Cambridge Audio Edge NQ - Preamplifier with Network Player

Key Features & Specifications

It’s a combination network player and stereo pre-amplifier from the flagship “Edge” series of Cambridge Audio, designed for top-level audio systems. Cambridge Audio US+2pt.audio+2
Digital & streaming functionality: Supports USB audio up to 32-bit / 384 kHz PCM and DSD256 via USB Audio Class 2.0. manuals.cambridgeaudio.com+1
High-quality analog performance: DAC/analog source THD <0.0008% (20Hz-20kHz) and frequency response 20Hz-20kHz ±0.1dB. Headphones.com+1
Preamplifier output capabilities: 6 Vrms single-ended or 6 Vrms + 6 Vrms balanced. manuals.cambridgeaudio.com+1
Streaming & connectivity:
- WiFi (2.4GHz), Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.1 (aptX / aptX HD), Chromecast Built-In, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready. Headphones.com+2AVStore+2
- Also supports digital inputs (USB, optical, coax) for external sources. Dreamedia AV
Physical & build: Dimensions approx 460 × 405 × 120 mm (18.1″ × 15.9″ × 4.7″) and weight ≈10.2 kg. sound-gallery.gr+1
“Fixed line-out mode”: You can disable the pre-amp section if you want to use just the streaming/DAC part feeding another amplifier. Dedicated Audio+1

Description

Edge NQ was designed with a unique PCB. Our engineers replaced conventional capacitors with a DC-coupled topology and also added solid-state volume control. The result is a clean signal path that’s perfectly balanced at any volume. Edge NQ boasts the very latest version of our award-winning streaming module.

Warranty:

1-year manufacturer’s warranty

Features:

Impressively revealing – Cambridge Audio’s most detailed pre-amplifier and network player.
StreamMagic – award-winning streaming built in.
Hand-picked components – hours of listening to select only those that sound the best.
Ready for digital – built-in DAC with digital inputs including TV ARC and Bluetooth aptX HD.
Perfect partners – pair your Edge NQ with Edge W or Edge M to create your perfect system.

Impressively revealing
With a revolutionary preamp circuit board that reduces interference and an incredibly clean signal path, Edge NQ plays your favorite music with astonishing depth. Stream, plug in, and play to enjoy every note in perfect clarity.

All the sources
Edge NQ lets you enjoy music from any source. As well as digital coaxial, HDMI, USB, and S/PDIF connections, there’s also Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, AirPlay, Bluetooth aptX HD, Internet Radio, and UPnP Playback. Roon Ready certification enhances your browsing experience. Wherever songs are played, Edge NQ stays true to the character of every instrument and uncovers a musicality you’ve never heard before.

Astonishing digital detail
With a wealth of connections, including digital coaxial, ARC (Audio Return Channel), USB, and S/PDIF, their engineers have ensured that all of your digital content can be enjoyed, at up to 32bit/384kHz and DSD 256. Edge NQ offers an incredibly revealing sound that has a detailed tone, rhythmic drive, and taut bass.

Sonic balance
Edge NQ was designed with a unique PCB. Cambridge Audio engineers replaced conventional capacitors with a DC-coupled topology and also added solid-state volume control. The result is a clean signal path that’s perfectly balanced at any volume.

Chromecast built‑in
Thanks to Chromecast Built-in, hundreds of music services, including Sirius XM & Soundcloud, can be enjoyed on the Edge NQ. Just tap the cast button in your favorite app to stream music from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop in stunning high-definition sound, up to 24-bit/96kHz.

Fixed line-out mode
If you wish to connect the Edge NQ to an integrated amplifier rather than a power amplifier, the streaming functionality can be used independently of the preamplifier. The preamplifier can be disabled via the dedicated Edge app for iOS and Android.

Perfect partners
Edge systems are designed to work in perfect synchronization. Match the Edge NQ with its highest performing power amplifier, Edge W, to create a hi-fi system with a sound and a look unlike anything else.

Technical Specifications:

D/A CONVERTER	THD <0.0008%, 20Hz – 20kHz, 24-bit, 1Vrms output
THD ANALOG SOURCES	<0.0008%, 20Hz – 20kHz, 1Vrms output
FREQUENCY RESPONSE	20Hz-20kHz +/- 0.1dB
S/N RATIO (REF 1V OUTPUT)	>103 dB
CROSSTALK @ 1KHZ	< -100dB
MAX PREAMP OUTPUT	6Vrms single ended or 6Vrms + 6Vrms balanced
FIXED LINE-OUT MODE	Yes. The preamplifier can be disabled via the dedicated Edge app for iOS and Android. Within the app, simply turn off ‘preamplifier mode’ in the settings to run a line out via XLR or RCA to an integrated amplifier.
USB AUDIO INPUT	USB Audio Class 2.0 supporting up to 32-bit 384kHz PCM, or up to DSD256
USB DRIVE INPUT	1 x USB 2.0 current limited to 1A, FAT32 / NTFS / HFS / HFS+
BLUETOOTH	4.1 (Smart/BLE enabled) A2DP/AVRCP supporting SBC, AAC, aptX and aptX HD
UPNP CONNECTIVITY	Yes – Accessible via supported app
CHROMECAST BUILT-IN	Yes
ROON READY	Yes (Requires a Roon subscription)
TOSLINK INPUT	16/24-bit 32-96kHz
COAX S/PDIF INPUT	16/24-bit 32-192kHz
WI-FI	IEEE 802.11 b/g or n (2.4GHz), Encryption WEP, WPA, WPA2
ETHERNET	IEEE 802.3, 10 Base-T or 100 Base-T
MAX POWER CONSUMPTION	100W
STANDBY POWER CONSUMPTION	<0.5W
DIMENSIONS	120 x 460 x 405mm (4.7 x 18.1 x 15.9”)
WEIGHT	10.2kg (22.4lbs)
CHROMECAST BUILT-IN	Hi-res wireless connectivity that’s compatible with hundreds of Android and iOS apps. Chromecast built-in is a trademark of Google LLC
IN THE BOX	Edge NQ Pre-amplifier and Network Player; 1.5M Power Lead; Edge Remote Control; 3 x AAA Batteries; Bluetooth Antenna; Wi-Fi Dongle; Edge Link Cable; Edge NQ User Manual