📍 *GET IT HERE: **bit.ly/3CN9p5e**, **bit.ly/3BLj3Uy* ★ *QOTD: What do you think about NAD’s future?* ★ *LOOKING FOR SOMETHING shown in the video? CLICK ⬇ “SHOW MORE” in the description box* ★ *RULES: Please be respectful. NO OUTSIDE LINKS, URLs, email addresses, etc.*
Good morning Andrew and Kristi. I’m late to the party. Sleeping in is glorious though. I’m very enthusiastic about this segment of the market, having just bought the Arylic 50+. My only concern is that these type of devices are close enough to AV receivers and if this is your only amp you may find yourself looking for AV features once you hook up a TV. Now I’m a video enthusiast so that’s my bias. If your focus is just music then this streamer is a winner, as is the whole category.
Andrew, I have been watching your videos and reviews and they are so very well done and your sophisticated yet easygoing speaking style is quite rare. While your future looks bright here, have you considered having an agent present you to Jeopardy (I think you would be perfect for the role and they are just having guest hosts given their recent host fiasco) or Survivor (another fiasco) or a similar wider-reaching networked format and more wider appealing subject matter? You could still keep this gig, but I believe you have demonstrated the ability to be successful to a much broader audience. Ed.
Which one is better or equal NAD C700 or Audiolab 6000a Play? Both are near the same price ..but I am leaning towards NAD C700 for its compact size but I am worried about if that reduces the quality of sound as compared to Audiolab...I got B&W 607 speakers.
Andrew : will you review the Roksan Attessa BluOS amplifier ? I’m very interested in those Bluesound or NAD streaming amplifiers but I’m scared of being disappointed by the “Class D” sound (with JMR Emma speakers).
The conversation at the end really highlights the issue of Deltas. If we read people’s comments to these types of reviews, it’s always about how A is different from B, and what about C, and surely D is different still…? We want clear differences to guide us in purchasing decisions when, in fact, those differences are many times small, if perceptible at all. “Night and day” is not quite as dramatic as we’d like to think. I appreciate your honesty about how products can be different in many ways, yet sound similar. To use Kristi’s car analogy. An Accord and a Camry are not that different, yet a customer chooses one over the other because of how the car makes them feel. A small detail might push you in one direction, but in the end they both will transport you from A to B just fine. This is why your discussions of user interface, design, and “feel”, are so critical in this price range of products. Quadrupole the budget and the discussion would be different. Deltas are real, but they’re small, and you do a good job emphasizing that. …sorry about the novel.
So so true. Night and day differences are rare. And I 💯 agree with you that so much about the buying decision is about feelings. It’s the a big influence on how we might justify spending 100s of dollars more on essentially the same product under a different name. Fantastic observation, Thomas.
I just purchased the C700 and paired them with some small bookshelf speakers. The Klipsch RP400M's. I was trying to build a small compact, great sounding system that utilizes minimal space as I moving to SE Asia. I am very happy how it sounds. The C700 to me is a nice aesthictacally looking product. Bottom line a happy NAD owner.
I bought the C700 and I'm thrilled with it. No hiccups so far with BluOS either. The C700 exists in a real sweet spot of features, like dedicated sub out, HDMI, high-pass/low-pass filters, and (for me) a freaking physical volume knob. If the Audiolab Omnia had a volume knob, I'd probably own it. The album art is great too. No complaints about the C700 sound either, it's great. Easily outperforms my previous Marantz NR1200.
4 месяца назад
Just a heads up to anyone considering the C700 to play music from a usb thumb drive, the amp does not allow front panel access to libraries connected via usb. The usb input is only accessible via the remote app. I chose the C700 over the Powernode because I was hoping to be able to use the key features directly on the amp's front panel with the volume dial, buttons, and large color screen without needing a secondary screen/device. I realize this may not be an issue for a lot of people who only control it via their phone, but I wanted to bring it up for the old heads looking at this unit. Also, screen brightness settings are not retained when forcing the amp into standby/powering down. If you leave the amp network connected and allow it to go into sleep mode, the brightness should be remembered, but not if you shut it down. I think the manual calls this vacation mode. I keep the brightness on my phone turned down and had hoped to do the same on the amp. I found the auto brightness setting to be jumpy and distracting in my space. Just so you know. Otherwise, the amp has performed well in my short time with it. It sounds good and I really appreciate the small size and diversity of inputs. I hope the bugs I found can be corrected with firmware updates.
Glad and not surprised to see the Powernode (2021) sounds like the new C700. Both are 80 wpc Hypex-based amps. I fell in love with the Powernode this summer, and it works fine with my Maggie 1.7is. Really impressive soundstage and clarity, but perhaps a bit leaner than my AB integrated amps. Instantly more engaging compared to the AB amps. Would like to see a review of the NAD C298 Purifi module-based power amp, or another Purifi amp, to hear how it compares with the Powernode/C700 sound. More power for the Maggies. Seems obvious that Lenbrook is repurposing the engineering for multiple brands, and if that keeps the prices more reasonable, fine with me. Contrary to the video discussion, I still see a reasonable market differentiation between NAD and Bluesound, with one targeting the traditional budget enthusiast and the other targeting the plug-and-play multiroom market (the Sonos customer). Sure, as the tech progresses, there's a convergence of the experience. It may reach a point that they can't justify the segmentation, but I don't think it's there yet. Cheers for the great reviews and video production values. Always enjoy it.
Agree with a review on the new c298! I got one myself😁. Really good sound from it! Soundstage is wonderful big and everything sounds very accurate to the source! Shit in shit out! And the best thing is that if you have a really hiend preamp it will show that to you. I have compared it to a rotel rb1582mk2 amp and it sounded def more neutral and clean than the rotel. I def think its a real hiend amplifier.
I would like a review on the new c399 when its out. Seems like a real bargain! Coupled with bluos streaming AND dirac live its gonna be a giant killer if you want an all in one solution. 180w power to deal with😉. I have the new c298 which is fantastis. Will try it with the c399 as preamp.
I really like you guys as a team. 💜 The discussion at the end was the most interesting (for me) part of the video. I really think the blue sound node is the star of the show here. You can marry it to whichever amp you like and have the power and ease of use of BlueOs. I also have the Powernode and while it's great one stop shop, I wish it had the ability to output to other amps like my Node does. Subbed!
I've now had the NAD C700 for about six months. This amp is great and the world of Blue Sound has easily doubled my music listening time. Thanks for your review which assisted in my decision.
My attention was grabbed by Kristi and you when you stated bland general appeal to one audience, which is bean counter marketing and works. Of the 100k+ home theaters out there less than 3% are full Dolby ATMOS (Stats from Sound United) and Andrew, you know about the limited appeal of pre-amps with mono-blocks from the price range. Very few are wiling to pay what a car costs to have a good A/V or stereo system. NAD is looking to a future that is the now.
I bought a Node and after a week I returned it. I mostly used it as ROON endpoint and for the money, I ordered an Allo Boss2 to compare. I liked the Boss2 so much I ordered a second one. I ordered them with MoOde, installed ROON bridge and simply love using these, one for my den and the second in our studio/office. Both cost less than one Node!
I love Roon, but the point of the Bluesound NODE (and BluOS as a whole) is that you don't need Roon and the 500 Euro subscription and the 500 Euro server. It already has a fully functioning streaming suite built-in. Don't get me wrong. In many ways, I think Roon is superior as streaming software. I just think that for most people the BluOS platform is way easier to start using.
@@nielschristiaans1263 I was hoping I could use the Node to replace ROON but BlueOS doesn’t do the things ROON can. For example, I cannot use BlueOS on my phone to play music from my Synology FLAC library to my phone, or to my receivers, only to the system the Node is connected to. Node/BlueOS didn’t work for me.
Regarding market cross over - think of the POWERNODE as the Toyota Camry and the C700 as the Lexus ES and the M33 as the Lexus LC. You want price/performance ratio, get a POWERNODE. You want a nicer look, a screen for the menu options and an on device menu - well get the c700. You want outright performance - get the M33. Toyota -> $35K, Lexus ES->$60K, Lexus LC -> $100K. POWERNODE -> $1049, C700 -> $1500, M33 -> $4500. Different types of consumers -- you just have to figure out what kind you are :) Me? I just ordered a POWERNODE. And I drive a Camry too :)
@Andrew Robinson QOTD; The Bluesound/NAD seems to have competing products, The C700 uses age old Class-D Hypex UcD modules. Nicely integrated but technology is too old for a $1000+ amp , M10/M33 amps use much newer Hypex-ncore and Purifi modules. It seems NAD is shifting towards the all digital class-D product range.
I have the NAD C-388 and never looked back. After over 50 years of chasing the holly grail had many Audio set up/systems, I went for convenience, simplicity, fewer cables it's upgradable has plenty of power, Roon ready it suites all my needs.
And the NAD c 399 is supposed to be available next month. No flashy screen display, but lots of trickle down technology from M33 and other Master series components. Definitely on my radar.
“What’s the point of anything”. LOL! I came across the C700 the other day at the dealer. It wasn’t turned on but I took a look at, gave the knob a spin and thought it seemed cheaply built for the price. I’d pick the Powenode over it, or the M10. I suppose that decision is just based off the design alone. I own an M10 and like it a lot! Great performance, features (ie. DIRAC). Also looks and feels nice. Getting some Metas next week and can’t wait to see how they work together. Oh… parting thought! I think you can add to DIRAC to the C700 via a software update or module. Might be worth considering if you’re happy with the C700 but looking to upgrade down the road. So maybe it is a viable option…
I had ordered the M10 (v2) before I knew there was this affordable alternative coming out. The M10 is great, I love the sound and Dirac is especially good. the touch screen is nice - but so is a real volume knob. And for half the price… this one seems to be a great deal if you don’t need Dirac.
Oh, I forgot one important thing: The M10 now offers 4.2 via two blusound surround back channels - which was one main argument for me to wait for the V2. But I haven‘t installed this system - yet. The surround backs are missing and so is the KEF sub. :-)
Exactly what I was hoping to hear! The album art, meters and volume knob are sexy and this is a device that asks to be displayed. As I'm still invested in Apple Music and Airplay dependent, losing the album art, the extra cost over the POWERNODE makes less sense. BUT!!!...Should Apple Music make its way to BluOS...then I may kick myself. As to the question at hand, maybe Bluesound becomes the Honda to NAD's Acura...Yes, I didn't mention Toyota/Lexus.
i just bought a powernode 2i (last gen) for very cheap and love it. Obsolescence is a concern when buying software focused products. Every time a new a new chipset is used, it raises a potential flag for future support.
I use a Node 2i as a dedicated tidal streamer into a NAD c368 into a PS Audio s300 power amplifier. I have my TV audio out connected to the C368. The NAD c368 is future proof as it uses the module approach if you wish. So in theory better versions of the Bluesound streamer can be swapped in in the future. As to NAD canibalising from itself, I thbhink the units are sufficiently different. Class a/b v class d amplification. Life style aimed v more hifi aimed. Anyway, a fantastic video as always. You really hit in something having both of you discussing the products. That is my favorite part!
I disagree with "future proof" when it comes to NAD. I had a NAD receiver with module update capability. Upgraded the modules myself, thereby saving some money. Now I believe the module upgrades have to been down by an authorized person, which adds cost. Also, the modules are bloody expensive. Eventually the product will not be upgradeable with future modules. I know this from past experience. It is my believe that one is better off selling the old unit and buying a new unit than upgrading it with the new modules. The new modules will not save you much money and a new unit might have better technology and improvements to the amps, pre-amps, D/A converters and a fully warranty versus an older unit with upgraded modules that is out of warranty expect possibly for the modules themselves.
@@johnpereira6934 totally agree with you, the new modules are ridiculously overpriced. If my NAD 758v3 requires an updated module I’ll sell the receiver for cheap and start over. It’s really a shame because they make some great products.
I'm currently investigating options for this exact same set-up: a HIFI all-in-one system to listen to music and connect my TV. To me, the real difference between the NAD and the Powernode is the following: I would enjoy exposing the NAD in full sight, while I would definitely hide the Powernode inside a cupboard. The NAD looks like an Audi, the Powernode does not even look like a VW. ;-)
In the whole Bluesound vs NAD line of thought, Bluesound is a great foray into streaming for old guys/gals that want to add to their already nice systems. I for instance have a wonderful system containing a GAS Theobe & Son of Ampzilla running into a set of Martin Logan eStats. I added a vault to the setup and it's a great addition to my main listening room. That said, add a power node to an old set of Advent's and you can put together a grarage/man-cave setup for very low $$. Advents, even though 50 years old or so, still have a great bass and a non-tiring 2-way design. Not to mention that you can find good pairs at rummage sales for $25-$50 a pair. That said, I think Bluesound products have a place in the product line. Maybe they even become a 3rd generation 3020...
Love your reviews you guys. Very honest and down to Earth. I always watch other reviews for the same pieces of equipment but your structure just hits the nail on the head in so many ways. Also, selfishly, the only tower speakers for the money that I’ve never heard and am so interested in are the Aperion Audio Verus III Concert V8T (or V6T) Tower Speakers. Everyone that has them is mind blown but not many reviews on RU-vid at all! Plus that cherry finish…
Everything is a computer now. My $6000US Naim Uniti Star’s display has gone dark immediately after a firmware update. It has been weeks, with nothing from Naim other than the typical dances around a totem pole and speaking in tongues. Save your money and buy something else. You could replace 10 of them for what I paid for one Uniti Star. I’m screwed because I also have two Mu-so units, so I’m kind of uninterested in total replacement of a $9000 multi-room system.
I had a demo unit for a few days at home. The sound was very clean, but also a little clinical. Because of the Bluesound system there is a 50ms delay on all inputs, even the HDMI input. So there was a lipp sync issue when watching TV that was very annoying.
That’s a bit of an issue for me. I am considering getting one in part to watch TV. I also intend to hook up my vinyl turntables (through a mixer) to the analog input on it, but with high input lag this can be tricky. How do you know they’re working on it?
@@MrJonnywarren1985 You can adjust it from 50ms to 150ms, but can't go below 50ms. This is done deliberately according to Bluesound because of grouping. If the C700 has the same issue, i don't see them changing this anytime soon.
Our family has 4 vehicles. Two are VWs and two are Audis. All are built on the same MQB platform and use the same basic 2 liter turbo 4 and they have a lot of driving characteristics in common. The Audis, an A3 Quattro and a TTS, feel like they are built with somewhat higher quality materials. They perform better and have nicer interiors. It’s hard to believe that the Tiguan and the TTS are built on the same platform but it also makes me realize how much the details matter. I am happy they both exist and I think I feel the same way about the Bluesound Power Node and the NAD. It’s good to have choices even if they only differ slightly. I am happy with my current setup of Klipsch The Fives and a sub using Apple TV for music and the only way I will change is for something that is just as easy. Both of these qualify. So I am happy they exist. Maybe they should be different tiers of the same model line?
When you drive the Audis do you get the urge to drive 6 inches from the rear bumper of the car in front despite the speed and park in 2 spaces as they normally do here in the UK? 🤣
Agree with y’all here. I love my NAD C368, one feature that’s worth mentioning is MDC flexibility. It’s nice to know I could say, get an 8k HDMI module a few years from now so it’s not obsolete.
Of course they are going for the integrated devices. The problem with those devices is that once one part of it gets outdated (usually the digital/streaming part), then a lot of people will want to upgrade to a system with the newest functionality. But that means throwing out a perfectly good amp and other parts. And generally people are creatures of habit, sot hey don't want to learn a new system every time they upgrade. This means that it's likely they'll buy into the same brand again. And to replace their "all in one box system" they'll have to buy a new "all in one box" system, which is generally a more expensive item.
The large "umbrella" corps are not concerned with cannibalising sales between their sub-brands - it is deliberate strategy to take up consumer mindspace. All they want is for you to buy from one of their brands (doesn't matter which) rather than a product from a competitor "umbrella" corp. By throwing loads of brands at you, you think you're getting "choice" but your selection is actually going to be between a very limited number of actual entities.
That's exactly correct, cannibalising sales is not a problem when your goal is to saturate the market with choices. The C700 is a good example of leveraging existing parts and tech to bring another 'slightly different' version to market inexpensively. Doesn't mean the C700 (or saturation strategy) is bad, just means Lenbrook is marketing for success and to suit every customer - what they should be doing.
I watch most of your vids Andrew but seeing the Lastlings album art on the NAD got me to click instantly! Fantastic Aussie duo that I've had the pleasure of seeing a few times!
Can’t agree here guys. I think it’s great having a cheaper version of a high end product. If you do so desire or can afford then get the bit better version. If not get the entry level job. 🔈👍🏻
I own an Evo and regardless of streamer you are using I think to obtain true audiophile quality sound you need to use it as a preamp into a bonafide power amp to get the headroom and soundstage we desire. The class D amplifier in EVO has pros and cons, mine runs daily for 5-8 hours per day so the fact it runs cool is awesome. Granted I love the “British sound” so Im biased. Incidentally I paired my Evo with an old Parasound 500 I picked up cheap and the before and after was mind expanding. 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion regarding brands, trickle down, features, and car comparisons (and obviously am not alone). The review was good as well 🤓 Thanks for continuing to create engaging and entertaining videos, Kristi and Andrew!
I recently purchased the Onkyo RZ50 based on your review (still excitedly waiting on it) to replace a 7 year old Marantz. I will stick to 5.1 because we watch movies around 60% of the time but very curious how music compares between a good AV receiver and a 2.1 channel amp. Is there much of a difference? Thanks again for all you both do. Y’all make the audio journey fun, educational and practical.
Well, it turns out that BlueOS is getting more traction since other brands will use it as well. Cyrus (new streamer) and Roksan (Attessa) use BlueOS as the streaming platform, other brand may follow. Combine such a streamer with active speakers and you're done.
Buy a Bluesound Node, a miniDSP with Dirac and reasonably priced small form factor amp - some are even class A/B if class D isn't your thing. Now you have the capability of the M10 for a lot less money, although not as elegant a solution. As for a touch screen I don't really care if there is one. I'm not going to get up to go to the unit to use it's functionality when a remote or app on a smartphone/tablet can accomplish the same thing from my listening position.
Funnily enough, a friend does just this. He has a Bluesound node. A MiniDSP and a Rega amp driving some tasty Quadral speakers. It's a beautiful sounding setup for the money.
While I get the appeal of the all-in-one, it takes away the ability to experiment. I had a Powernode 2i. Loved the UX, but wasn't so enamored with SQ (lacked dynamics and soundstage was very flat IMO), but there was no way to upgrade. So I did as Andrew mentioned and replaced it with a new NODE and a separate power amp. Same UX, but now have the ability to experiment with dacs and amps, and now that the NODE has HDMI in it covers all my pre-amp needs. And thanks for another great review! Loved the convo with Kristi!
I'm holding out for the M10 V2. Hopefully one of those will come your way and be reviewed. Now that it's a V2 I'm very interested in a direct comparison with the Uniti Atom. It'll be one or the other for me given a reasonable amount of time to pass and peoples experiences to be expressed. I know it shouldn't be a factor, but, those VU meters really do it for me...
Great review - I thought about a power node for a few months until I saw the C700 released. Compared to the M10 price this was a no-brainer for me. Paired a new C700 with some Paradigm speakers - I am in love.
Loved your reflections about how the NAD amplifiers become more and more similar, at least from a user perspective, but was very surprised to hear that Kristi preferred this amp over the M33 with Purifi modules and all. PS. I'm a very happy owner of the M32
I can totally understand how one would like one amp topology over another. The Purifi modules are impressive as are the Hypex ones, but they definitely have mildly different flavors. While I appreciated the M33 for its exacting performance, in the end it left me a bit "cold" as in not engaged. Is the M33 a good product? Absolutely, without a doubt. But would I buy it, no. I actually think the less perfect sound of the C700 is more to my taste, but that's just me. Appreciate you watching!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews M33 being so expensive and NAD not communicating clearly whether it's subwoofer troubles can be mitigated without needing to change components makes M33 a rather poor purchase. It's been known for months and nobody knows even if it will be taken care of or not.
Awesome review per usually! I have the T778 and have been having similar problems with Tidal and BluOS after Tidal updated and changed a few things. I’ve just been using Tidal connect instead. As for your question. I feel like Blusound is bigger if you are new to the industry whereas if you’ve been around the block NAD is the more recognizable name and I feel NAD knows this which puts them in a dilemma. At most i think it will just say BluOS by NAD.
Your comment just answered my question lol. I’m looking to build my first system and was wondering if you can use the connect versions of the apps themselves as opposed to the blue os app. I’m coming from the kef ls50 wireless version 1 and was very used to using Spotify connect with that. Not sure I’m entirely sold on this NAD product but a blue sound node might be in my future as the streamer.
@@unklecorky2181 yeah both Tidal and Spotify connect work, although you may still have to set up BluOS but can skip using the app afterwords. I love the Kef LS50s though. What speakers are you going to get?
Anthony, thanks for sharing your experience with the T778 after the updates. We don’t have it any more to have been able to test the OS. Great product though!
I bought a Lexus not a Toyota because I enjoyed the whole experience more. It felt more special. Pretty much psychology, no real data to back up the choice. Can we review the Marantz 7000N please?
I would say that the Bluesound name is more recognised than NAD here in the UK. It is definitely a name with more impact here in the UK and the brilliant node 2i has helped push that. If I was part of their marketing team then it would be a no brainer to eventually phase out the NAD name completely, as Bluesound is well known for the streaming capabilities and that is the future of hifi. Hopefully the TV integration will quickly follow so that the TV'S screen can be used for the streamers screen instead of those piddly wee screens used on streamers, which are difficult for us with eyes painted on to see.
They didn’t really say that. When pushed Andrew said he didn’t actually know, but initially suggested that it could be due to being more readily available. Kristi clearly thought NAD was still the more recognisable brand and she’d actually researched it. In the end they both thought 20:07 it was probably more likely that Bluesound would be absorbed into NAD. I’m also from the UK and Bluesound is still a niche product. You can’t buy it in somewhere like John Lewis or Curry’s like you can Sonos. It’s more of a lifestyle brand compared to NAD which is has Hi-Fi history having been around for nearly 50 years.
I really enjoy your reviews. Prior to coming across your channel, I literally had a pair of Sonos 5's but have since purchased the KEF LS50 Meta's and the Cambridge CXA81. As a novice to this new hobby of mine, your channel has led to a huge burst of curiosity and exploration. Thank you. I'm not sure if you're aware of the new Roksan Attessa streaming amplifier but if it is on your radar, we'd love to see your review.
Another excellent and enjoyable review to watch. If you have to pick btw the power blue node, NAD C 700 or Audio play 6000A. Which amp would you guys pick?
I love your channel with lots of useful reviews. Especially a lot of streaming amplifiers. One I hope you one day manage to test is Lyngdorf TDAI-1120. I had one for home demo for a week and RoomPerfect is an amazing piece of tech. The separation of instruments and vocals is simply scary and provide a total new soundstage while keeping the sound signature of the speakers. Furthermore. Eventhough it is a digital amplifier it sounds more like an AB amplifier.
I had the nad t666? (Bought it in 2015]. After using this in my home theater system for six years, it stopped working. I brought it to the local authorized nad repair shop, and nad agreed to cover the cost of repair. The estimate for the repair was $1,500. (Burned out amplifier, etc.) The NAD service rep advised that it wasn’t worth repairing, since there was no guarantee that the receiver wouldn’t break down again. Nad offered to give me a 50% credit towards the t778. It seemed like a good deal at the time. I then started reading reviews on the Crutchfield site. Roughly half the receivers were returned to Crutchfield due to defects. Who needs the aggravation? Bought a Marantz sr8015 instead. (One man’s experience.)
Question, Did you try the preamp outputs, or is that a feature that you generally test? On your question of the day, for me, I think NAD will always be NAD and I will think BluOS will be seen similarly to IOS. I guess that means that NAD will just be known as a product that is known that is powered by BluOS, like Sound United has HEOS. On a separate topic (mostly because I'm not sure on what platform to ask you guys individual questions. Outlaw Audio is said to be really popular but I don't see many reviews on the product. Also, have guys heard of HI-FI Rose products? They seem to have Streamers/Preamps that do everything, similar to the NAD product that you reviewed here, they seem pretty awesome.
Nice review guys. I agree. Similarly SMSLs' DA-8S ($169) and DA-9 ($249) - save the sub out and a nicer looking facade, they are the exact same amp. Can't wrap my head around why manufacturers keep doing the "old wine in a new bottle thing", when all that's different is the bottle and the label.
I think I’ve watched about 30 or 40 of your video reviews this past week and love them all. I’ve been looking to upgrade my home office room audio with amps and speakers and I’ve gone with the C700 in large part because of this review which just helped me discount a lot of other amps before even going in store to check them out in person, and probably pairing them with some focal Chora 806’s. Thanks for putting everything in a way a simpleton like me can understand!
I have mixed feelings about it not being a touch screen...the size of the screen is ideal for that feature...but not having a smudged up screen that you would have to constantly clean is also pretty good...so controlling it via smart phone is perfectly fine
It would be great if you tested the roksan attessa streaming amplifier, the price is comparable, bluos on board plus a phono preamplifier and a dedicated cd transport to buy for those willing. And it is AB class :)
Monitor audio is also integrating BlueOS. So it is not only NAD who is making use of the platform. I think Bluesound is thinking smart becouse more blands wil be compatible but still depend on the software they are creating.
What I do care about is the user experience of the app. How seamlessly things work. If you get a Sony CDP-X7ESD CD player, or any CD player with the KSS-190A mechanism, it switches tracks almost instantly, and you can search forwards or backwards in a track at 2 different speeds. And it's a solid piece of high-performance kit. I want something like a C700 - or a (power)node - that has a similar high quality feel to how things work. It's probably not that easy when it comes to streaming services though. But it should be able to do this when connecting to my own music library.
I was contemplating getting one of these, and was waiting for your review after you noted in a prior one that it was in house. Verdict: Sold. I'll be getting one. Thanks for the great reviews!
I wouldn't want to play NAD owners, but what I would like is to buy and own Node in C700/M10 body. So music streamer with nice screen, volume knob, BT and pre-outs. But as far as I know, there isn't something like that on the market. I guess next best thing would be some small tablet on a stand connected to a good DAC with pre-outs
Good review, Kristi & Andrew. For me, I still think a separate streamer is still the way to go. I understand the convenience of the NAD C700, but it seems like too much of a compromise for the $$$.
I think the two brands will coexist. Bluesound Powernode is more attractive to beginners. It has an "Apple" vibe, it's very simple and "just works". On the other hand, NAD seems more appealing to more mature listeners.
I love that you not only turn the video over to Kristie (wife?), and I REALLY love that she has thoughts on this stuff. My wife doesn't really care. But I think she should join you on the screen. It seems weird to have you on screen when she is really the star of this segment.
Hi Andrew - picked up A C 700 after your review. I'm very pleased with it. I'm not having any problem with lag. May just be your unit. This is a wonderful step up in sound. Great value for sure.
So you’re saying that the user experience is now dominated by software? Was that Bobby Darin biopic “Beyond The Sea” right when it said “ people hear what they see”? Or is just that manufacturing consolidation means that it’s like appliances - all the consumer brands are made on the same 3 or 4 assembly lines anyway? Interesting.
Future of NAD (or any other company) depends on Customer experience! I.e. Tesla: bad Car - but outstanding User experience (Charger Infra structure). Question: what triggers Customer dicision? Hardware / Specs? Design/ Built Quality? OS / User Interface?
Thank you Andrew and Christi didn't expect the Video this soon XD. Your Video really brings the hype for my coming dealer appointment. And Andrew what is missing in NADs Lineup is a Node with a Screen with XLR outputs so you can pair it with a Poweramp like two Schiit Aegirs oder a Hegel H20. A Screen is a screen and now there is a Bluesound Powernode with a Screen. I know Iam willing to pay the extra and i bet (hope) there are more^^
I think you should compare the Lyngdorf 1120 against these other streaming mini amps. I think it's a different beast. Also interested in your views as to why there are no ABX blind tests of AVRs against these amps. Sonically is there a real difference? If not why not buy an AVR for less money (I'm talking aventage or comparable) and have more power, all the toys and the ability to do movies too? Can't see what these little streaming amps offer apart from being small and looking kinda cool...?
Arcam SA30 sounds better than both IMO. Streaming is good on it but not quite as ripe of features. Ive owned the Naim its very good but I dig the fuller, bigger sound of the SA30. Just my personal preference. Great video bud!
I would love nothing more than to agree with you (or intelligently disagree) but after a year of requesting Arcam with no luck, it doesn't seem like a review of that brand is going to be possible any time soon.
Ive heard that from multiple people now! That Arcam just are not getting units out for review. Shame. Makes sense as there is literally no reviews on their new offerings. Haha. Too bad as I really think they got back to their roots sonically. I did not care for their fmj Ax9 series amps. Their new stuff sounds like Arcam of old again which to me is the sound that put them on the map years ago. The Sa30 has more attack closer to a Naim or Exposure offering but has that organic smoothness that draws you in. Everyone has different taste of course. I can see why peoole would prefer the Naim sound. Ive owned three Naim amps and loved them all. I will have to try this ome again now that my dedicated room is complete. Love your channel! You two and the cheap audio man are the only two I subscribe to.
Great video and discussion, this market is getting very confusing for the buyer. One thing to point out when comparing the Powernode/Node to this NAD, you can't underestimate the appeal of that nice display screen with album artwork. It's a very attractive feature and the(?) major distinguishing factor.
I have to say, most of the time, built in versions of BlueOS are terrible. Before I got a Rotel integrated and Node combo, I went with NAD C388 with the BlueOS module. It would always play about 30-40 seconds, and then completely lose connection to internet regardless wether it’s connected through Wi-Fi or Ethernet. It was stupidly frustrating for a brand new amp. And after dealing with it for a week, I returned it and went with the mentioned combo and couldn’t be happier.
Thank you for a great review once more. I was going for the Powernode at first, but the additionnal analog inputs (I would use for SACD & Vinyl) made me choose the C700. I will pair it with KLH Model 5 that I also picked mostly because of your review... So thank you for that as well ! Wishing you guys the best !
So how do you like it with your Model 5? I also have Model 5 and am trying to decide on an integrated amp. Was thinking about Rotel A14 MK II but I would like to have Apple Play.
Thanks to you both for this review. I appreciate the comparisons to other, similar products on the market. It’s great to know not necessarily “which is the best”, but the relative attributes of each so we can decide which ones are most important to our own desires. Cheers!
Review aside..Props for showing the Lastlings album on the amp display..really good but commercially ignored moody synth pop record..and the group puts on a decent live performance too!
Love this review! I think it makes sense for speakers like Q acoustic 3030i or anything in that price range! But where I would disagree is in certain situations, the Uniti Atom or the M10 even though it’s expensive, for the long haul, I would still get it in a heart beat for that “ everything is a little bit better”. I guess it’s like buying an Aston Martin DB9 over the DBS. It’s probably similar. I will love the DB9, but everytime I think of the DBS, or god forbid see someone has it, and knowing I can afford it, I would hate myself for not getting the better one. HAHA, but omg I’m interested to listen to this! Thanks Kristi and Andrew! 😃
They have it. The Nad C658. The front end, with Dirac, without the amp. Unfortunately Nad has just increased the price of all their products. Inflation.
In my opinion we have two different ways NAD/Bluesound can go in terms of strategy : 1) NAD focuses on integrated Amps (what they do historically) and Bluesound specializes on being just sources/DAC (BlueOS experience). Obviously both using BlueOS but one focusing on the amplification part. 2) they separate the brands in one more affordable brand which would be Bluesound and take advantage of NAD "brand's reputation" (as Kristy said) to make more high-end orientated products. I guess this is what is happening but they maybe should be clearer on their strategy. As you said, one can be really close to the other whereas prices are quite different, this isn't good for orienting the client to one or another solution
Wonderful review and great conversation. It’s why I’m looking at an entry level Hegel H95. Amp with a streamer and DAC. But this review has now solidified my decision paralysis. :) Feels like you have to just plug your nose and choose. Hope you get a Hegel in for review soon.
Having heard both the POWERNODE and the H95 in the same room on the same speakers, the Hegel is in a different league. But then again, it is twice the price….
@@mattyj3051 I've heard both the h95 and the h120. When people say they are in a different league. It genuinely is the case. What's better you ask? Just about everything. You will notice more details due to a blacker soundstage, notes appear better defined and small details will be naturally highlighted and present (for which wouldn't have been apparent before). Dynamic are greatly increased, instruments will sound more natural due to neutral tone voicing and better note decays. Bass is very clear due to the damping factor so wolly or undefined bass disappears. Instruments have vastly more "air", hard to describe but they sound more distinctive and thus separated, like real life. For £1600, I found nothing better. I tried every amp I could find at that price point. The internal dac for me personally beat the chord quest in an a/b listening. However I would go for the h120 over the h95. The difference being that the bass hits harder and there seemed to be better dynamics, and the speakers disappear. I consider it worth the extra price. The hegel to other amps is like having a good pair of head phones vs the ones that came with your phone. Its that similar in step up.
I love what NAD is doing with the AV processing in their new systems. I am anxiously waiting for them to do a firmware update that allows the pre-out to run center channel audio to go from 4.X to 5.X. First company to make that unit gets my money.
I will say that a possible future Bluesound product (Powernode or NAD) that is a WiSA ready transmitter, coupled with WiSA speakers would be true all in one solution. As soon as such an all in one system is available for under $1,500 (speakers included) it will "break the internet", or as my generation used to say "sell like hot cakes". As for me the only NAD product that appeals to me is the traditional C298 two channel power amplifier, which is essentially the same Purifi amp module that's in the M33. Thank you Kristi and Andrew for your excellence (yeah, I'm old, but not gender bias).
It seems like an Audiolab 6000/ Rotel A11/ Cambridge AXR 100 with a Bluesond node will give you the same functionality and better sound for less, minus the screen and form factor. I would see this product as a fancy PowerNode rather than a poor mans M33 and again, there is nothing wrong with fancy! I am a strong believer that modern audio needs to fit into modern living spaces and lifestyles (usually represented by WAF :). It is a good product which adds another option/choice you can make based on your needs and lifestyle. It is not a poor value product and it's not the best value product, especially compared to competition outside of NAD/Bluesound space (better value than the CA EVO for sure, kah kah) ...
Hi Andrew great review. Went to my local Hifi shop to listen alongside to the Powernode & Mararntz 7007 and they threw the C700 into the mix. Agree that the C700 were very similar, but just thought the C700 edged it. So had to buy. How do you get the voltage display on C700 as I can only get the album covers on my screen?
Great video Andrew, keep up the good work! I love the C700. Though I don't agree with the Powernode vs C700 statement. Although having the same amplification unit, the C700 has a different power supply which makes it sound more relaxed and cohesive in my opinion. Cheers!
