NAD C 658 or Cambridge Azur 851N Streamer

gudnoyez

https://nadelectronics.com/product/c-658-bluos-streaming-dac/
This Streamer Dac looks like it could give the Cambridge 851N a run for its money both are priced the same, and feature wise it looks like this NAD might be a good choice. I'm in no super rush but plan on one of the 2 sometime soon.

I'm not sure if NAD will be at Apoxona but if need be I might find a NAD dealer in Chicago or drive up to Madison to check one of these out. I probably dont need to use all the features the NAD offers. Has anyone had the opportunity to check the C658 out? I was thinking about the Cambridge unit until I seen the reviews on the NAD.

tonyb

wow, that puppy is loaded with all sorts of goodies.

tophatjohnny

Little brighter than the 851N. Nice piece Steve. They both are.

displayname

At first glace they seem pretty comparable, but I think it will all come down to what you're looking for. The 815 seems more like a streamer that could function as a preamp, and has a very serviceable DAC for those that want it.

The NAD seems like a preamp, that is focused on streaming and being a real one box solution. It seems built to be that one box solution for the growing market of powered speakers in my mind. Plus adding a phono preamp while eliminating a digital out points more towards a true one box push. MQA was a smart marketing addition, and so was using the BluOS. But no DSD, and no digital output will probably be a deal breaker for some.

Both have a few advantages and trade offs, so I think it's a good option if it checks the right boxes for you.

gudnoyez

Failed to see that it plays only converted DSD files, good catch.That wouldn't be a deal breaker for me as my Oppo 105D is fine with DSD files plus SACD playback, plus my Marantz plays SACDs. I have no intrest in downloading DSD files to stream, but I can see where it would be a deal breaker for some. Decisions, Decisions. It's down to one these 2 or maybe a Blusound vault.

tophatjohnny

Ahh.. Just get all 3 !!😂😂😂

tonyb

The Nad is billed as a Dac first, so not having the digital output makes sense. Though to me, anything that streams one might want the option of adding different dacs to the mix.

displayname

tonyb wrote: »

The Nad is billed as a Dac first, so not having the digital output makes sense. Though to me, anything that streams one might want the option of adding different dacs to the mix.

I think that would be the deal breaker for me. I don't currently use an external dac, but I've heard what one can do so I don't like the idea of limiting that option.

erniejade

No wifi on it for the streaming side. Holm Audio by me is a NAD dealer. If I have a shot this weekend, I was going to stop by there anyway. I will check and see if they have one in stock.

tonyb

It has wifi Brian, it's in the specs.

erniejade

You sure Tony? I only saw Bluetooth quality Bluetooth aptX HD wireless built-in.

On some other brands, some headphones and cars, when I see them describe like, Bluetooth "wireless" is not wifi wireless like hit your router. Unless there was another spot or I am reading it wrong.

tonyb

Network connectivity
Gigabit Ethernet RJ45
WiFi 5 (802.11 b/g/n)

erniejade

Thanks Tony. I completely missed that one. I will see if I can go to Holm and check it out possibly put it against the Node.

erniejade

https://www.avsforum.com/forum/90-receivers-amps-processors/3038854-official-nad-c658-thread-9.html

Read audiocat5's impressions.

gudnoyez

Well NAD, Cambridge, and Blusound all have rooms at Axopona, so I will be on a mission. Bran if you check it out impressions please, I'm just glad I can check them all out in April at the show.

Clipdat

gudnoyez wrote: »

Well NAD, Cambridge, and Blusound all have rooms at Axopona, so I will be on a mission. Bran if you check it out impressions please, I'm just glad I can check them all out in April at the show.

Cambridge told me that they will be demoing their new Alva turntable at Axpona. Hopefully they'll have some of their streaming gear going as well though.

tophatjohnny

Or put em all to rest and get yourself a Cambridge Audi Edge NQ 💡I'm sure looking at doing it but I'm slow to change and my 851N is a nice piece.

tonyb

erniejade wrote: »

https://www.avsforum.com/forum/90-receivers-amps-processors/3038854-official-nad-c658-thread-9.html

Read audiocat5's impressions.

WOW, to say he didn't like it much is being polite.

tophatjohnny

tophatjohnny wrote: »

Or put em all to rest and get yourself a Cambridge Audi Edge NQ 💡I'm sure looking at doing it but I'm slow to change and my 851N is a nice piece.

Not sure where the Audi part slipped in there ?? Maybe I was typing Azur but don't even know if the Edge NQ is part of that line or not. I'm just knowing the Edge is an intriguing piece and it has me thinking hard.

audioluvr

Well if you're steering towards the 851N I may be selling mine.

Kidding. I love this thing. Imaging is crazy good! It's a keeper for me.

gudnoyez

tophatjohnny wrote: »

O or put em all to rest and get yourself a Cambridge Audi Edge NQ 💡I'm sure looking at doing it but I'm slow to change and my 851N is a nice piece.

Just checked this one out drool! $4000 is a bit over my budget, I would get %6 off purchasing from World Wide Stereo using the discount from some employee purchase sight through work. It will still be over my budget with the 6% off. I'm looking forward to checking it out.
https://www.worldwidestereo.com/products/cambridge-audio-edge-nq-preamplifier-with-network-player-c10973
She's a beauty.

tophatjohnny

A bit over my budget too, but it's going to happen when I get a few other things out of the way. 😃