NAD C 658 BluOS Streaming DAC
Best all-in-one streamer for audiophiles seeking high-fidelity digital sound.
The NAD C 658 redefines stereo component architecture, seamlessly blending a network streamer, advanced DAC, and preamplifier functions into one cost-effective unit. It embraces the shift towards digital and streaming, offering a rich palette of new and proven technologies. With BluOS enabled, it supports high-resolution streaming across multiple zones and integrates with smart home systems. Its modular design allows for future upgrades, ensuring longevity. The C 658 also features Bluetooth aptX HD for wireless headphones and flexible outputs for various audio setups. Experience exceptional audio reproduction with Dirac Live room correction for an immersive listening experience.
$1790.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
148
/ 481
#148 in Stereo Music Streaming Devices
Price vs Category Average
-52%
Below average
Dimensions (W x H x D)
435100405
/ x x mm
Who it's for
- Long-term owners prioritizing hardware longevity and future upgrades
- Audiophiles seeking seamless multi-room high-resolution streaming
- Listeners wanting professional-grade acoustic room correction
Who should skip it
- Users seeking an all-in-one integrated amplifier solution
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level streaming solutions
- Casual listeners intimidated by complex software calibration
Performance breakdown
Streaming Versatility
BluOS integration provides seamless access to virtually every major high-res service.
Acoustic Calibration
Dirac Live room correction effectively tames difficult acoustic environments for cleaner output.
Digital Conversion
ESS Sabre DAC architecture delivers exceptional clarity and precise soundstage imaging.
Future Proofing
Modular Design Construction allows for hardware upgrades to prevent early obsolescence.
Connectivity Options
Comprehensive inputs including MM phono accommodate both modern and legacy sources.
Wireless Performance
Bluetooth aptX HD ensures high-fidelity playback for convenient wireless headphone listening.
Key Specs
Dimensions (W x H x D)
435 x 100 x 405mm
Weight
10.1kg
Supported audio file formats
MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, ALAC, OPUS
High resolution audio formats
MQA, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, DSD
Native sampling rates
up to 32bit/192kHz
Network connectivity
Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 | WiFi 5 (802.11 ac/n)
Bluetooth quality
Bluetooth aptX HD wireless
Phono input included
true
Features
- BluOS enabled high-res streaming
- Dirac Live room correction
- MQA decoding for studio quality audio
- Bluetooth aptX HD wireless
- Modular Design Construction (MDC)
- ESS Sabre DAC for superior sound
- MM Phono input
- Multi-room audio support
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the NAD C 658 for its exceptional sound quality, describing it as detailed and musical, offering performance beyond its price point. The integrated BluOS streaming platform is highly valued for its intuitive stability and seamless multiroom access. The standout feature is Dirac Live room correction, repeatedly cited for dramatically improving bass and soundstage coherence, making acoustics irrelevant. While initial setup requires patience, the sonic rewards are universally deemed worthwhile. Valued for its future proofing via Modular Design Construction, the C 658 is celebrated as a fantastic value, expertly combining a preamp, DAC, and streamer into one cohesive component.
Know before you buy
Yes, the C 658 includes a dedicated Moving Magnet (MM) phono input, allowing you to connect your turntable directly without needing an external phono stage.
Dirac Live is a room correction system that measures your room's acoustics and adjusts the audio output to compensate for unwanted reflections and resonances. This results in clearer, more accurate sound and tighter bass response tailored specifically to your listening space.
MDC allows you to upgrade the internal hardware of the unit as technology evolves. Instead of replacing the entire device when new digital standards emerge, you can simply swap out the relevant internal module.
Yes, because it is BluOS enabled, the C 658 supports high-resolution streaming from services like Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music HD. It also features full MQA decoding for studio-quality playback.
Yes, the unit features two-way Bluetooth with aptX HD support. This allows you to stream high-quality audio from your mobile devices to the C 658, or transmit audio from the C 658 to your wireless headphones.
The C 658 uses the BluOS ecosystem, which allows it to sync with other BluOS-enabled speakers and components throughout your home. It is not natively compatible with other proprietary multi-room platforms like Sonos or HEOS.
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