NAD CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer – First Look

All Image Credit: NAD

NAD Electronics has launched the NAD CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer, a compact and simple design aimed at making it easy to add streaming capability to any music system.

NAD’s affordable CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer uses audiophile-grade components and can play high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. It lets you add music streaming capability to any stereo or home-theatre system or you can configure it to drive a pair of powered speakers. The CS1 supports the most popular network streaming and casting protocols, including Apple AirPlay 2, GoogleCast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, DLNA mobile and computer apps*, and Roon. With no accompanying streaming/configuration smartphone app control seems to be entirely driven by the third-party music apps.

*Certification for network sharing via DNLA/UPnP protocols is expected to be complete when the CS1 becomes available in March 2023.

The CS1 features an advanced differential digital section based on the 32bit/384KHz Texas Instruments’ PCM5141 DAC that is known for its wide dynamic range, low noise floor, and immunity to clock jitter. The CS1 not only supports LPCM resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz but includes full MQA decoding and rendering capability for playing Master Quality music from Tidal.

CS1 connectivity is straightforward connecting to your home network via Wi-Fi or hardwire its LAN Ethernet port to your network router. The CS1 has a pair of RCA analogue outputs for connection to a stereo receiver, integrated amp, preamplifier, or a pair of powered speakers. It also has optical (toslink) and coaxial outputs for sending digital audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution to powered loudspeakers with digital inputs, home theatre receivers or an external DAC.

Playing music through the CS1 Endpoint Network Streamer couldn’t be easier with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for pairing with a smartphone, tablet, or computer plus network and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity supporting AirPlay 2 so you can stream CD-resolution audio from any app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, or from an iTunes library on a Windows PC. With GoogleCast, you can choose the music you want to hear in any Cast-enabled app on a mobile device or personal computer, then transfer playback to the CS1.

Spotify and Tidal subscribers can cue up music in the apps for those services, then transfer playback from their device back to the CS1. Roon subscribers can play music from their digital libraries and from streaming services supported by Roon.

Key Features At A Glance:

• 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

Specifications:

• THD + N (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.03% 20-20 kHz -1dBFS output
• Signal-to-Noise ratio: -94dB (ref 2V)
• Frequency response: 20-20 kHz +/-0.3dB; 50 kHz -3dB
• Native sampling rate: Up to 192 kHz
• Bit depth: 16-24
• Supported audio file format: LPCM, MP3, AC3, Ogg Vorbis, HE-AAC, MQA & WMA decode capability
• Supported 3rd party service provider: Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, DLNA, Roon
• DAC: TI PCM5141
• Processor: ARM® Cortex™ -A53, Quad-Core, 1.5GHz per core
• Connectivity:
  • Network connectivity: Ethernet RJ45 100 Mbps Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac 2.4GHz/5 GHz) DLNA/UPnp*
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 BT Profiles: A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.3, SPP, HFP, HSP, HOGP
  • NFC: NFC for easy Bluetooth connection
  • 12V Trigger Out: 3.5mm Mini-jack x 1
  • Analog Out: RCA x 1
  • Coaxial Out: RCA 75 ohms
  • Optical Out: TOSLINK x 1
  • USB IN:  USB C for AC adapter

MSRP:

• US: $349.00
• UK: £299.00
• EU: €399.00

Read the news announcement here.

For more information visit the NAD web site.

Check out my post on the new NAD C 700 BluOS Streaming Amplifier