I admit I have a soft spot for streaming amps. Especially cute little cubes with color screens, phono input and a nice price.
NAD has given its cute cube of a streaming amp more than just a facelift with an improved ESS Saber 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 need to purchase a Dirac license and a calibration microphone to use Dirac’s room correction technology.
Let’s look at the business part which 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 Ten USB input is for connecting USB storage or that calibration microphone for Dirac. What you don’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 easy BluOS app to control playback. The C 700 V2 also supports MQA, which may come in handy when Lenbrook, NAD’s parent company, launches its streaming service.
On the amplifier side, the C 700 V2 uses NAD HybridDigital UcD amplifier technology, offering 80 watts of output power at 4 and 8 ohms. And for those who need to know, it’s the ESS Saber ES9028 DAC.
The NAD C 700 BluOS Streaming Amplifier will be available at the end of August (2024) and will come in at $1599, which seems like a nice price to me.
Here is the full press release from NAD:
NAD Electronics launches the new C 700 V2 BluOS streaming amplifier
The latest generation of the popular compact, value-based ‘just add speakers’ solution enhanced with ESS Saber DAC, MM phono input, Dirac Live ready and Dolby Digital decoding
PICKERING, ONTARIO, CANADA, JUNE 27, 2024 – NAD Electronics, a 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 improvements in performance and functionality, cementing its class-leading position in the elegant, value-oriented ‘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 USD 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 streaming high-definition music in multiple rooms. Incorporating the advanced ESS Saber 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 to suit audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike.
Seamless sound from stereo to surround sound
One of the outstanding features of the C 700 V2 is the seamless integration of stereo and surround sound options. 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 theater applications.
“The NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier sets a new benchmark in its category, combining high definition, multi-room streaming, versatile connectivity and smart features in a compact and elegant package,” comments Cas Oostvogel, NAD Product Manager. “Building on NAD’s rich heritage of innovation and values, the C 700 V2 offers an impressive high-quality 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 option to unlock advanced room correction capabilities by purchasing 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 stores up to five Dirac Live profiles to adapt to different settings and room conditions.
Just add speakers
The NAD C 700 V2 has everything you need to play music by simply adding speakers. The addition of the MM phono input is a notable improvement that suits vinyl enthusiasts who can now enjoy their records with accurate RIAA equalization and low noise. A wide range of connectivity including HDMI eARC, two-way aptX HD Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2 provides flexibility for different devices and enhances the integration capabilities of the amplifier within various entertainment systems. It also includes USB Type A for music playback and connecting an optional calibration microphone.
Smooth high-definition music streaming and multi-room capabilities
BluOS streaming and multi-room functionality are at the heart 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 such as Alexa and Siri adds a layer of convenience, making it a smart addition to modern homes.
Premium design meets intuitive control
Also worthy of praise is the C 700 V2’s design, which features a high-resolution color display and solid aluminum body that exudes a premium and minimalist aesthetic. User-friendly control via the BluOS Controller app along with the included remote control and compatibility with other IR remote controls ensure easy and intuitive operation.
Key properties
- Hybrid digital UcD amplifier
- 80 watts per channel into 8/4 ohms continuous power
- Instant power of 120 Watts per channel
- DAC converter ESS Saber ES9028
- Dolby Digital decoding
- Dirac Live Ready
- The 5” glass HD display shows album art, track progress and system settings
- Solid aluminum body
- Works with the intuitive BluOS Controller app for Android, iOS and desktop
- Multi-room BluOS streaming to 63 additional zones
- High-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192 Hz
- MQA decoding and rendering
- Lossless HD 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 known for its award-winning line of high-quality components for audio, home theater and custom installation applications. From the very beginning, NAD’s commitment to four core values – innovation, simplicity, performance and value – has garnered a cult following that has catapulted it to become a household name among audiophiles and music lovers alike. To this day, the brand continues to design and manufacture some of the most respected and affordable hi-fi components that incorporate modern features and technologies to appeal to a new generation of audiophiles.