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Cambridge Audio EDGE NQ is rated
out of
5 by
17.
Cambridge Audio EDGE NQ
Network Music Player/Streamer/Pre-Amp
£4,499
Custom Installation
To get the most out of this product we recommend our expert design and installation service. Find out more.
Disabled assistance
All products that are available to purchase on the Richer Sounds website can be delivered free to blind, partially sighted or those with a disability. Find out more
Please contact web after sales for more info.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
18 months 0% Interest Free Credit is available on this Network Music Player. Available from our stores by appointment, phone or video call or from our telesales team - please call for details. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Click here for more info.
Offer excludes Clearance, Refurbished and Open Box products.
”A truly fantastic streaming preamp.”– ‘What Hi-Fi’ – 5 Star review.Offer excludes Clearance, Refurbished and Open Box products.
Make the most of your wireless streamer. View our hottest deals on interconnects.
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
Audio
Frequency Response (Hz)
20 - 20,000
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD
460 x 120 x 405
Weight
Weight (KG)
10.2
Accessories
Remote Control
Yes
Rated 5 out of
5
by
SMC66 from
Great product. A fantastic experience.
I bought this product a few weeks ago. After reading various reviews I was curious. At the store in Eton the team was very accommodating. They understood it was a big purchase and just let us listen to it. Even better they let us take one home to try it out with our equipment and room.
It really has taken our attention to a completely new level. It is easy to use, looks great and sounds amazing with all sources - even YouTube over hdmi.
I would highly recommend it and the Richer Sounds experience.
Date published: 2021-09-22
Rated 5 out of
5
by
frankinwales from
Excellent service and help
I contacted richer sounds looking for a new system..I dealt with Michael and steph from the Cardiff shop...they suggested 3 systems that suited me, I just had to decide how much I wanted to pay....I am very happy with my purchase and the aftercare and telephone advice as I am not an expert in hi fi....the interest free credit was helpful and straightforward to sort out.
Date published: 2021-03-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
fabtastique from
simply the best
After weeks of deliberation, and despite being blown away by the demo at Richer Sounds in Spitalfields, I finally took a leap and bought this.
Its a monster piece of kit and along with the Edge W amplifier and the Q Acoustics Concept 300 speakers (which I also bought) takes up a decent amount of space .... but it's so worth it!
I feel like I have the musicians in my sitting room ..... pair it with Tidal, Qobuz or other similar streaming service that offers HQ / Master Quality audio and you are all set.
Date published: 2021-02-01
Rated 5 out of
5
by
John Spark from
As Cambridge say 'Nothing but Pure Sound'
I recently upgraded My CXA81 & CXN.
The first thing that really catches your attention is the Way the Edge products are packed, you know you have something very special. I was amazed when I unpacked my Edge W, and felt the same excitement when unpacking the Edge NQ..
Really easy to set up, a simple firmware update and you're off.
Your can hear the sound is pure, a massive upgrade to my previous equipment, for which.I am truly humbled...
The sound has a better balance to it, over the highs,mids and lows, and the detail still amazes me on tracks I've heard a thousand times and still hear new details previously unaudible..
There are some very clever people within Cambridge Audio, and to them , I take my hat off..
Feel very lucky to own products as good as I do
Also Many thanks to Richer Sounds Bournemouth for their expert help and advice( Greg and Paul in particular)
Date published: 2021-01-14
Rated 5 out of
5
by
The Welsh Wizard from
An Absolute Stunner
I originally purchased the Azur 815N Streamer just as we went into lockdown in early March. I had been after this for a while as I had both the 851A amplifier and 851C cd player and it was the logical choice to complete the set. Prior to the 851N I had a CXNv2 streamer. The 851N is streets ahead of CXN both in terms of performance and sound stage and is in its self an excellent machine.
However, I don’t know whether it was lockdown blues or just a hankering to upgrade but I took the plunge and decided to try out the Edge NQ. I can honestly say that in the short time I have had it I have been totally smitten and within a day of taking delivery I decided to keep it. I was a bit nervous at first, principally because of the colour and how it was going to fit in with the rest of my equipment as this is all black. I needn’t have worried the Edge NQ looks the business and fits seamlessly into the rack. It is not an angular machine unlike the rest of my equipment but has a much smoother and curvaceous feel to it. Once can appreciate why CA took 3 years to design it.
It is an absolute stunner of a machine both in build and sound. Firstly, the packaging, CA audio is always well packaged but this comes in its own mini sarcophagus! Secondly, the accompanying handbook and literature is well presented and the remote control is a thing of beauty, definitely minimalist but oozing luxury as well. It’s also a tad heavier than your average control so be careful you don’t drop it.
With regard to the sound if I thought the 851N was good prepared to be blown away by the Edge NQ. It has taken my listening to another level. The soundstage is very expansive and open. I had read various reviews where people had said they could hear every nuance and detail but nothing quite prepares you for how revealing and good this machine is. It is true is doesn’t have the connectability of the 851N but my 851C connects without issue as does my Rega RP8 turntable via a separate phono stage and although I am still using the 851A it won’t be long before I upgrade to the Edge W power amplifier. That’s not to say the 851 doesn’t have plenty of power; certainly enough to drive my B&W 805d3 speakers but I want to see what the Edge W brings to the show especially as they are made for each other.
The service from RS at Leicester is exemplary as usual and many thanks to Rich for his assistance. I’ll be honest once you hear this machine can do, I think you will be hooked like I am.
Overall the Edge NQ is definitely worth the money.
Date published: 2020-08-03
Rated 5 out of
5
by
JR83 from
The heart of my system
This was a bit of a splurge but I know this will be at the heart of my system for years to come. While great sound is a given for most products at this price, there really aren’t many that have all these features in one box. It has tons of digital and analogue inputs and RCA and balanced outs. The app is excellent and firmware is regularly updated with new features. What really seals the deal is the industrial design and finish, which really is top notch. It’s running directly into my Dynaudio actives. Qobuz, Spotify and internet radio work really nicely and I also use minim server on my NAS. It is BIG so make it fits wherever you want to put it. I used 90 degree adaptors and power cord so I could push closer to the wall.
Date published: 2020-04-10
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Chris L from
Wonderful insightful sound
Can’t recommend this highly enough. Brings recordings to life in a thoroughly enjoyable way. Insightful dynamics, crisp delivery, engaging treble and mid range underpinned by a confident bass.
Date published: 2019-12-30
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Johnlad from
Sounds OK but less connectivity than 851n
I was looking for an upgrade to my 851n and logically thought the bigger,newer model from the same maker would be the place to start.
Richer Sounds loaned me the streamer for 2 weeks to use in my system.
I returned it after 5 days, I wasn’t convinced the sound was any better than the 851n when connected to the Roksan Blak amp I use.
But the Edge has no provision for digital XLR connection which I use for my CD, also lacks a digital output so no chance of upgrading to a better DAC in the future.
I didn’t require the pre amp function so decided I’d be better spending the £3500 cost of the Edge on a stand alone streamer which I did(Naim ndx2)
Ex demo,
WOW, better on all fronts, app is better, but the sound is head and shoulders above the edge.
My advice if you don’t need a pre amp is the Naim.
Date published: 2019-12-21