Edge NQ

Preamplifier with Network Player

• Impressively revealing – our 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.
• Multiroom Capability – compatible with Google Home, Apple Airplay and Roon multiroom systems.

OVERVIEW

 

Impressively Revealing

With a revolutionary preamp circuit-board that reduces interference and an incredibly clean signal path, Edge NQ plays your favourite 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 from, 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, our engineers have ensured that all of your digital content can be enjoyed, at up to 24-bit/384kHz and DSD 256. Edge NQ offers an incredibly revealing sound that has detailed tone, rhythmic drive and taut bass.

 

Sonic Balance

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

 

 

 

Award-Winning Streaming Software

Edge NQ boasts the very latest version of our award-winning streaming module. Designed in-house, right here in the UK, it features a new, faster chipset and support for both 24bit/192kHz and DSD128 files. The addition of Spotify Connect, TIDAL, Qobuz, AirPlay, Bluetooth aptX HD and Internet radio means you can enjoy your music whatever the source. Roon Ready certification enhances your browsing experience.

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 favourite app to stream music from your smartphone, tablet or laptop in stunning high definition sound, up to 24bit/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 synchronisation. Match the Edge NQ with our highest performing power amplifier, Edge W, to create a hi-fi system with a sound, and a look, unlike anything else.

 

 

REVIEW & AWARDS

Cambridge Audio Edge NQ and Edge W System - Read More

"This is a very energetic, dynamic, and musical system that is rather moreish in my view. It has been an absolute delight to listen to and its stability, compared to some of my own electronics, makes this a rather attractive proposition. At this price, this system will need a good pair of speakers taking an overall budget north of ten thousand pounds but if you’re at this price level you won’t need much time to be convinced of the merit and quality of this fine piece of Cambridge Audio flagship British Design."

Cambridge Audio Edge NQ and Edge W – On the edge of your seat - Read More

"A special mention goes to the beautiful remote control that sits wonderfully in the hand and has just enough functions. However, controlling the volume via the remote control is done with relatively large steps. In the app you can adjust the volume more precisely. Very successful are the four buttons in the middle to save your favorite radio stations."

Cambridge Audio Edge NQ/W - Read More

"Cambridge Audio has surpassed itself with the new Edge NQ/W combination. It’s lovely to look at, nice to use and is packed to the gunwales with features, too. It sounds seriously good for the money, with a happy, upbeat nature underwritten by real power and insight. It deserves to succeed, so here’s hoping that it does"

 

 

More is more: Cambridge Audio’s Edge NQ network pre-amplifier - Read More

"The Edge NQ is a big beast. Make sure you can accommodate its size. It’s easy to operate too. On sound quality, the Cambridge impressed from the start, delivering a fresh and lively feel to music played through it. Extended listening only deepened my respect. More is more. My expectations were high of the Edge NQ yet it still comfortably exceeded them." - Phil

 

Cambridge Audio Edge NQ Preamplifier with Network Player and W Power Amplifier - Read More

"Beautiful, substantial, and intelligent separates that should be sought out for audition. Bring your phone (crazy, I know) and watch a music video or two while you’re at it. Get hooked on the idea of having it all. Friends with benefits. There’s no turning back." - Allan Moulton

 

Cambridge Audio Edge NQ review - Read More

"Accomplished is a word we can use to describe the Cambridge Audio Edge NQ itself. It is a top-class streamer and a rather fine analogue preamplifier too. Add a hugely capable DAC section, and an impressive headphone amplifier, and you have quite some product – all packed into one gorgeous unit to boot..

Simply put, if we had a budget of £3500 for a pre-amp and streamer, we’d buy the Edge NQ. If we had £6000, we’d pair it with the Edge W power amp. While Cambridge may not have rewritten the rules of hi-fi, this is a truly fantastic system for the money."

 

Cambridge Audio Edge NQ/M Streamer/Monoblocks - Read More

"This streaming DAC/power amp combination has a lot going for it – gorgeous looks and a sound and build quality to match. It's simple both to install and use, and you won't need any tweakery to tease out their best. Cambridge Audio has got its 'no limits' series pretty much bang-on, and anyone who still thinks the brand is just about 'budget hi-fi' needs to know it's playing with the big boys now – with great success." - Andrew Everard

 

Cambridge Audio Edge NQ Preamplifier With Network Player - Read More

"Except for no MQA or native Qobuz support (which could change via a firmware update), the Cambridge Audio Edge NQ DAC/Pre/Streamer certainly delivers everything you could ask for from an audio component. It has its own control app, a dedicated remote control, and suave sound to go with its elegant good looks. While there are less expensive components that can duplicate the Edge's functionality (often with the added assistance of the Roon app) there are none that accomplish it with the aplomb and overall physical and ergonomic style of the Edge NQ."

 

 

 

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 1W INTO 8 OHM)	>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 24-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 - Accesible 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