NAD C700 $1500
80×2 Stereo Integrated Amp/Streamer
(3 13/16h, 8 5/8w, 11 5/8d)
When NAD announced that C700 was being introduced, I barely took notice. I have seen lots of small-stylish electronic packages introduced since I’ve been in the hobby. That dates back to the late 60s by the way.
Invariably, diminutive and cutesy means non serious audio and idiosyncratic performance. Yet, I’ve learned that you indeed, shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. You really do have to – do the work- to determine if a product passes muster or not.
With my prejudice firmly in place, but pushed as far to the side as possible, I dove into C700. Theoretically, C700 is almost the “perfect” product for today’s music lover. But does it live up to the promise?
First of all, C700 has the Bluesound streaming platform on board. It’s an awesome start that brings you Tidal, Qobuz and other streaming options that offer magnificent sound and musical variety. I’m a big fan.
We have learned that the “box” you buy to stream, is just the start. Even more important is the support that company gives you to assure your streaming works without coughs and sputters. NAD has proven that it will support its streaming platform BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE. NAD has been streaming under the Bluesound brand name since 2013. The Brits and S Koreans have a long way to go to prove that they’ll support streaming as reliably as NAD has.
The amplifier section of C700 is NAD’s dynamic, PowerDrive UcD design. The competition just buys a Hypex module off the shelf and plugs it in. That’s not good enough for NAD.
PowerDrive has been a feature of NAD amps for many years. It has an additional rail of high current to allow NAD amps to excel into low impedances. This is typically in the bass region where your speakers demand more power. NAD amps are stalwart and up to the task of a challenging load. C700 is no exception!
NAD’s PowerDrive UcD features output modules which are computer controlled to be precisely regulated. C700 will not suffer from the ragged or harsh edges endemic to mismatched output transistors of competitors, or yesteryear’s designs. C700 sounds cleaner and less ragged than traditional amps. It is comfortable with impedances down to 2 ohms which makes it a better choice than most similarly priced competitors. The point I’m making is, despite being small and ravishingly pretty with 5” screen within a rock solid aluminum cabinet, C700’s amp is not some cheapy chugger.
C700 has an ESS 32B Sabre DAC. That’s in the top rung of performers on the market today. It runs on Wi-Fi and has Bluetooth, both are quite handy for today’s phone/pad lovers. It even has inputs of HDMI and USB-A. Youzer! It’s got everything but a phono preamp and there’s a reason for that. NAD doesn’t know if you: 1) Play LPs at all 2) Have an extensive collection 3) Have one Barbara Streisand Christmas album. It would be impossible to put the right phono preamp in a unit of this price point that would make sense for “everybody.” They’ve made the right choice to leave it out. You can deal with phono easily on your own.
C700 has preamp outs in case you’d like to upgrade your amp’s power (Atoll MA100 anyone?!). It has a mono sub out.
My first impressions are usually accurate. I’m not saying I have more golden ears than you do. I just know RIGHT AWAY whether I like a product’s sound or not. There are many layers to the onion, but you only get one first impression. I was smitten with C700 instantly.
C700 can drive some price commensurate towers with ease. Axiom M60s for about 2k are a perfect example. What a great, cost effective, real hi-fi combo! C700 is also a great match for any number of audiophile stand mount or bookshelf speakers. Brystons are awesome.
I can see how C700 will make the perfect source for customers who primarily stream and don’t have inefficient speakers that they expect to pound. C700 will do well with speakers that are 87dB on up, no problem.
Again, what makes C700 a dynamite fave, is that it those preamp outs. Now we’re talking! C700 uses its class D design. Its sound is more cool and lean than a balls out AB amp- like Atoll. If you want your cake… and to eat it too, add the Atoll MA100 power amp with booty kicking horsepower and dynamics. The Atoll runs about 20% class AB, a true audiophile component that brings C700’s streaming/preamp section up to snuff. Now you have a SMOKIN’ combo for about $3k.
C700 has two sets of analog RCA inputs, an OPT input and an HDMI input. C700 is an obvious starting point, and maybe ending point, for many audiophiles.
