NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier – Just add speaker
The new NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is a compact, yet extremely versatile and powerful stereo integrated amplifier that offers significant improvements over its predecessor and is intended to continue its success in the just-add speakers category as an elegant, affordable solution.
- The NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is the latest generation of the compact, versatile stereo integrated amplifier from NAD Electronics, which can serve as a prime example of what is meant by the Just add speaker category.
A good three years ago, the Canadian HiFi manufacturer NAD Electronics presented the NAD C 700 BluOS Streaming Amplifier, an extremely versatile, compact solution from the NAD Classic Series, which could be categorised as a “just add speaker”. This refers to solutions that offer everything a modern HiFi chain needs to offer in a single product. All that’s missing is a pair of speakers.
NAD Electronics is now continuing this successful concept with the latest generation of the compact stereo integrated amplifier, the NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier.
Building on the success of its predecessor
The NAD C 700 BluOS Streaming Amplifier has established itself over the years as a very successful solution, which is not surprising, as it actually offers everything that makes up a modern HiFi chain, allowing you to enjoy music in a variety of ways and at an appealing level of quality.
The new NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is designed to offer exactly the same, as the manufacturer emphasises, although it goes without saying that various improvements in performance and functionality have been made to ensure the success of this solution for years to come.
Improved D/A converter
The D/A converter of the new NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is a significant innovation, as it now relies on an ESS Sabre DAC ES9028 DAC from the specialist ESS Technology Inc.
According to the Canadians, this has enabled the new NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier to achieve an even more refined performance in terms of precision, detail and depth.
NAD HybridDigital UcD amplifier technology
The latest generation is also equipped with NAD’s HybridDigital UcD amplifier technology, which the manufacturer describes as a sophisticated, effective amplifier concept. In this case, it can achieve at least twice 80 watts at 4 and 8 ohms, which is quite an impressive performance considering the compact dimensions of the amplifier, and is easily sufficient to operate a wide range of speaker systems optimally.
DIRAC Live Ready
Like its predecessor, the new NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is also labelled as a DIRAC Live Ready solution. This means that you can invest in a DIRAC Live licence if you wish, and then carry out individual room correction with the optional measuring microphone required for this. The NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier can store up to five DIRAC Live profiles, according to the manufacturer, which indicates that different configurations can be made and these can be called up for different setups and room conditions.
From phono preamplifier to HDMI
The NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier has all the relevant inputs and outputs to function flexibly as the central interface of a HiFi system. On the back of the amplifier, you will find a line in, a phono input designed for drives equipped with MM pickup systems, and the manufacturer promises signal processing with precise RIAA equalisation at very low noise. In addition to a pre-out, there is also a separate output for subwoofers.
For digital sources, the NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier offers an optical and coaxial S/PDIF interface, but the most exciting feature is an HDMI port that functions as an eARC, i.e. an enhanced audio return channel, and is designed for connecting a TV.
Of course, control signals are also transmitted via HDMI CEC, so that the NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier can be controlled directly via the TV remote control.
It should also be mentioned in this context that the NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier can decode Dolby Digital signals.
To conclude our look at the connections, the new NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier also features a USB-A port for corresponding storage media as a source, as well as a 12 V trigger connection and an IR in. The speaker systems are connected using solid screw terminals.
Bidirectional Bluetooth
It should also be mentioned that the new NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier has a bidirectional Bluetooth module, which means that it can easily be connected to sources such as smartphones, tablets, notebooks or even a suitably equipped record player. Headphones can also be connected via Bluetooth. It is important to note that not only the SBC and AAC codecs are supported for the best quality, but also aptX and even aptX HD.
Streaming via BluOS
As the name of this new compact stereo amplifier suggests, it is a solution that offers flexible streaming based on the BluOS streaming platform.
BluOS is designed as a multi-room wireless streaming system that supports up to 64 clients, with a range of available solutions from compact wireless speakers and soundbar systems to fine HiFi electronics and active speakers.
Audio data is transmitted in Linear PCM format with up to 24 bits and 192 kHz and in the relevant data formats. Content is also transmitted in lossless MQA format, but not in DSD.
In addition to access to your own content, which can be accessed easily via the network using Samba, countless streaming services are also available directly, including Amazon Music, Deezer, Idagio, HIGHRESAUDIO, Qobuz, TIDAL and Spotify. The BluOS Controller App for Apple iOS, Google Android, Microsoft Windows or Apple macOS takes control.
BluOS also ensures that the streaming technologies Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect are directly supported. BluOS also ensures smooth interaction with the software from Roon Labs LLC. , which means that the new stereo amplifier is Roon-ready.
Surround sound with 4.1 channels via BluOS
In this case, BluOS is also exciting in that it can serve as the basis for a surround sound configuration around the NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier. This means that a 4.1-channel Dolby Digital surround sound system can be realised via BluOS, using two BluOS-capable wireless speakers for the surround channels and a wired subwoofer.
Compact and elegant
As we have already mentioned, the new NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier derives its appeal not least from the fact that all of the above is offered in a particularly compact and elegant form.
The device is housed in a stylish aluminium case, anodised in black, with a generously sized 5-inch HD display on the front that shows all the relevant information, as well as album artwork, in crystal-clear quality.
Prices and availability
Those who are enthusiastic about the new NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier will unfortunately have to be patient for a while. This new amplifier from Canada is not expected to be available in stores until October 2024. The recommended retail price is € 1.599,-. A matching infrared remote control is included in the scope of delivery.
Getting to the point
Building on the success of the NAD C 700 BluOS Streaming Amplifier, NAD Electronics now wants the new NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier to prove itself as a particularly flexible, attractively priced and elegant solution that once again clearly serves as a prime example of what is often referred to as a solution in the category of just add speakers. With the NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier, everything you could possibly want from a modern HiFi system is available, all you need is a pair of loudspeaker systems and possibly a record player…
| PRODUCT | NAD C 700 V2 BluOS Streaming Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Price | € 1.599,- |
| Brand | NAD |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | NAD Electronics International |
| Distribution Austria | smart audio GmbH |
| Distribution Germany | Dali GmbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
