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Replacement for NAD C658?

denzity

Member
Joined
Jan 3, 2025
Messages
8
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Hi everyone,

I currently use a NAD C658, but persistent issues with upgrading BluOS have left me unable to play music for days while waiting for support. I'm ready to find a more reliable solution.

What I'm Looking For:
  • Streaming Services: Must support Spotify and Tidal.
  • Digital Inputs: Should accept at least one coaxial digital input.
  • Sound Quality: Good enough so that the DAC isn't the bottleneck in the chain when it comes to sound quality.
  • Additional Features: EQ settings would be a plus, though not mandatory. I'm not interested in Dirac Live.
  • Budget-Friendly: Preferably affordable without compromising on quality.
My Current Setup:
  • Amplifier: Nord NC1200 (Hypex NC1200)
  • Speakers: Marten Mingus Quintet
If you have experience with alternatives that meet these criteria or can suggest reliable options, I would greatly appreciate your recommendations. Thank you in advance for your help!
 
I switched to the cambridge set and have no regrets the app is working flawlesly and the sound is perfect
 
Wiim Pro Plus ticks all of your boxes.
This looks amazing for the price. I appreciate the suggestion. My amp only takes in XLR inputs but the Wiim only outputs phono. If I use a phono to XLR cable would it reduce the sound quality? It would be a very short run of 10-20cm or so.
 
This looks amazing for the price. I appreciate the suggestion. My amp only takes in XLR inputs but the Wiim only outputs phono. If I use a phono to XLR cable would it reduce the sound quality? It would be a very short run of 10-20cm or so.
Going XLR to RCA is not an issue at all, particularly for such a short run.
 
This looks amazing for the price. I appreciate the suggestion. My amp only takes in XLR inputs but the Wiim only outputs phono. If I use a phono to XLR cable would it reduce the sound quality? It would be a very short run of 10-20cm or so.
No, it wouldn't reduce the quality at all.
 
I have the NAD C658 too, no longer needed/valued Dirac and wanted the flexibility of digital output to bring in an external DAC.

Anyhoo, just bought a WiiM Ultra (with sub out) hooked up to an upgraded EE Minimax plus DAC into VTL valve amps and Quad ESL63's and after one session, could not be happier.
I'm only 24hrs in to be fair, so more comparison / tweaking to do.
 
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