 23, 2020
  Thanks for your question. All are BluOS and DACs. The C658 is a Pre Amp only, requiring connection to an amplifier to drive speakers. The C368 is a complete receiver with provisions for two pair of speakers and 80 watts per channel. The M10 is also a complete receiver, 100 watts per channel, 1 pair of speakers and a multi functional front panel display. A read of the full specifications of each unit will detail each units full capabilities. The C368, at the price, is a capable High Resolution receiver. The M10 adds more power, more options, and an informative front panel screen.
Is this unit ROON ready?
A shopper on Feb 5, 2020
  Thanks for you question. NAD is not currently ROON ready.
does the unit now ship with dirac or are we still waiting?
A shopper on Aug 4, 2019
  C658 does include DIRAC
Does this device play native DSD? My understanding is that BluOS plays native DSD as DoP. Is that the case?
Mike R on Aug 19, 2022
  Thanks for your inquiry. The C658 supports high-resolution audio formats: MQA, DSD, FLAC, WAV, AIFF. We are not aware if native DSD is altered.
Does Dirac function with integrated amp? I have a integrated tube amp with some very high end pre amp tubes and I dont want to bypass the pre section of my amp. For reading the specs it looks like Dirac only works with a power amp. Am I incorrect?
A shopper on Mar 12, 2021
  Thanks for your inquiry. The C658 functions as a preamplifier that provides BluOS network streaming, MQA decoding, WiFi, Bluetooth, and a compliment of analog inputs (including a MM phono preamp) and digital inputs. It includes Dirac Live Room Correction. The C658 outputs can be connected to your tube integrated amplifier with careful gain matching between the C658 and your tube integrated amp. When implementing Dirac Live correction make sure any tone controls on your amp are set flat or bypassed. For additional guidance you may contact Brayton Robinson, an eCommerce Product Specialist: 866-961-7781.
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