NAD Electronics C 658 DAC BluOS Streaming DAC

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.