I admit to having a soft spot for broadcast amplifiers. Especially cute little cubes with color screens, a phono input and a good price.
NAD has given its cool cube of a broadcast amplifier more than a facelift with an upgraded ESS Saber DAC, a moving magnet (MM) phono input, Dirac Live ‘ready’ 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 calibration microphone to take advantage of Dirac’s room correction technology.
Let’s look at the business end which tells us some of the story – MM Phono In (check), Line In, Pre Out (for your subwoofer), Digital Installations (Coax, Optical and HDMI eARC for your TV) and Ethernet in This USB input is for attaching 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 easy BluOS app to control playback. The C 700 V2 also supports MQA, which could come in handy when NAD parent Lenbrook launches its streaming service.
At the amplifier end, the C 700 V2 uses NAD’s HybridDigital UcD amplifier technology, delivering 80 Watts of output power into 4 and 8 Ohms. And for those who need to know, it’s an ESS Saber ES9028 DAC.
The NAD C 700 BluOS Streaming Amplifier will be available at the end of August (2024) and comes in at $1599, which seems like a good price to me.
Here’s the full press release from NAD:
NAD Electronics releases the new C 700 V2 BluOS broadcast amplifier
The latest generation of the popular compact value-driven “just add speakers” solution, enhanced with ESS Saber DAC, MM phone 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 improvements in performance and functionality, strengthening its class-leading position in the stylish, value-driven, “just add speakers” category. The C 700 V2 features an upgraded ESS Saber DAC, MM phono input, Dolby Digital decoding, Dirac Live standby and IR remote control. The NAD C 700 V2 will be available at authorized retailers in late August 2024 for a suggested retail price of US$1,599 / CDN$2,199.
Powerful performance
The NAD C 700 V2 BluOS broadcast amplifier represents a significant improvement over its predecessor, positioning itself as a modern, versatile solution for high-resolution, multi-room music streaming. With the inclusion of an 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, catering to both audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
Seamless stereo surround sound
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 Dolby Digital Surround 4.1 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 resolution, multi-room streaming, versatile connectivity and smart features in a compact and stylish package,” comments Cas Oostvogel, Manager of NAD Products. “Building on NAD’s rich heritage of innovation and value, the C 700 V2 offers a high-quality, all-in-one music streaming amplifier with modern conveniences.”
Smart acoustics
The NAD C 700 V2 broadcast 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 precisely 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 room configurations and conditions.
Just add speakers
The NAD C 700 V2 has everything needed to play music, simply by adding speakers. The addition of a MM phono input is a notable improvement, catering to vinyl enthusiasts who can now enjoy their recordings with RIAA-accurate equalization and low noise. The wide range of connectivity including HDMI eARC, aptX HD two-way Bluetooth and Apple AirPlay 2 provides flexibility for different devices, increasing the amplifier’s integration capabilities within various entertainment systems. It also includes USB Type-A for music playback and the connection of an optional calibration microphone.
Seamless streaming of high-resolution music 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 like Alexa and Siri adds a layer of convenience, making it a smart addition to modern homes.
Premium Design meets Intuitive Control
The design of the C 700 V2 also deserves praise, featuring a high-definition color display, a solid aluminum body that exudes a premium and minimalist aesthetic. User-friendly controls via the BluOS Controller app, along with the included remote control and compatibility with other IR remote controls, ensure easy and intuitive operation.
Main features
- UcD HybridDigital amplifier
- 80 Watts per channel into 8/4 ohms of continuous power
- 120 Watts per channel of instantaneous power
- ESS Saber ES9028 DAC
- 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/192Hz
- MQA decoding and interpretation
- 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 phone input
- Optical and coaxial digital inputs
- HDMI eARC port
- Bluetooth aptX HD two-way
- 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. Since the beginning, NAD’s dedication to four core values - innovation, simplicity, performance and value – have given it a cult-like following that has catapulted it to become a household name among audiophiles and by music lovers. To this day, the brand continues to design and manufacture some of the most acclaimed and affordable hi-fi components that incorporate cutting-edge features and technology aimed at appealing to a new generation of audiophiles.