Description
NAD C658
The NAD C658 is not just a DAC, connected to BluOS the C 658 offers users hi-res network music streaming from NAS drives and almost 20 music streaming services – all controllable from desktop (Mac and Windows), smartphone and tablet (iOS and Android) devices.
Offline streaming means come courtesy of aptX HD Bluetooth (also two-way), and physical connections include phono and RCA inputs, and balanced preamp, stereo subwoofer and front-panel headphone jack outputs.
NAD C658 Dirac Live Room Correction software (the Lite version) offers audio calibration based on your specific system and room.
Module Design Construction has formed an integral part of NAD’s engineering for years, so it’s not surprising to see it make an appearance in the C 658. Essentially MDC sees the DAC’s digital audio and video circuits printed on replaceable modules, allowing them to be upgraded in the future when new formats come around
BluOS on Board
The C 658 is BluOS Enabled which means it boasts the most sophisticated High Res streaming system available. BluOS natively supports nearly 20 streaming music services and indexing of over 250,000 tracks from local network sources. In effect, the C 658 becomes a node in the BluOS ecosystem, allowing hi-res network streaming to 64 zones and control options for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac OS phones, tablets and desktop devices. BluOS also supports all major smart home controllers and is available in a wide range of products making it easy and affordable to create a whole home audio system with the C 658 at its heart. 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.
Bluetooth aptX HD
The C 658 features two-way wireless Bluetooth capability that is powered by aptX HD for the highest possible sound quality available. Users can easily stream music from smartphones, tablets and laptops or can also use its integrated two-way Bluetooth feature and effortlessly stream music that is playing on the amp to any pair of Bluetooth enabled headphones. aptX HD is becoming more and more popular for its remarkable sound quality and low power consumption compared to Wi-Fi.
Dirac Live – the World’s Most Sophisticated Digital Room Correction System
The C 658 employs Dirac Live® Room Correction software that delivers optimized sound quality for your home theatre system. The built-in Lite version of the software, with the option to upgrade to a full-featured version, measures the acoustic performance of the system within the listening room and optimizes playback performance to provide the most transparent music reproduction possible.
Modular Design Construction (MDC)
The C 658 incorporates a unique feature called Modular Design Construction that is exclusive to NAD. Here is why it’s important. Performance-minded enthusiasts want to embrace the ever-changing world of AV technology while “future proofing” their original investment. So, NAD devised the most important innovation in a decade: Modular Design Construction – an uncommon answer to technology obsolescence. Digital audio and video circuits are on replaceable modules.
With MDC, all major digital circuits can be upgraded and replaced to keep the unit forever young and capable. This NAD innovation is a unique architecture that keeps pace with the fast-changing world of technology. With MDC, the ability to easily upgrade a component to include future digital formats is totally unique and unprecedented. Though installation and setup of any MDC module is straightforward, consumers are encouraged to have this upgrade professionally installed by their authorized NAD dealer. The C 658 comes with two MDC slots for future expansion.
NAD designers didn’t forget traditional audiophiles by including a high-quality phono stage, analogue inputs, balanced preamp output and stereo subwoofer outputs and a dedicated high current headphone amplifier with a ¼” jack right on the front panel. CI enthusiasts will be happy to know that the C 658 has an RS-232 serial port with certification and chassis drivers forthcoming for Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, and ELAN.
Key Features of the NAD C 658:
- BluOS enabled Network Streaming
- Two-Way Bluetooth aptX HD
- Dirac Live Room Correction
- DirectDigital DAC- ESS Saber DAC with MQA Decoding MQA decoding available on all digital inputs
- MDC (Modular Design Construction) offers the ability to upgrade to future digital formats as they become available. Two MDC slots provided.
- High-Quality MM Phono Input Stage
- Balanced Preamp Output and Stereo Subwoofer Outputs
- High Current Dedicated Headphone Amplifier
- CI friendly- RS232 Serial Control Port. Trigger In/Out.
- IR In with learning function.
Andrew H. (verified owner) –
Excellent customer service. Machine was despatched for a morning delivery at no extra charge. Was given good advice over the phone and the NAD Preamp/Dac suits my setup perfectly.
Richard Audiologica (store manager) –
So glad you are happy with the NAD, please keep in touch and let us know if we can help going forward.
Kind regards
Richard
Audiologica
Bjorn (verified owner) –
A great online shopping experience! Richard is very responsive and helpful and even updated to the latest BluOS version before shipping. Highly recommend!
Richard Audiologica (store manager) –
Thanks for the kind feedback, enjoy the C658 and please think of us if you need anything else,
Keep safe!
Richard
William Warrillow (verified owner) –
Efficient, friendly and responsive service.
Richard Audiologica (store manager) –
Enjoy the C658 William, glad your happy and thanks for the positive feedback!
Kind regards,
Richard Audiologica
Dave M. (verified owner) –
The service from Audiologica was very efficient and friendly. I strongly recommend the NAD as a pre-amp/streamer and it has slotted well into my existing system. The onboard streaming services made it very easy to get up and running with both Tidal and Amazon music and I have also rediscovered listening to the radio
Richard Audiologica (store manager) –
A pleasure doing business Dave, thanks ever so much for choosing to buy from us at Audiologica!
Marc (verified owner) –
Absolutely delighted with my new NAD C658 and my dealings with Richard of Audiologica.
The NAD C658 does everything I was looking for in a single chassis and exceeds my highest hopes in terms of sound quality. A analogue and digital pre-amp with single-ended and balanced main outputs, superb 32 bit Sabre DAC, network streamer, internet radio, Bluetooth AptX-HD, MM phono stage, headphone amp, twin subwoofer outputs with adjustable x-over, and last but not least, comes with free Dirac Live room correction software and hardware. Not enough? Also comes with 2 MDC expansion slots.
Understated rather than bling, but all your money buys superb sound quality and versatility! I use active monitor loudspeakers with dual subs … and remarkably, my box count is finally down to 1, at last.
Richard was excellent! Patient, knowledgeable, friendly and couldn’t have been more helpful despite the fact that we were both deep in the throws of lockdown.
The whole experience comes with my warmest and enthusiastic recommendation.
Marc (verified owner) –
Update: Once accustomed to using the included basic Dirac Live room correction for a few weeks, upgraded to Full Frequency version of Dirac Live at £79.00. A worthwhile improvement. Thanks Richard!
David (verified owner) –
Awesome piece of equipment that has solved all my digital music issues in one go. A high quality streamer that supports all my online music and all my locally stored files, has an excellent DAC built in and also has Dirac Room Correction that is so easy to use.
Richard at Audiologica was extremely helpful with his advice, and I purchased thursday and it arrived friday morning – the courier wasn’t keen on the before lunchtime bit though :-).
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Very happy with the streamer, it is indeed the best in class. The mobile app is easy to use and effective. Also, very satisfied with the shopping experience from the initial query to the delivery, will definitely recommend them.
Stephen H. (verified owner) –
Excellent sound using Tidal hi res streaming and easy set up. Bluos app not the most intuative but once connected you’re done and very pleased so far with the NAD kit.