NAD turns Blu
Amodel change from NAD is a relatively rare event – the current series was introduced in 2010. So when they do upgrade the range, you know it is for a good reason. And this time around it could be good reasons plural.
Firstly the range was getting a little old, with little acknowledgement of current digital technologies. Secondly, sister company to NAD is the premium wireless streaming product Bluesound, and this range heralds the mating of the two brands.
NAD forged their reputation by manufacturing high quality but well-priced amplifiers, and this range is no exception. Their top three integrated amplifiers have been replaced, with the main differences being the re-introduction of a phono stage, and the inclusion of a high quality DAC. They are also Wi-Fi and Bluetoothenabled, plus they are network connected.
The larger two amplifiers utilise Modular Design Construction (MDC) allowing for the addition of upgrade modules, including 4K video HDMI switching, additional digital inputs, or of particular interest, the addition of a BluOS module. The BluOS module introduces their sister company Bluesound’s technology, enabling hi-res streaming. It will also allow you to add additional Bluesound devices in additional rooms in your home for whole of house streaming.
The three amplifiers are:
• C388: 2 x 150 watts/RMS – $2,299
• C368: 2 x 80 watts/RMS – $1,499
• C338: 2 x 50 watts/RMS – $999.
Another addition is the C568 CD player (below) which is selling for $1,098. Of particular interest to us is the CI-720 (below). While it is branded NAD, it is not far removed from Bluesound’s Powernode2. This is a 60-watt/channel stereo amplifier and streamer in a very compact chassis – only 70mm wide. NAD have also released a larger chassis which will accommodate six CI-720s, enough to access and stream 24-bit hi-resolution music in stereo to six zones of your home – all controlled from your smart device. Streaming services like TIDAL make this product a no-brainer. Now you have access to almost every piece of music ever recorded, at CD quality, independently streamed throughout your home.