NAD C658 BluOS Streaming Preamplifier & DAC

The NAD C658 is a streaming preamplifier that combines BluOS network streaming, an ESS Sabre DAC, Dirac Live room correction and a phono input in a single preamp.

Sounds like a lot of devices in one – and it is. You choose the power amplifier and speakers separately.

Why the NAD C658?

The C658 is the digital command centre for anyone who wants great sound quality without building a stack of components. BluOS brings High-Res streaming including MQA and multiroom, the ESS Sabre DAC converts cleanly with very low jitter, and – the real trump card – the full version of Dirac Live measures your room and digitally smooths out acoustic flaws like boomy bass. You'll hear the difference without moving a single piece of furniture.

What you get

In terms of connections, the C658 is generous: two optical and two coaxial digital inputs, two line inputs, a low-noise MM phono input. On the output side, choose RCA or balanced XLR pre-outs plus two subwoofer outputs – ideal for pairing it with a power amplifier of your choice. Dual-band Wi-Fi and bidirectional Bluetooth aptX HD are on board, and two MDC slots keep the door open for expansion. The Dirac measurement microphone is included.

Who is the NAD C658 right for – and who isn't it right for?

Ideal if you have or are planning a separate power amplifier (or active speakers) and are looking for a streaming-capable, high-end preamplifier with room correction. Plain talk: the C658 is a preamplifier – it doesn't power your speakers itself. If you want everything in one box, you're better served by the C700 V2 or M10 V3. In return, the C658 is the more flexible foundation for a growing high-end system.

Our verdict

The C658 packs streaming, DAC, phono and genuine room correction into one preamplifier – at a price that's almost an understatement for the technology on offer. The digital command centre for a modern high-end system.

Technical data

• Device type: Streaming preamplifier / DAC / network player
• DAC: ESS Sabre
• Streaming: BluOS (multiroom, MQA)
• Room correction: Dirac Live (full version)
• Analogue inputs: 2× line level (RCA), 1× MM phono
• Digital inputs: 2× optical, 2× coaxial
• Analogue outputs: RCA pre-out, balanced XLR pre-out, 2× subwoofer (mono)
• Wireless: dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth aptX HD (bidirectional)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): < 0.005%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 110 dB
• Expansion: 2× MDC slot
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 435 × 100 × 407 mm
• Weight: 8.9 kg
• Included: Dirac Live measurement microphone

Frequently asked questions

Does the NAD C658 need a separate power amplifier?

Yes. The C658 is a pure preamplifier and doesn't power the speakers itself – it needs a power amplifier or active speakers behind it. You connect it to the power amplifier of your choice via the RCA or balanced XLR pre-outs. It's exactly this separation that makes it so flexible and expandable.

Is Dirac Live really worth it on the NAD C658?

Yes, clearly so in most living rooms. Dirac Live uses the included microphone to measure how your room distorts the sound, then digitally corrects frequency response and timing. The result is tighter bass and a more precise soundstage – an effect you'd otherwise only get with elaborate room acoustics. On the C658, the full version is already included.

Why buy the NAD C658 from HD Zürisee?

A device with this many possibilities deserves proper guidance, not just a spec sheet. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we show you how the C658, together with a power amplifier, speakers and Dirac, upgrades your system, and we'll set up the room correction on request. Authorised NAD dealer, advice and service included.

Goes well with: power amplifiers, floorstanding speakers, active speakers and network cables.