Network streaming and panoramic preamplification
As a streamer, Cambridge Audio's Edge NQ can hang with the very best. With a fantastic-sounding 32-bit/384kHz high-res DAC and inner componentry selected in blind listening tests, it does its thing beautifully. The same goes for its preamp circuitry, which handles your digital and analog sources with audiophile precision.
It's easy on the eyes as well. The tasteful brushed aluminum faceplate features a power button, headphone jack, large dual purpose volume/source selector knob, and a full-color 5" LCD screen. It looks really nice underneath the matching Edge W power amplifier.
Flexible analog and digital connections
Unite your analog and digital sources with transparent signal boosting that boasts an extremely low 0.0008% THD, thanks to Cambridge Audio's innovative PCB design. It replaces conventional capacitors with DC-coupled topology, which reduces distortion. And the solid-state volume control maintains perfect channel balance at any volume.
You have one balanced and two unbalanced analog inputs for connecting a CD player, tuner, or turntable with onboard or outboard phono preamp. Digital options include a pair of optical inputs, one coaxial, USB Type-A for music files loaded on a thumb drive, USB Type-B for connecting your computer, and HDMI ARC for TV audio.
High-res streaming and easy app control
The Edge NQ incorporates Cambridge's latest version of their StreamMagic technology, for smooth, revealing sound and compatibility with a wide range of streaming sources. The free StreamMagic app, available for Apple® and Android™ devices, natively supports Spotify® Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, and internet radio.
It's got Bluetooth aptX® HD for quick and easy streaming that anyone with a compatible smartphone, tablet, or computer can use. And with Chromecast built-in, you can enjoy hundreds of other services, including SiriusXM, YouTube, and SoundCloud in up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. It will also show up in your player list if you're using Roon (subscription required) or Apple AirPlay® 2.
Cambridge Edge
In anticipation of their 50th anniversary, Cambridge Audio asked their engineers a simple question — what would they make if anything was possible? More than three years later, a team of nine engineers delivered the Edge line, named after Professor Gordon Edge, the designer of Cambridge Audio's first product, the ground-breaking P40 integrated amplifier.
All Edge circuit components were blind-auditioned solely for their sonic merits — not price, specs, or measured performance. Only the most dynamic, present, clear, and musical ones were chosen. The Edge line embodies Cambridge Audio's signature British sound and 50 years of hi-fi expertise.
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Product highlights:
Features:
stereo preamp/network player with built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
digital inputs let you connect sources like a computer, disc player, media streamer, thumb drive, and TV and enjoy superior sound
Wi-Fi dongle included
connects to your home network via wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi® for music streaming and downloads
Bluetooth 4.0 supports SBC, AAC, Qualcomm® aptX™ and aptX™ HD audio
supports Spotify® Connect and Apple AirPlay® 2
works as a Roon player (requires subscription and Roon Core running on your network)
Roon Core is media server software that runs on your computer, NAS drive, or other compatible hardware
plays PCM digital audio sources up to 32-bit/384kHz
curved extruded aluminum front panel minimizes vibration-induced distortion
5" color LCD displays track/artist info and album art
concentric front-panel volume/source selector knob
front part of knob controls volume
back part of knob selects source
remote control
free downloadable Edge Remote for iOS® and Android™ lets you use a compatible smartphone or tablet as a remote control
Connections:
digital inputs:
two Toslink optical inputs support files up to 24-bit/96kHz
coaxial input supports files up to 24-bit/192kHz
HDMI ARC input for TV audio
USB Type B (Audio Class 2.0) for connecting a Mac® or Windows® computer — supports PCM-based files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD files up to 11.2 MHz
USB Type A for connecting a thumb drive
analog inputs:
two unbalanced RCA inputs
balanced XLR input
stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA preamp outputs for connecting an amplifier
Ethernet port for wired connection to a home network
If connecting to a TV, please make sure you can select "PCM" output in its audio menu — this DAC cannot decode multichannel Dolby® Digital signals
