I admit that I have a soft spot for streaming amplifiers. Especially cute little cubes with color screens, a phono input and a nice price.
NAD have given their cute little cube of a streaming amplifier more than a facelift with an upgraded ESS Sabre DAC, a Moving Magnet (MM) phono input, Dirac Live ‘readiness’, and 4.1 Dolby Digital Surround for use with BluOS Enabled rear channels and a wired subwoofer. Dirac is only ‘ready’ in that you need to purchase a Dirac license and calibration microphone to take advantage of Dirac’s room correction technology.
Let’s look at the business side that tells us part of the story: MM Phono In (monitoring), Line In, Pre Out (for your subwoofer), Digital Ins (Coax, Optical and HDMI eARC for your TV) and Ethernet in That USB input is for connecting USB storage or that calibration microphone for Dirac. What you can’t see is that the C 700 V2 supports two-way aptX HD Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, Roon (Ready), or you can use the free and simple BluOS app to control playback. The C 700 V2 also supports MQA, which could come in handy when Lenbrook, NAD’s parent company, launches its streaming service.
On the amplifier side, the C 700 V2 uses NAD’s HybridDigital UcD amplifier technology, which offers 80 watts of output power into 4 and 8 ohms. And for those who must know, it’s an ESS Sabre ES9028 DAC.
The NAD C 700 BluOS Streaming Amplifier will be available from the end of August (2024) and costs $1599, which seems like a good price to me.
Here is the full press release from NAD:
NAD Electronics launches new C 700 V2 BluOS streaming amplifier
Latest generation of popular compact, value-driven ‘just add speakers’ solution, upgraded with ESS Saber DAC, MM phono input, Dirac Live readiness and Dolby Digital decoding
PICKERING, ONTARIO, CANADA, JUNE 27, 2024 – NAD Electronics, the highly regarded manufacturer of high-quality audio-video components, announces the launch of the C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier. Building on the success of its critically acclaimed predecessor, the C 700 V2 features significant upgrades in performance and functionality, further cementing its leading position in the elegant, value-driven, “just add speakers” category. The C 700 V2 features an improved ESS Saber DAC, MM phono input, Dolby Digital decoding, Dirac Live readiness and IR remote control. The NAD C 700 V2 will be available from authorized retailers in late August 2024 for a suggested retail price of US$1599 / CDN$2199.
Powerful performance
The NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, positioning itself as a modern, versatile solution for high-resolution, multi-room music streaming. Featuring the addition of a state-of-the-art ESS Sabre ES9028 DAC, the amplifier promises a refined listening experience characterised by greater precision and depth. This upgrade, together with NAD’s proven HybridDigital UcD amplifier technology, ensures a powerful and clear sound reproduction suitable for audiophiles and music lovers alike.
Stereo to surround sound seamlessly
One of the standout features of the C 700 V2 is the seamless integration of stereo and surround sound capabilities. The ability to switch to a 4.1 Dolby Digital Surround setup with BluOS Enabled rear channels and a wired subwoofer increases its versatility, making it suitable for both music and home theater applications.
“The NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier sets a new benchmark in its category, combining high-resolution, multi-room streaming, versatile connectivity, and smart features in a compact and elegant package,” said Cas Oostvogel, NAD’s Product Manager. “Building on NAD’s rich legacy of innovation and value, the C 700 V2 offers an attractive, high-performance, all-in-one music streaming amplifier with modern conveniences.”
Smart acoustics
The NAD C 700 V2 streaming amplifier is now Dirac Live ready, offering users the ability to unlock advanced room correction capabilities with the purchase of a Dirac Live license. Using a calibrated microphone (sold separately) and the Dirac app, users can fine-tune their speakers to enjoy music and movies as originally intended from anywhere in the listening room. The C 700 V2 can store up to five Dirac Live profiles, suitable for different setups and room conditions.
Just add speakers
The NAD C 700 V2 has everything you need to play music, simply by adding speakers. The addition of an MM phono input is a notable improvement, aimed at vinyl lovers who can now enjoy their records with accurate RIAA equalization and low noise. The extensive connectivity offering, including HDMI eARC, two-way aptX HD Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2, offers flexibility for different devices, further enhancing the amplifier’s integration potential into various entertainment systems. It also includes USB Type-A for music playback and connection of an optional calibration microphone.
Seamless high-resolution music streaming and multi-room capabilities
BluOS streaming and multi-room functionality are at the heart of the C 700 V2, giving you access to over 20 popular music streaming services, thousands of internet radio stations, and local digital music libraries. Compatibility with major home control systems and voice assistants like Alexa and Siri adds a layer of convenience, making it a smart addition to the modern home.
Premium design combined with intuitive controls
The C 700 V2’s design also deserves praise, with a high-definition color display, a solid aluminum chassis that exudes a premium and minimalist aesthetic. Easy-to-use control via the BluOS Controller app, along with the included remote control, and compatibility with other IR remotes, makes for simple and intuitive operation.
Most important features
- Hybrid digital UcD amplifier
- 80 Watts per channel at 8/4 ohm continuous power
- 120 Watts per channel of instantaneous power
- ESS Sabre ES9028 DAC
- Dolby Digital decoding
- Dirac Live Ready
- 5” HD glass screen shows album art, track progress and system settings
- Solid aluminum housing
- Works with the intuitive BluOS Controller app for Android, iOS and desktops
- BluOS multi-room streaming to 63 additional zones
- High resolution audio to 24-bit/192Hz
- MQA decoding and display
- Lossless and high-resolution streaming from Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Idagio, Qobuz and Tidal
- Support for Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect
- Voice control via Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri
- MM phono input
- Optical and coaxial digital inputs
- HDMI eARC port
- Two-way aptX HD Bluetooth
- 12V Trigger output
- IR remote control
About NAD Electronics
Founded in 1972 and now sold in over 80 countries, NAD Electronics is renowned for its award-winning line of high-quality components for audio, home theater, and custom installation applications. Since the beginning, NAD’s dedication to four core values – innovation, simplicity, performance, and value – has earned it a cult-like following that has made it a household name among audiophiles and music lovers alike. To this day, the brand continues to design and manufacture some of the most critically acclaimed and affordable hi-fi components available, incorporating cutting-edge features and technologies intended to appeal to a new generation of audiophiles.