NAD’s latest offering, the C 700 V2 Streaming Amplifier, elevates the company’s existing concept of an amplified network music streamer by enhancing its accuracy and versatility. New features include an upgraded DAC, Dolby Digital compatibility, surround sound capability, and a new phono input. The C 700 V2 will hit the market in late August for $1,599, representing a $100 increase from the V1 model.
The core of the C 700 V2 is a new ESS Sabre ES9028 DAC, an improvement over the ES9010 found in the previous model. This upgrade aligns the two streamers in terms of decoding capability, bringing the V2 closer to NAD’s flagship streaming amplifier, the M1. Additionally, the V2 retains NAD’s HybridDigital UcD integrated amplifier technology.
One of the standout features is the ability to switch between stereo and up to 4.1 Dolby Digital surround sound. While the C 700 V2 supports two passive speakers, the two rear channels can be enabled using BluOS compatible wireless speakers, offering flexibility in setup and installation.
Users who appreciate Dirac’s room correction technology can rejoice as the V2 model is compatible with Dirac Live. With a Dirac Live license, users can connect an optional calibration microphone to the V2 and fine-tune their system using the Dirac app. The V2 can store up to five Dirac Live profiles for easy access.
Adding to its capabilities, the V2 includes a new phono input on the rear panel with a phono ground connection, catering to turntables equipped with moving magnet (MM) phono cartridges and enhancing its value as the centerpiece of a hi-fi setup.
The V2 retains all the features that made the V1 popular, including full BluOS multiroom compatibility, support for up to 24-bit/192kHz decoding, MQA decoding and rendering, voice control with Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri, two-way Bluetooth with aptX HD, AirPlay 2, Spotify and Tidal Connect, and a 5-inch glass HD display for album art and information display.
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