NAD C 658 BluOS Network Player/DIRAC Preamp with Wi-Fi & Bluetooth DAC
Best all-in-one streamer for audiophiles seeking precise room-corrected sound.
The NAD C 658 is a versatile network player, preamp, and DAC, serving as the core of your audio setup. It integrates streaming, high-resolution digital-to-analog conversion, and preamplification into a single, cost-effective unit. Supporting BluOS, it grants access to numerous streaming services and local libraries, enabling multi-room audio. Features like Bluetooth aptX HD, flexible outputs, and Dirac Live room correction optimize your listening experience. Its Modular Design Construction ensures future upgradability, making it a smart, forward-thinking choice for any audiophile.
$1799.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
148
/ 481
#148 in Stereo Music Streaming Devices
Price vs Category Average
-52%
Below average
Dimensions
43510040517183151616
/ x x mm (-/" x -/" x ")
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking perfect sound in challenging acoustic spaces
- Music lovers wanting high-resolution multi-room streaming convenience
- System builders planning for future hardware and connectivity upgrades
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers intimidated by technical calibration processes
- Listeners wanting full-bandwidth correction without extra hidden costs
- Users preferring tactile, screen-based control on the device itself
Performance breakdown
Streaming Versatility
BluOS integration provides seamless access to virtually every major streaming service.
Room Correction
Dirac Live effectively eliminates acoustic anomalies for a precise, balanced soundstage.
Future-Proofing
Modular Design Construction allows for hardware upgrades to keep pace with technology.
Digital Fidelity
High-resolution MQA decoding delivers studio-grade clarity for discerning digital listeners.
Connectivity Options
Comprehensive analog and digital inputs accommodate a wide range of source components.
App Experience
The BluOS interface offers intuitive control over complex multi-room audio setups.
Key Specs
Dimensions
435 x 100 x 405mm (17-1/8" x 3-15/16" x 16")
Shipping Weight
10.1kg (22.3lb)
THD (Line Input, Pre-Out)
<0.005% at 2V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Line Input, Pre-Out)
>106dB
Supported audio file formats
MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, ALAC, OPUS
High resolution audio formats
MQA, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, DSD (converted)
Native sampling rates
up to 32bit/192kHz
Bit depths
16 – 24
Features
- All-in-one streamer, DAC, and preamp
- Future-proof with Modular Design Construction
- Access over 15 streaming services
- Intuitive control via BluOS app
- Dirac Live room correction for optimal sound
- High-resolution audio with MQA decoding
- Bluetooth aptX HD for wireless audio
- Expandable with MDC slots
What customers say
The NAD C 658 earns high praise for its exceptional sound quality and versatile functionality as a modern audio hub. Customers consistently highlight the detailed, natural audio delivered by the robust DAC and clean amplification. The integrated BluOS streaming platform is a major draw, lauded for its intuitive interface and seamless support for high-resolution services, making digital music effortless. Furthermore, the inclusion of DIRAC Live room correction is frequently described as revelatory, significantly optimizing soundstage and clarity across different listening environments. This combination of superior performance, comprehensive features, and excellent app control establishes the C 658 as a premium, high-value component that simplifies complex audio setups.
Know before you buy
Yes, the C 658 includes a dedicated phono input, allowing you to connect a turntable directly without needing an external phono stage.
Dirac Live analyzes your room's acoustics and the speakers' performance to correct frequency response and time alignment. This results in clearer, more accurate sound and tighter bass, effectively tailoring the audio to your specific listening environment.
MDC allows you to swap out internal modules as technology evolves. This means you can upgrade the digital or connectivity capabilities of the unit in the future without having to replace the entire device.
Yes, the integrated BluOS platform supports over 15 streaming services, including high-resolution options like Tidal, Qobuz, and Amazon Music HD. It also features full MQA decoding for studio-quality playback.
Absolutely. Because it uses the BluOS ecosystem, you can easily group the C 658 with other BluOS-enabled speakers or players throughout your home to play music in sync or stream different tracks to different rooms.
The C 658 supports Bluetooth aptX HD, which allows for high-definition wireless streaming from compatible devices. This provides a significantly better audio experience than standard Bluetooth connections.
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$1800