Today, NAD Electronics, a well-respected manufacturer of top-notch audio-video components, introduced the NAD CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer. This streamer has a conservative, pared-down design and is designed to simplify the addition of wireless streaming ability to any music system.
According to NAD, the CS1 is built with audiophile-level components, allowing it to play high-res audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. It is equipped with Bluetooth, Ethernet, and dual-band Wi-Fi, and it’s compatible with commonly used streaming and casting services, including Apple AirPlay 2, GoogleCast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon.
The CS1 will also receive certification for network sharing through DNLA/UPnP protocols when it is released to the public in March of 2023. This means listeners don’t need to install a separate app to use the CS1; they can control playback with the music apps they typically use.
The CS1’s digital section is built around the Texas Instruments PCM5141 DAC, which is recognized for its low noise, strong dynamic performance, and invulnerability to clock jitter. Additionally, it has full MQA encoding and decoding features for playing Tidal Masters tier tracks from Tidal.
Customers can link the CS1 to their home system with either Wi-Fi or by plugging its Ethernet port into their router. The CS1 features two RCA analog outputs for attaching to a receiver, amplifier, preamplifier, or powered speakers. It also has both optical and coaxial outputs for sending digital audio with a maximum of 24-bit/192kHz resolution to powered loudspeakers with digital inputs or to a home theatre receiver or DAC.
From the press release:
Key Features of the NAD CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer:
- Compact, minimalist design
- Built-in Bluetooth 5.0
- Dual-band Wi-Fi plus LAN Ethernet port
- Support for network sharing via DLNA/UPnp* protocols
- Stereo analogue, optical digital, and coaxial digital outputs
- Premium differential DAC design based on Texas Instruments PCM5141 DAC, with support for 24-bit/192kHz high-resolution audio and MQA decoding
- Apple AirPlay 2 support allows CD-resolution streaming from any audio app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac
- GoogleCast support allows playback at up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution from any Cast-enabled app on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer
- Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect support lets users cue up music on a smart device, then transfer playback to the CS1
- Roon subscribers can stream audio to the CS1 from their personal libraries and online services supported by Roon in hi-res
This new streamer will be available both in stores and on NADElectronics.com with a planned retail cost of US$349 / CDN$499 starting March 2023.
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