NAD C658 BluOS Streamer: The Search is over! I've found my do it all Network DAC!

[@mw4609]

Thank you for doing a review of the C658, and your attitude toward audio. I've had C658 about a year now - chose it for all the functionality. It does exactly what is needed for my 2-ch system. Using XLR outputs to a set of Hypex FA123 (also have set of FA253) with each plate mounted in a pair of 2x12" open-baffle subs, which also power a pair of Linkwitz LXmini open-baffle cardioid/omni-directional infinte transmission-line speakers. I have been extremely pleased with the performance of C658 in this system. Also have the NAD M12 DAC/streamer/pre-amp (used with miniDSP 4x10HD and ATI 12-ch amp) and C388 (predecessor to C399), all good units.

[@2ChannelListening]

How do you like the C658 vs. the M12? Thank you for posting and sharing M W!

[@wailwong8712]

Best real, everyday review of the 658 so far on KZbin, thank you.

[@2ChannelListening]

I appreciate that! Thank you for watching Wail.

[@hakki686]

Good video. I tested dac / streamers in the last years for myself. Running active nice old spendors for 10 years. Years ago i got rid of LPs/CDs.The c658 was just on my list due to the features. After i got this unit and tested against my 5xmore expensive AVM and Accupahse PREs. What to tell ? After i adjusted DIRAC Live to my room hat alone gave me 100% better result on clearance/bass managment. I was blown away.Especially you can switch back forth between dirac setting. That unit is a beast and i am so happy/ impressed that i sold my high end PREs. Dirac is for me woth it alone. All become much cleaner. Tidal MQA is now everything i do need and this unit. Cheers....and stop hunting

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you Hakki; for me its not about reaching a destination, its the journey! Super cool that you love your C658 so much you were comfortable selling your beloved Accuphase gear - that says more than anything. I appreciate your comment and watching.

[@donaldchamble6897]

Hello Jason I am glad you are always entertaining and pinpoint about the items you review.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you DC. Ha ha, I wouldn't say pinpoint, more like pinball...

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

I have a Parasound A23 amp with P3 preamp with the Bluesound Vault 2i and was looking at replacing the P3 with the C658. Great video and real world help. Thanks.

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you sir! Great YT handle by the way...

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

@@2ChannelListening I've done about 200 pistol videos. I'm in a wheelchair and specialize in light triggers (quadriplegic). I'm moving and making some stereo changes. I just bought the GR Research completed speakers. I'll set them up when the construction dust settles.

[@2ChannelListening]

@@WheeledandWellArmed Yeah, I'll check out a few of your video's. I'm a long time stainless 1911 Kimber owner. I'd love to hear your impressions of Dan's speakers.

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

@@2ChannelListening There are 2 completed speakers on his website and neither have any reviews. Im an amateur watchmaker and gunsmith and thinking about building speakers. Both Cheap Audio Guy and JoeNTell removed my comments, I assume it was my YT gun name and logo. Lately I have been into double stack 1911s in 45acp and 9mm. As a kid my Dad was a Browning Hi Power guy because 13rds was better than 6rds. I benged-watched most all your videos today. I'm now in queue for the ZU Dirty Weekend. 2 questions: Can you recommend a taller speaker stand? Do the door stops / weights on the speaker make a noticeable difference? From what you said about other DAC Streaming systems...With me having a fully loaded Bluesound Vault, the BluOs makes a clear path forward for my new smart house (C658 in another system+Alexa speakers+Zigbee hub). Thanks for your content and finding unique products in the $500 to $2000 price range and and having a sensible, logical approach to hifi. The Sony SS M3 were beautiful. Last the Philharmonic speakers were incredible find, you said he was a noted violinist and I assumed you would talk about the speaker's craftsmanship but you took a funny turn. Keep the videos coming.

[@2ChannelListening]

Never had the opportunity to experience a Browning. I've handled some Wilson Combats so many years ago; while I could never afford one, I respected the craftsmanship and action, so darn smooth. VTI "RF" makes a really solid 26" steel speaker stand for about $199 last I checked. That's one of the pairs I have. The door stoppers are mostly for my components with less than solid steel cases. It would be totally useless on say a Marantz SA11S3, a completely thick, solid top plate. However, many of my budget components and tube components have a slight ring to the case. Its nothing more than a cheap insurance policy with unwanted vibration. Ask Wilson Audio, Magico or Avalon Acoustics what great lengths they go to eliminate cabinet vibration! If there modeling has uncovered frequency degradation, then it must be a thing to engineer out of a design. So many folks like to yell "witchcraft" for that which they do not know, cannot comprehend, or just parrot. I hedge my bets and copy :-) lol. I did not spend much time on the craftsmanship of the BMR because it is after all, a budget Chinese cabinet with some good build practices and nice glossy finish. For the price, the build quality is better than many mainstream products and so I leave it there. BluOs is going to corner the integrated market in the future, just a hunch. Just be careful what you say in front of Alexa! Thanks for the binge watching, I'm glad you didn't unsubscribe after all that blabbering :-) Welcome to my channel. I'm the OTHER guy.

[@fletchermunson6225]

I just picked up a couple Schiit Aegirs in mono. I love it. 80wpc, if that works For $1600 amazing. If you need more power, a pair of mono Vidar amps put out 200 wpc for a total of $1500. If they work for you, a bargain. I also use a Freya tube pre and had a marvelous improvement by putting a couple NOS Sylvania black plate JAN tubes in the gain stage. Not a bank breaker at $160 for new old stock tubes. Very happy with the sound using a Schiit Gungnir DAC. Kind of looks like a Schiit Parde.

[@2ChannelListening]

Schiit did not in anyway endorse or sponsor the above comment by Stagger Lee :-) lol... Thanks for the good suggestions Lee. These Avalon's are thirsty monsters.

[@fletchermunson6225]

@@2ChannelListening It's a journey. I auditioned probably a dozen amps and just as many speakers over the last year and a half, Some I purchased. The Schiit gear along with the CSS Audo Criiton Speakers have blown my skirt up. In a way, I'm sad. I got addicted to the quest. I think I'm off the merry go round for the foreseeable future.

[@2ChannelListening]

Hey, I absolutely understand where you are coming from. Isn't it funny how the chase is as fun if not more fun sometimes? I feel the same way about my latest speakers, I don't know what to do with myself other than focus on other gear and leave the speakers be. I'm glad you found sonic bliss with your latest set up. The CSS Criton are real market disrupters, I cannot wait to hear a pair live. Enjoy Lee.

[@fletchermunson6225]

@@2ChannelListening I sold my Dynaudio Evoke 20s and now the JBL HDI 1600, both excellent speaker, in favor of the Critons. Not saying they are better in an absolute sense, but I like Critons bette. Now they are making completely finished Critons for people who dont want to deal with a kit, and also a tower version with two woofers. Good thing my space limitations keep me from going for those or I'd be on the hunt again..

[@barch1968]

I am glad to see that you gave a little cred to NAD as I see a lot of dismissing of the brand as low fi...I think they have made some great contributions to the audio industry over the years...I think they really had something special with their Silverline series of components that were made in Denmark by Gryphon. Those deserve a listen to in my opinion.

[@2ChannelListening]

Greetings Barch, thank you for the nice post. It would be neat to hear the Silverline. However, when I did a little research on them, there was an outright denial by Gryphon that it had anything to do with producing the Silverline, only that it licensed some particular proprietary operation to NAD for use. I'm sure someone out there in audio land with more know will and could chime in. Here is a word for word copy paste quote in a forum I found from Dec 10, 2014: "Gryphon has never manufactured a single piece of NAD equipment, ever. Nor has NAD ever manufactured anything for Gryphon. NAD purchased the license to use topology parts of a discontinued Gryphon product in their design of the NAD S300 To reach NAD target pricepoint, massive savings in powersupply and other parts was required. The S300 is a nice sounding amplifier for the money, even a bargain, but it was NEVER a Gryphon in a different wrapping." Flemming E. Rasmussen CEO & Founder Gryphon Audio Designs

[@barch1968]

I read the same but other forums pointed out that they were built in Denmark and the only factory that could have done the job was Gryphon….None the less I still feel they are worth a listen…Love what you are doing with the channel!!!

[@2ChannelListening]

Absolutely, I like what NAD does and have some Master's Series on my list - the Silverline I don't see hardly come up in the US. Thank you for being a sub!

[@Audiorevue]

I don't necessarily feel that NAD is a super high-end, even there top tier stuff that they make like the m33 which I've heard I wouldn't consider super duper mega. I personally am of the impression that their equipment sits outside the exclusionist tiered system implemented by so-called experts. In my opinion they just produce good products that sound good and to me sound right. And also in my experience with their products they're one of the few companies products I think about when I want product with good build quality

[@alexg4284]

Here here. A solid dependable brand for decent money

[@StefanAI11]

How do you find Dirac ?

[@alexg4284]

I just got the c658, i think it sounds better than my bouesound node. Could be all in my head of course, but i like the full rack width styling of the NAD which counts for a lot!

[@ralph832]

Have you tried the C298 amplifier (Purifi / Eigentakt Technology)?

[@2ChannelListening]

I want to, should pair up nicely, but that begs the question of selling the C658 and buying the new C399.

[@andyallison8086]

Interesting comments about the sub out gain. I have been running my C658 with dual SVS 1000 Pros for around 5 months and have been really pleased. I have them placed in opposite corners of my room and they really disappear nicely when paired with my (cheap) Triangle BRO3's. But the bass is definitely present. I have to admit this is my first time using dual subs, so maybe my system is not up to scratch as far as gain. My biggest problem with the C658 has been dropout. I run it using a 5g hot spot, and even with the signal testing strong/excellent I have issues with dropout/long loading times of songs. It's funny that after 30 minutes or so of playing, it seems to taper off and run very smoothly. I don't know if there is a buffering element I don't know about or something like that. Nice video!

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you for watching Andy. Glad to hear that you are not experiencing issues with the sub outs or the mechanical pops some have been claiming. As for the long load times, generally that has nothing to do with the dac itself, but the wifi. The signal may say its strong but upload times still vary over wifi and can hamper a perfectly fine running machine. My bedroom is an issue for my devices that work perfectly fine with no drop out issues elsewhere, especially my little OSB Nero amp that runs as a streamer. Once its in the bedroom, it can struggle to stay connected to the signal and drops out as well. In general, I think folks ask too much from their wifi networks if they are not fully meshed and set up for optimum strength. There are affordable Zigbee and Zwave devices to help with your wifi network. Thanks again :-)

[@fmtntiger]

Hi, just stumbled into your video on C658. I am very encouraged that your requirements are ditto to mine for a streamer/dac as well as what part of the stack requires priority. I am using an IBM Think server with a customized USB card and independent power supply with a DAC Magic Plus that goes to an Audio Research Definition Series amp and a pair of Sanus Fabre Olympica ii. My goal is to remove the Thinkserver and Cambridge DacMagic plus with C658. I am also planning to use the SW out. I have not bought it yet but its a matter of time as you said, this would be the 2nd NAT piece that I would be using. I am a big fan of Blue OS as I have the new Bluesound Node for a system that I use to play a turntable with a pair of NHT book shelf speakers with a smaller SVS SW and a stand-alone amp and Roon and thoroughly impressed with music sources and flexibility. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for this product.

[@2ChannelListening]

Welcome to the channel and thank you for your comments. Which of the ARC Definition series do you have, the DS225 or DS450 (or gulp... the monos)? Would love a long term audition of the DS450. I think once you get the BluOS up and running, you will not go back. Cheers!

[@fmtntiger]

@@2ChannelListening I have the DS225. Kind of biased being ARC is an MN company as well!!!

[@robertstefanowicz]

I also have the latest Bluesound Node, in addition with a changed linear power supply. Does it make sense to change? My Node plays perfectly, but I'm looking for something with a remote control, MQA, Amazon Music and above all with a display!

[@cbkam1378]

Thank you and this is a great review. May i ask for your comment on the NAD C700 and M30? Of course these two units are integrated all-in-one with amplifier to drive the speaker. The C700 and M30 has less quality on the sound? Thank you once again.

[@2ChannelListening]

I really cannot comment on those two units since I have not sampled them in any capacity. NAD is efficient at creating its house sound, inevitably they will have more similarities versus differences in operation.

[@stoben3076]

Thank you for your review, I have owned a NAD c 658 for two years now. I am also very happy with it. I started with a fidelity music amp with triangles, and I upgraded to Sonus FAber Sonnetto 8's and an accuphase e 480 amp and I kept this streamer which I also really like. I agree with you that the most important thing in an audio system is the speaker, then the amp and then the source. It is well made and its dac works well I had a Bluenode 2i before with DAC AKM. I think on the other hand that the Dirac is really a trick, I bought the complete version, I made several times the calibration and the report is always the same it makes lose a lot of details in the music. I spent many hours with a calibration microphone but nothing to do. I wanted to have your opinion on the level of volume fixed? because the manufacturer recommends to put it at -20 decibels but sometimes I find that at -10 decibels it is interssant that depends on the source. I also find that if you connect a cd player directly to the amp to have the same input level on the channel you are obliged to put the c 658 at -10 decibels.

[@2ChannelListening]

First paragraph: Thank you Stoben, I appreciate you sharing your gear and your experience with the NAD C658. Accuphase, nice! I do think the NAD C658 can be right at home with highend gear, its working wonderfully with my Jeff Rowland and Avalon Acoustics. Talk about the best "used budget" system I've yet assembled. Second paragraph: I have not had any gain issues with the C658 and other CD players, or my Denon cassette deck for that matter. I did experience gain issues in the same system with another digital dac and my Tekton Uruz, but when I plugged the NAD back in with same CD players, no really annoying noise from the tweeters. Why are you reducing the gain? Are you experiencing above average noise?

[@stoben3076]

I don't reduce the gain but I find that when I plug a cd player directly into my amp and then listen to the same song on the c658 for example by switching from one channel to another I notice that the sound is much louder on the cd player that is plugged directly into the amp. To get the same volume I have to put the c658 player at -10 decibels when it is recommended to be listened to at -20 decibels. The fact that it is preamplified for me even if one can fix the volume remains its weak point with the dirac. Otherwise I am very happy with it. Now it is even tidal connect.

[@marcobertolazzi2266]

Hello, as far as you know is it possibile to connect an external Dac to the NAD c658? Thanks in advance and complimenti for the video!

[@2ChannelListening]

Why would you connect an external DAC to a C658 DAC? Sure, you can use the C658 as a preamp only, but its not that great as a standalone preamp, kind of a waste.

[@Michaelincontext]

Have you figured out to 1) change db level to default to a different level? 2) set the unit to remain on as opposed to auto shut off? Thanks!

[@2ChannelListening]

Hello Michael, I had turned off the Auto-off early on at the units screen in settings. Takes getting used to scrolling with the dial and selections. I also performed a reset on the unit to factory spec's, so I believe the my settings we set to no gain, or flat, I cannot remember the nomenclature.

[@Michaelincontext]

@@2ChannelListening Sorry I'm just now seeing your reply! Thanks! I've done the factory reset but will need to find the menu to disable the auto off. Thanks again!

[@mw4609]

Guys, all of the C658 settings are a available from the BluOS app, and in a much easier to read and navigate user interface.

[@Michaelincontext]

@@mw4609 But the BluOS app doesn't allow setting on the NAD as changing the defalut db level, always on, standby... Those settings can only be adjusted on the NAD.

[@vaaelx4357]

Hi, Very good review. It is only one thing I wonder about. Can you use Dirac live on the subs too? (2+1 or 2+2) I can't find any information about it. I want to buy NAD c658 or Minidsp shd. I'm not sure which to buy

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you, I have heard lots of mixed reviews with the subwoofer outputs being too low on voltage. I did not use the C658 with subs, I'm a bit stubborn there. I would lean to the Minidsp if you are wanting to use dual subs. Good luck.

[@Joenerk]

I have the C658 and C298 and confirm that I also run the sub from the power amp. Dirac still does a great job as the sampling includes the sub. BTW, impressed with BluOs too so bought a couple of Bluesound Pulse Minis for other rooms in the house. Parties as well as separate streaming listening is a breeze anywhere you have power and wifi. Genius!

[@bruce1437]

Lovely 😀

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you! 😊

[@JC.LC.]

This NAD checks all my needs but I've been reading about many people having issues with it, including low output for the subs, noises and BlueOs issues. Does anyone know if NAD worked on those issues they seem to be having with this unit?

[@2ChannelListening]

Hello Juan, I cannot speak to the subs output, but I've had my unit running non-stop since the day I bought it. I do not turn it off, being plugged into my network, I fire it up right where I left off, even if it is a week later. As for BluOs - my only real compliant with BluOs and pretty much 95% of the app driven platforms is the lousy shuffle playback. I do not have dozens of moods or playlist like most folks, I want my entire library to shuffle and the BluOs will not jump properly from the A's to T's then E's, it often gets stuck on the 1 - B, then regurgitates. Yet, functionally, I have experienced no freeze ups.

[@JC.LC.]

@@2ChannelListening I appreciate you getting back to me. Any chance you can try the sub outputs and possibly put your findings in the comment box? I know this is a big issue people were complaining about in the Audio science forum and you are one of the few people reviewing this unit on KZbin, it would be really helpful for people looking into buying this unit. Also, any chance you can see when your unit was built?

[@2ChannelListening]

There is no manufacture date on the back (last four of the SN# are 2330). Sorry I cannot help you with chasing down the subwoofer issue. Just like TT's, I draw the line at dealing with turn tables and subwoofer testing. Too much scope creep for me and not in my wheel house.

[@hclandscapes]

Is the front fascia made from plastic?

[@2ChannelListening]

Yes, all the Classic line screens from this gen are a plastic plate.

[@kevinusta7534]

What's the max resolution that it'll play Amazon HD? Also, is the playback gapless?

[@2ChannelListening]

At the time I was using the NAD with Amazon, I was seeing some 24/96 action with Ultra HD tracks. I cannot verify your gapless question, sorry.

[@667Gurba]

Have you had any subwoofer issues with the C658? I use two subs with my c658. BluOS is set two two subwoofers attached and set to stereo but both plays the same signal. If I in BluOS choose just one sub attached the right one plays. If I choose two attached but output to left both plays. If I set output to right non plays. Wonder if it is a hardware or firmware fault.

[@2ChannelListening]

There is a known output voltage weakness when using dual subs with the C658. I am unaware of this being something a firmware update can fix, sounds more like a board issue. I only use subs in a home theater set up with my Marantz SR.

[@667Gurba]

@@2ChannelListening It turns out the two sub outputs are mono. Kinda weird considering the options to use left or right.

[@JosephTongret]

I had the c658. I loved it in every aspect except that the sub out gain was so low that it wouldn't work with my svs sb3000's that I'm not willing to give up. Too expensive of a piece for me to accept that flaw. I'm hopeful about the newly announced c399 integrated though.

[@2ChannelListening]

Hi Joseph, I am bummed to hear that you were afflicted with this strange flaw. I certainly would have hoped NAD would have sent out a bulletin to registered owners for a free fix. I understand those of us on the second hand market make that gamble daily. So what did you end up with?

[@KeithHeinrich]

@@2ChannelListening I have the M10 which faces the same known issue. It's not strange other than to note that BlueSound/NAD say its by design and that really you should be using the 12V connection to wake the sub. Wot?? Seems they made some whacky design decisions about the volume control (logarithmic) and as a result its never going to send enough voltage to wake the sub unless the device volume is at ear bleed levels. As it stands its not going to allow the sub to work properly either, sensitivity is down about 6db apparently. Now even though it "working properly as designed" they changed it in the V2 and will presumably roll that change out in later products. It's a hardware change they say so unlikely to see it as a software update for the current generation BlueSound products. Go figure. The answer is to use an RCA splitter at the sub end and connect that way, then it works fine. I'm using a PSB sub which is NAD powered, I sent a message to NAD/PSB for an answer and they flat out denied its an issue even though this is a common problem with this generation of Bluesound powered products according to their support website. This is a user suggestion, not something suggested by NAD support. PSB/NAD/BlueSound all have the same parent and share the same service desk. I had the same agent respond to all three tickets. NAD offered no solution other than to use the 12v connection, even though the sub has none. Totally unimpressed with the support offered.

[@TrobsyDoo]

Would the unbalanced pre-outs to a crossover sub amp (currently I have it chipped for 50hz) to 2 R&L passive subs improve this performance? I hope gain is matched to the unbalanced in this case.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

The RME ADI2 FS is an excellent DAC, a great headphone amp, a great system preamp, a great EQ unit, with tunable profiles for various devices. Built like a tank, and worth every penny. Sadly, it lacks a streamer. But that's easily fixed.

[@2ChannelListening]

Well, easily fixed means more expense and another box...my main requirement is network streaming. I struggle with idea of a separate preamp with outboard dac duty. More cables, more boxes, more complexity, not necessarily a notable improvement in reproduction quality. Thanks for contributing Juan.

[@JC.LC.]

You are right, the RME ADI 2 is a great DAC/ preamp. I just wish the outputs could be controlled independently from each other that way one can high pass theirs speaker and low pass the subs. And it is had room correction.... Honestly I'm seriously considering switching over to the NAD C658 just because I'd be able to high pass my speakers and have room rorrection. But I saw in the Audio science reviews that the NAD has a lot of issues, not sure if that is fixed now.

[@petarst]

@@JC.LC. what issues?

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

Question: I can get the C568 for 1300 or the NAD M10 for 1800. What is the difference in the C Classic and M Master series at NAD?

[@2ChannelListening]

The Masters series starts with all their top tech and nicer cases. The Classic series gets paired down, like the screens for example, smaller and not touch activated. The M10 is an all in one like the upcoming C399. If you do not need amplification, the C568 is where you might look to.

[@khoi83]

Review the new NAD c399 with their New bluOS second generation with Dirac ;) 😉

[@2ChannelListening]

I would like to for sure.

[@johnsweda2999]

One of the best adac is the Lavry blue 4496-12 used in major Studios around the world and in New York, it should accept any analogue or digital signal about $1,800 second-hand. Has tape emulator facility filter Avalon speakers I don't see any video on it?

[@2ChannelListening]

You've got me scratching my head on that one Mr. Sweda...not exactly a novice friendly unit...for pro audio and studio duty, it looks like a bad mamma jamma for sure.

[@johnsweda2999]

@@2ChannelListening yes but it's got a fantastic sound isn't that what it's about... and the price is not bad either lol I think you'd be hard pushed to find a hi-fi DAC that could beat it, maybe the Dave but nothing under $6,000 I would say. It's just a ada converter, it doesn't have the fancy streaming abilities but I mean you could have that separate you could just use a laptop running ap-Linux audiophile Linux, boot any PC from a USB stick all the files are on the website. A must-have for an audiophile. Check it out all the articles on the website if you want the ultimate in amplifier you need to go audio note! check out the oto se signature line or phono variant, need sensitive speakers tho! ideally 97db+ 10 watts per channel But if you're looking for realism in music is low end detail and fine decay there's nothing better

[@2ChannelListening]

One of these days you need to send me an email with your system - I can only imagine some monster wall of electronics specified and tweaked to the nines...each one thought out by you for specific formats. We don't mention "The Dave" on my channel John :-) that's that other guy...lol.

[@johnsweda2999]

@@2ChannelListening you're not tried the Dave yet, I was watching the other guy earlier on he was reviewing the Holo spring 3 DAC and preamp $2,200 not bad in his opinion, says it's better than the Dave, At that price for a preamp and DAC, they look like a good company maybe you should have a look he gave it a lot of praise!! Try and get yourself and auto farmer better for volume control you can run that with your valve integrated amplifier UNISON research. Consider changing the valves in the unit, what make and model valves are in the preamp and power valves what type do they use? A very good company I'll give you a link not here but keep it to yourself I will delete it shortly afterwards, all the valves are tested in high stress working conditions with certificates. Try and get balanced individual valves for preamp valves, I'm not talking about balance pairs I'm talking about the individual tube to be balanced in itself. Ecc83 preamp tubes good if you get the right types' can vary a lot and rectified tubes are very important for bass control and detail. You don't talk about you UNISON research much anymore should be an outstanding amplifier? There might be some issues with changing your location! Different tubes and types with balance pairs or quads. Tube amplifies are very sensitive to voltage from the mains more than solid state, changing a locations big impact. Get yourself a 1uF 450V X2 safety ceramic capacitor should be able to fit it in the plug connected between live and neutral pins in the plug should make a big difference, and if there's room get two X2 safety capacitors of 0.68uF 450V connect one from positive to earth pin the other from negative to Earth pin. This will help with solid state as well.

[@2ChannelListening]

Yeah, maybe when I can snag a Holo at 1/2 will I give it a go. Thanks for the tube recommendation. The reason I do not talk much about the Unison is it cannot run my ADS L1590s or the Avalon's, they require way more than the little Unico can manage. Like I stated in my video, at 250 watts a mono block, I darn near tapped out the Emotiva's playing back Holst - Jupiter, on the Avalons. Breathtaking.

[@apmihai82]

i find it funny how many American audiophiles on youtube discover British NAD, Audiolab , Rega etc amps and they are blown away by the value.

[@2ChannelListening]

Hi there, curious, why is it funny? Certainly there are design aspects that make it a decision of compromise to buy NAD or Rega, that's not new. I would say Audiolab is doing a bit better in the total package department, I have not gotten around to an 8300A yet. Glad you didn't include Naim on that list. Adcom would be an American counterpart to NAD, again, those design aesthetics are rather polarizing (in my opinion), love it or hate it, the value proposition is strong. Thanks for watching.

[@apmihai82]

@@2ChannelListening Well, i don't necessarily find it funny, but (one of) the story of oldschool and new audiophiles would be that there's a support your little audio producer mentality (mostly your local one) who battle the big bad wolves that can produce at large scale - such as NAD or Audiolab, but then when implementation and ease of use come into play together with very good value for money soundwise - they go with the bad guy because BluOs/price/superior implementation of various functions and other reasons. I'm not saying that this is you- i'm just saying that many time people dont put their money where their mouth is. in any case- i'd love to hear from you on more british/european products such as amps preamps etc that you can get your hands on. I currently am using a Rega amp and couldn't love it more. Keep up the good work! thanks

[@2ChannelListening]

I think everything you just said is very fair and makes for a tough balance. I can admit when it comes to speakers, I like supporting the local boutique brands, but experience tells me to know better when it comes to more complicated components such as DACs/streamers/preamps. I've not really thought of it much till your comment, I must have a weirdness bug, I like finding mid-grade integrated amps that provide a lot for what I consider a sweet spot budget of around $1500. Moreover, that still holds true if its 1990's $1,500 like the NAD 7600 receiver. I really liked the little Cyrus HD I tested and would like to run a Rega Elex R. Right now my current speakers require far more power than midrange integrated amps can provide. I absolutely cannot stop drooling over the new English Acoustics 21c, but that's not in the cards for my current set up. Then there is the Sugden brand...yeah, I actually like a lot of UK hifi... I appreciate you contribution, thank you.

[@apmihai82]

@@2ChannelListening Just a last one, you didn't mention the stereo Dirac room correction function, have you tried it? perhaps that can be something to talk about in a future video.

[@2ChannelListening]

I defer to Hans on that one. Did you see my chart of speaker to amp combinations? I have a hard time devoting that much set up time for Dirac when I am constantly changing out speakers and amps. When the system settles down and I find better suited amps for the Avalons, I do plan to test Dirac. Thanks.

[@aceofspades6667]

This vs. Naim Uniti Atom? I was thinking of going for the new BlueSound Node and then digital out to my r2r dac but the all in one solution has my interest peaked.

[@2ChannelListening]

Good question, I have not had a Uniti yet. I do not remember if Darko verbalized any comparison when he reviewed both?

[@aceofspades6667]

@@2ChannelListening thx I’ll go check his review out

[@KeithHeinrich]

@@aceofspades6667 I have the NAD M10 which is an integrated device built around the BlueOS environment. Reports suggest M10 and Uniti Atom both have a different sound, although this I suspect is more an observation on the fairly neutral response from the nCore amps in the M10 with DIRAC off. The NAD M10 has DIRAC so the sound signature can be adjusted however you want. The DIRAC feature is not well understood and so most reviewers either just mention it in passing or don't mention it at all. Plus the NAD has a very mature software interface which connects to just about any streaming service or online repository. It make access to music very simple and changes the whole listening experience in my view. It really does open up a whole bunch of music you might never have heard before or otherwise heard at all. It is far more profound than "the NAIM sounds warmer" which is where most reviews stop. The NAD sounds however you want if you know what you are doing, which it seems very few reviewers do. And access to all the music... its been a great voyage of discovery every time we turn it on. In short NAD products built around the BlueOS environment have a lot more going for them than you'll find in reviews, but ether product would be awesome.

[@alexg4284]

I have the Naim Uniti atom but find it harsh sounding and lean. Have just ordered the c658

[@18yearsoldnot]

I think every Yamaha is turned too bright. Not just their class d amps 😂

[@JuanLega]

Best DAC for the money....RME ADI 2.

[@2ChannelListening]

Hello Juan, what is your two most favorite attributes about the RME that makes it the best in your book?

[@JuanLega]

@@2ChannelListening the sound first of all, very clean and detailed, second is the truckload of extra function features such as 4 or 5 different filters, parametric EQ, balance, treble/bass adjustment, espectrum analyzer display and much more. BUT it does not have subwoofer outputs and in my opinion this should be a new standard feature in all Hifi preamp and hifi DAC's that act as preamps. Also, it would be nice if it had room correction software. Those last 2 options is the reason I've been looking at the NAD c658, but I saw postings on the Audio science review forums noting that the NAD was pretty bad, basically saying that the digital inputs kept modulating and that the subwoofers gain outputs were extremely low, along with popping sounds from time to time. Did you encounter any of this problems? Did you try the subwoofer outputs....?

[@2ChannelListening]

Thank you for your input on the RME, it was one that I looked at, but I wanted the BluOS functionality and access to all of my music libraries from one unit, hence the C658. I have had zero malfunctions in three months with the C658, albeit, I do not use subwoofers, do not own subwoofers and could not comment on the low output of that feature. I have been using the digital in from an NAD 546 CD player and the 12v trigger - one remote to run it all and no issues yet, but its only been a few days with this combo. I appreciate your contribution, thank you.

[@JuanLega]

@@2ChannelListening good to know. Thanks for your feedback. And I highly recommend you try running subwoofers with your stereo set up. I used to not, then one day I did and there is no turning back for me....

[@2ChannelListening]

Thanks Juan.

[@kohnfutner9637]

Whew $1749 for a steamer. I guess I'll have to keep using Bluetooth from my phone. 🤣 What sucks is the streamer built in my Denon x3500h sounds worse than using Bluetooth from my phone. 😑

[@2ChannelListening]

Get the Auris Blume. Really nice unit for $120. I think they have a newer upgraded version for a few more bucks that is worth a look. Used mine for 3 years, no issues.

[@mw4609]

C658 is primarily a DAC. Yes, it also has a built-in Bluesound (Node2i) streamer. But it also has preamp functionality, including decent phono stage, Dirac processor, and MDC capability of HDMI 3xIN and 1xOUT with eArc and pass-through . Calling it a streamer is only mentioning 1/5 of what it does. If all you want is a streamer with C658 streaning capabilities only - get the Node (3rd gen).

[@dilbyjones]

Ok....so I'm sure you understand that all amplifiers DO NOT match with ALL speakers evenly.

[@2ChannelListening]

That's a strange question to ask...from an impedance, output, ohm compatibility, yeah, I'm pretty sure I understand all that. What is driving your question? The pairing tested chart?