Cambridge Audio EDGE NQ is rated 4.9 out of 5 by 7.
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Cambridge Audio EDGE NQ

Network Music Player/Streamer/Pre-Amp

In-store Clearance item

Open Box Guide Price (10 available across all stores) £3999.000000
SAVE£1,000
Last brand new price £4999.000000
Refurbished Guide Price (1 available across all stores) £3799.000000
SAVE£1,200
Last brand new price £4999.000000

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”A truly fantastic streaming preamp.”– ‘What Hi-Fi’ – 5 Star review.

A reference standard for streaming music

Featuring the highest quality digital components and a revolutionary pre-amp design, the Cambridge Audio Edge NQ meets audiophile standards for sound quality.

Sound first principle
Painstaking developed over many years, the Edge NQ was tuned not by machine but by human ear. Once perfected, the end result delivers perfect musical balance with nothing added or taken away. With every component selected by listening session, the Edge NQ sounds closer to live music than ever. If you want to hear what the musician hears, listen to this.

Audiophile pre-amp design
Using a unique circuit board, the Edge NQ features DC coupled topology to replace conventional capacitors. A finely engineered, solid-state volume control matches the board to give the cleanest signal path and the lowest level of distortion.

Award-winning streaming software
As early pioneers of digital streaming, there’s few that produce music streaming software as good as Cambridge Audio. The latest version of the award-winning StreamMagic system features a faster chipset with support for 24bit/192kHz and DSD128 Hi-Res music files.

Stream it all
Designed to be amongst the most flexible music streamers in its class, the Edge NQ covers all the music sources you might need. Chromecast, Bluetooth, AirPlay, Spotify Connect (Spotify Premium account required) and Internet radio are all covered. On the socket front, HDMI, multi-USB, balanced XLR, optical, coaxial and RCA phono are all present and correct, making this surely the best-connected streamer in its class.

Chromecast built-in
With Google’s Chromecast built-in, you can stream music, podcasts and audio apps, including Google Play, at the touch of a button. Stream wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet or laptop and enjoy music up to 24bit/96kHz Hi-Res quality.

High resolution Bluetooth
With support for aptX, the Bluetooth receiver built-in gets the best from your smartphone or tablet. This wireless connection gets close to CD quality while offering the convenience of streaming music straight from your device.

The highest level of digital streaming – via USB
If you’ve got a precious digital music library stored on your laptop or PC then the very best way to access it is via USB. The USB Audio Class 2.0 interface supports up to 32-bit/384kHz or DSD256 for effortless Hi-Res music playback.

Studio grade XLR balanced inputs and outputs
If you prefer analogue connectivity then the Edge NQ has that covered, too. A set of XLR balanced inputs lets you connect a suitable CD player with studio grade precision. Balanced cables offer better shielding and a more stable signal, letting you hear every detail that the Edge NQ is capable of.

Connect your TV via HDMI
When your streamer sounds this good it would be a shame not to let your TV share the benefit. An HDMI with ARC (Audio Return Channel) means you can connect up your TV and benefit from its audio being played through the pre-amp – MTV will never have sounded so good!

Your other digital and analogue devices – fully connected
Thanks to built-in DACs (Digital to Analogue Convertors), the Edge NQ enhances the sound of your digital components. Plug in up to three devices, such as CD/DVD player, games console and set-top box and you’ll get a significant upgrade in sound. Music stored on memory sticks can easily be connected via the USB A-Type interface at the back. For analogue sources, there’s an additional two pairs of phono RCA inputs – perfect for connecting a quality phono stage.

Perfect partner
Designed to match the Edge W power amp, the Edge NQ provides the brains to the W’s considerable brawn. With the two sharing the same development process and sonic tuning, the sound signature of both is perfectly matched.

You’ve heard the rest, now hear the best – Cambridge Audio has the Edge.
Overview
Amplifier Type
Pre-Amplifier
Pre-amplifier
Yes
Smart Features
Smartphone control
Yes
Connectivity
Analogue RCA Inputs
2
Bluetooth
Yes
Coaxial Digital Inputs
1
HDMI
1
Headphone Output
Yes
Optical Digital Inputs
2
Pre Output
XLR & RCA Phono
USB Input
2 + 1 utility
Wi-Fi Built In
Yes
XLR Balanced Outputs
Yes
XLR Balanced Outputs
Yes
XLR Inputs
Yes
General
Manufacturer's Warranty
2 years
Audio
Frequency Response (Hz)
20 - 20,000
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
460 x 120 x 405
Weight
Weight (KG)
10.2
Accessories
Remote Control
Yes
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Edge NQ first thoughts After a little fussing around with the initial set up, I was really pleased with the overall sound quality and the Stream Magic app. My Edge NQ is paired with Quad Platinum cd, Power amp, and Quad Electrostatic Speakers. The sound excels, it’s very musical with tight punchy bass and detail. Streaming is a joy, I use Tidal and the delivery is fabulous cd quality. The Edge NQ works brilliantly with my system. I use the TV arc into my Oppo DVD player and send the sound to the Edge via the digital optical connection. I have no sync problems and am happy with the sound back from Netflix, Apple, YouTube etc. All in a great sounding Streaming Preamp
Date published: 2023-03-07
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Lovely sound and build quality Overall I'm very happy with this. I've had it a few months and was initially disappointed with the iOS app and it's connectivity to the the unit but there was a firmware and app update that sorted that out. My remaining issues were solved when I moved my Media Server to the same ethernet hub as player. When it arrived, it came in a kind sarcophagus arrangement that the pharoahs would have loved. Not exactly recyclable but it at least means you can be confident it will survive carriage. So the good points: * Fantastic sound * Chromecast and Airplay support is excellent * Integration to Tidal works well (but for some reason the Master quality files aren't available when selecting from within the iOS App) * Build quality is of the highest order * Great aesthetics Bad points * I've only gone for 4 stars because the 256 & 512 DSD formats are not yet supported (CA is this something that can be solved by a firmware update?) * I'm not in love with the queuing supported from within the app
Date published: 2019-08-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Best streamer by a far I have owned the Edge NQ for a few weeks now and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. It's the best sounding streamer by a long way. Very detailed and controlled, whilst also sounding open and fluid. Finally there is a Hi-Fi unit that actually has a brilliantly designed and easy to use app- it's also asthecially pleasing. The app gives you full control whilst allowing you to personalise the functionality of the unit, such as the ability to temporarily turn off sources that you are not using so that you can flick between those that are required more easily. Chromecast built in is great, I use it to stream directly from Tidal, I really couldn't fault it. The HDMI ARC input is the gift we all begged for and its done nothing other than answered my prayers. A 32bit DAC and the vast array of connections can support your every possible requirement. Build quality and finish is beyond anything else. The solid aluminium chassis and a smart, clean looking LED screen means that the Edge NQ has to be on top of any Hi-Fi rack.
Date published: 2019-08-02
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Wow I'm writing this at 7 in the morning, (too early for high volumes, pity I've got neighbors) day two in to owning my Edge equipment. Wow. Even when at low volumes there's a pleasing depth of field with multi faceted layers of notes sprinkled across my front room, that simply did not exist with my previous setup. I'm hearing sounds I didn't know existed in music I've experienced countless times. To set up I stripped out my mid range Yamaha AVR, centre speaker, Blu Ray player and games console to make space. I had doubts that my small speakers would be able to handle the power from the W amp, (Dynaudio X12s), no issues, in fact they sound glorious with every piece of music I've tried. The width of the two machines side by side surprised me, as I'm used to standard 440mm kit, I'd hoped to site both machines together on the lowest shelf (see pic), although I'm pleased with the look and suspect any heat should dissapate fairly well as is. The connections I've used for now are hard wired Network, Van Den Hul the name RCAs from pre to pow, Chord Co Odyssey speaker cable, Audioquest Pearl HDMI from the LG OLED ARC. I'm thinking I'll invest in a set of Chord Shawline XLRs, maybe a Coax for the Blu Ray. Installed the app, after a brief update, log in to Tidal I was playing music, a smooth jazz radio station suggested in the app was my first test, with the volume (limited to 70% in the app) at about 10 o'clock on the dial, I was extremely impressed with just how much I could hear through my speakers. Switching to Tidal next I spent the next few hours reliving many of my favorite tracks, with the system breathing new life to them, and in the process lifting my spirits. All I can say is wow, I can't wait for the weekend to really explore just how great this stuff is. I've dabbled in mid range, mainly AV products for most of my adult life, consistently shying away from spending high end monies on proper stereo components, convincing myself that I didn't need what I thought I couldn't afford. I was wrong. I've reached a dizzying height with this purchase, nose bleed territory for my wallet, but Ecstasy for my ears. I'd like to thank all of the guys at Richer Sounds, my local branch is Glasgow, all at Cambridge Audio, especially Pete for making my year, maybe my decade. If you are considering buying some Edge equipment, do it, beg borrow steal if you must, it's worth every penny.
Date published: 2019-05-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Outstandingly good in all respects I've had the Edge NQ since last December, having previously used the Azur 851N network player. It is no exaggeration to say that the NQ improves on the earlier device in every respect. It can now be used as a line-level preamplifier - a role it fulfils exremely well - and the sound quality when used as a network player is equally outstanding. It is richer in sound and has a wider dynamic range than the 851N, which is already a very good device. It also looks great and is easy to use. All in all, a splendid product. The only disappointment is the relative paucity of reviews and the restricted distribution channel. The Edge series deserves better publicity and distribution!
Date published: 2019-04-10
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Superb combination After much research I decided to step back into the world of HiFi after many years away. My reading led me to the Edge range and I was lucky enough to have a Richer Sounds nearby so off I went with an extensive listening list. My tests were all via Tidal on the day as the Alva TT had not been released in early January. From the outset the ability of the Edge NQ and Edge W to deliver outstanding sound quality over a pretty broad range of music was undoubted. Hearing some of my favourite music in such crisp detail again after so long was quite emotional for me. Since getting the units home I have listened to many hours of music via Tidal and Qobuz (using Roon) as well as internet radio, Spotify and, last but certainly not least, the perfectly matched Alva TT turntable. I guess what we really want from our set-ups is to be able to listen to any kind of music and just marvel at superb delivery. That is exactly what you get with these fantastic units. Clear sound stage, effortless delivery (even when it’s probably a bit too loud for the neighbours) and the magic of being there with the artist(s). The Edge range deserves to be paired with good speakers. Put them together, sit down and just enjoy.
Date published: 2019-04-04
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Beautiful outside and Inside I have many products from Cambridge Audio but this blew me away. First when I saw it in the shop I instantly fell in love with the design. Then I fell in love how easy it is to use this beautiful product. I have listened it in a demo room and was blown away how beautiful music that I usually listen on my previous audio setup sound through this streamer. I have contemplated, read loads about it and I have ordered it - it was the best buy that I have made. Spotify, Qobuz, Tidal, TV and my NAS - everything can be connected. The display is gorgeous! Sound is exceptional! Did I mention the DESIGN???!! lol. Now it looks weird standing below my 851A amp - but that will change when I buy the EDGE W amplifier { have to save up now }. I love this product. And I will recommend it to anyone who is serious with audio. I still cannot get over how beautiful it looks. :}
Date published: 2019-01-15
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