NAD CS1 Endpoint Bluetooth Network Streamer

Product Information

You’d probably like to know what it’s like to use the CS1, but the truth is, it totally depends on what you’re trying to do with it, and the platform/app/streaming protocol you’ve chosen to use. Per the manual, Apple users have two options for setup: configure the CS1 as an AirPlay speaker in the iOS Settings app or use the Google Home app. The CS1 supports Apple AirPlay 2, so you can stream audio from any app on an i-device or Macintosh computer, or from an iTunes library on a Windows PC. My jaded ears cannot distinguish between WAV and FLAC (and there is academic evidence to suggest that the vast majority of people can’t), so I can sit back and enjoy the music, rather than fret over the barely discernible technical differences.

At that point, iPhone users can go to their Wi-Fi settings menu, where they’ll find the option to set the CS1 up as an AirPlay 2 speaker. It features both digital and analog outputs, including SPDIF coaxial, optical, and RCA analog connections. The CS1, as a certified Roon endpoint, lets you use Roon to manage all of your digital music and then stream it all to the CS1. The CS1 supports the most popular network streaming and casting protocols, including Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, DLNA mobile and computer apps*, and Roon, so you can control playback with the music apps you use every day. I'm about to pull the trigger not the Wiim Pro as I'd like to add Airplay 2 into my main rig via digital RCA Coax.You may still be able to play them — an app like Bubble can perform on-the-fly DSD transcoding to PCM, but this feels wrong.

Because of the great variety of PC-compatible, operating system versions, and peripherals currently in use, we do not guarantee that you will be able to use Upgrade Software and/or Program successfully on all such systems. This is a fabulous product that works faultlessly and consistently and it performs best, in my view, as a digital transport but also offers a solid analogue output. It worked the same way if I used the Wi-Fi Settings menu in iOS’s Settings app, except for one thing: the CS1 did not appear in Google Home.Compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, DLNA, and Roon, this pint-sized box supports up to 24-bit/192kHz and connects to receivers, amps, preamps, and powered speakers via a pair of line-level RCA outputs.

At the time, the streaming music company was silent regarding pricing or the potential timing for the new tier's debut, but a recently spotted video suggests it could happen imminently. It offers a streaming platform for most of the leading 3rd Party audio providers, like Spotify and Tidal via Apple and Google casting platforms. So, for his purposes, the Uniti Core would be a DNLA/UPnP server for his NAD CS1 (sounds very impressive so far for what it is and what it does). This flexibility allows you to connect the CS1 to a wide range of audio equipment, such as amplifiers, AV receivers, or powered speakers, maximizing compatibility and ease of use.If your music consumption has revolved around physical media, but you want to add streaming capability, the CS1 will let you do that easily and inexpensively. Late last week, Reddit user Nickx000x posted a video to the Spotify subreddit that appears to show an introductory animation for Spotify HiFi.

Those already in possession of an external DAC – either fully outboard or located inside an integrated amplifier, home theatre receiver or a pair of powered loudspeakers – can make use of the CS1’s coaxial and TOSLINK outputs where PCM up to 24bit/192kHz is supported. If your eyes are beginning glaze over and you’re wondering why not just use the CS1’s Bluetooth connection and dispense with all of the Wi-Fi streaming headaches, that’s absolutely an option. Actually I vaguely remember reading somewhere that MConnect Lite works with Naim, but MConnect HD doesn’t. I streamed a 24/96 FLAC version of the same song to the CS1 from the Qobuz app on my iPhone 14 via Chromecast.IMPORTANT – DOWNLOADING ANY SOFTWARE AND/OR PROGRAM, OR DOCUMENTATION ONLINE, INDICATES YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT. The CS1 can play high-res audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz (with its internal DAC also supporting MQA decoding) via various sources, with connectivity options that include Bluetooth 5. The Node has analog line-level, optical S/PDIF, and HDMI eARC inputs, and a subwoofer output with bass management via the BluOS app. ELAC’s custom-designed drivers deliver crystal-clear highs and deep bass with so much impact you’ll think there’s a subwoofer hidden in the room!