I admit to having a soft spot for streaming amplifiers. Especially cute little cubes with color screens, a phono input, and a nice price.
NAD has given their cute little cube of a streaming amp 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’ because you have to buy a Dirac license and calibration mic to take advantage of Dirac’s room correction tech.
Let’s look at the business end that tells us some of the story—MM Phono In (check), 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 attaching USB storage or that calibration mic for Dirac. What you can’t see is 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 easy, BluOS app to control playback. The C 700 V2 also supports MQA which may come in handy when Lenbrook, NAD’s parent, launches its streaming service.
On the amp end, the C 700 V2 uses NAD’s HybridDigital UcD amplifier technology, offering 80 Watts of output power into 4 and 8 Ohms. And for those who need to know, it’s an ESS Sabre ES9028 DAC.
The NAD C 700 BluOS Streaming Amplifier will be available in late August (2024) and comes in at $1599, which strikes me as a nice price.
Here’s the complete 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 Sabre 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-performance audio-video components, announces the launch of the C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier. Building on the success of its acclaimed predecessor, the C 700 V2 boasts significant upgrades in performance and functionality, solidifying its class-leading position in the elegant, value-driven, “just add speakers” category. The C 700 V2 features an improved ESS Sabre DAC, MM phono input, Dolby Digital decoding, Dirac Live readiness and IR remote control. The NAD C 700 V2 will be available at authorized retailers 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. With the inclusion of an advanced ESS Sabre ES9028 DAC, the amplifier promises a refined listening experience characterized by greater precision and depth. This upgrade, along with NAD’s proven HybridDigital UcD amplifier technology, ensures powerful and clear sound reproduction, catering to both audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
Stereo to Surround Sound Seamlessly
One of the standout features of the C 700 V2 is its 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 expands its versatility, making it suitable for both music and home theatre 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,” comments Cas Oostvogel, NAD’s Product Manager. “Building on NAD’s rich legacy of innovation and value, the C 700 V2 offers a compelling high quality, all-in-one music streaming amplifier with modern conveniences.”
Smart Acoustics
The NAD C 700 V2 streaming amplifier is now ready for Dirac Live, offering users the ability to unlock advanced room correction capabilities with a purchase of a Dirac Live license. Using a calibrated microphone (sold separately) and the Dirac app, users can precision-tune their speakers to enjoy music and movies as originally intended from anywhere in the listening room. The C 700 V2 stores up to five Dirac Live profiles, accommodating different setups and room conditions.
Just Add Speakers
The NAD C 700 V2 has everything needed to play music, by just adding speakers. The addition of a MM phono input is a notable enhancement, catering to vinyl enthusiasts who can now enjoy their records with precise RIAA equalization and low noise. The extensive range of connectivity including HDMI eARC, two-way aptX HD Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2 provides flexibility for various devices, enhancing the amplifier’s integration capabilities within diverse entertainment systems. It also includes USB Type A for music playback and connecting an optional calibration mic.
Seamless Hi-Res Music Streaming and Multi-room Capabilities
BluOS streaming and multi-room functionality are at the core of the C 700 V2, providing access to over 20 popular music streaming services, thousands of internet radio stations, and local digital music libraries. Its compatibility with major home control systems and voice assistants like Alexa and Siri adds a layer of convenience, making it a smart addition to modern homes.
Premium Design Meets Intuitive Control
The C 700 V2’s design also deserves praise, featuring a high-definition colour display, a solid aluminium body that exudes a premium and minimalist aesthetic. User-friendly controls via the BluOS Controller app, along with the included remote and compatibility with other IR remotes, ensure easy and intuitive operation.
Key Features
- HybridDigital UcD Amplifier
- 80 Watts per channel into 8/4 ohms of continuous power
- 120 Watts per channel of instantaneous power
- ESS Sabre ES9028 DAC
- Dolby Digital decoding
- Dirac Live Ready
- 5” glass HD display shows album art, track progress, and system settings
- Solid aluminum body
- Works with 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 rendering
- 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 theatre and custom installation applications. Since the beginning, NAD’s commitment to four core values –innovation, simplicity, performance, and value – have earned it a cult-like following that catapulted it to becoming a household name amongst audiophiles and music lovers alike. To this day, the brand continues to design and manufacture some of the most acclaimed and affordable hi-fi components that include modern features and technologies meant to appeal to a new generation of audiophiles.
