NAD Quietly Updated the C 700: And It Now Beats Pricier Amps
When NAD first introduced the C 700, it instantly became one of those rare “set-and-forget” amplifiers, a compact, modern, and musical streaming amp that just worked. It had the soul of classic NAD gear and the polish of BluOS intelligence. For many people, it became the entry point into true high-fidelity without the bulk and fuss of a full-stack system.
But today, NAD pulled a move that takes the C 700 far beyond what anyone expected from a two-year-old device.
They released a free firmware upgrade that genuinely changes what this amp is capable of and I’m not using “changes everything” lightly. As someone who has personally used BluOS systems and watched the evolution of NAD’s streaming amps, this update feels like they quietly gifted owners a completely new product.
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Let’s break down what’s new, why it matters, and what this means for both current and future C 700 owners.
A Quick Look at What NAD Added
Here’s the big headline:
NAD has added Dirac Live Room Correction support to the C 700 for free.
Yes, the same correction technology found in high-end AV receivers, $5,000-plus integrated amps, and studio processors… now runs on a compact £1,499 all-in-one streamer amp.
This includes:
Dirac Live Room Correction (Full-band option supported)
This is the biggest part of the upgrade. If you’ve ever struggled with bass boom, room reflections, or uneven imaging in your room, Dirac is simply one of the most powerful correction engines you can use.
Improved BluOS Performance
Menu navigation is faster, AirPlay 2 stability is improved, and there’s noticeably less lag when switching between streaming services.
More Responsive Front Panel & Touchscreen
The C 700’s display always looked great, but now the UI animations have been smoothed out, and album art loads quicker.
Better Support for Larger Music Libraries
If you have a NAS, an SSD, or a big local collection, the C 700 handles indexing faster than earlier versions.
General DSP Optimizations
NAD optimized the internal digital pipeline so the amp sounds cleaner and more dynamic when Dirac is off, too.
Why This Upgrade Is Such a Big Deal
Many companies charge $300–$500 just to unlock Dirac Live.
Others sell a “new model” with very small hardware changes and call it an upgrade.
But NAD just delivered something that normally requires new hardware, and yet:
C 700 owners get it… for nothing.
This does two things:
1. It extends the lifespan of the C 700
In a world where streaming products become outdated after 2–3 years, NAD just pushed the C 700 firmly into 2025–2030 territory.
2. It makes the C 700 competitive with products twice its price
Integrated amps like:
- Lyngdorf TDAI-1120
- Arcam SA30
- NAD’s own M10 V2
- Anthem STR Integrated
All rely heavily on room correction as their “superpower.”
Now the C 700 joins that club without the premium price.
3. It transforms the sound of every system it touches
Dirac Live is one of the only upgrades that:
- tightens the bass
- improves center image locking
- increases clarity
- reduces room boom/echo
- and gives you that “studio mastering room” kind of control
All without changing your speakers, cables, or furniture.
This is a real, measurable improvement, not snake oil.
My Personal Take: Why This Update Hit Me Hard
As someone who listens to a lot of gear, I’ve always believed that room acoustics are the invisible culprit behind 70% of disappointing sound.
You can spend $5,000 on speakers and still struggle if your room is reflective or asymmetrical. I usually tell people:
“If you fix the room, you fix the sound.”
The C 700 was always easy to recommend because of its gorgeous design, practical power, and BluOS ecosystem. However, the only thing it lacked was advanced DSP, a feature NAD usually reserved for its more expensive Masters Series.
When I saw “Dirac Live added” in the patch notes, it clicked instantly:
This is the piece the C 700 was missing.
Now, with this upgrade, it becomes a complete system:
- beautiful
- modern
- powerful
- accurate
- and room-corrected
This is the kind of upgrade that makes you want to re-listen to your entire library again… and that’s the best feeling in this hobby.
How It Changes Your Everyday Listening
Bass control becomes dramatically better
Even if you already have good speakers, the low frequencies tighten up, as if someone had added acoustic treatment behind the walls.
Imaging becomes clearer and more holographic
Vocals center sharper, instruments separate more naturally — it sounds more “expensive.”
Your speakers sound like they just jumped 1–2 price tiers
Dirac is like giving your room a mini renovation without touching a hammer.
You don’t need to constantly adjust EQ
Once calibrated, it just works.
Is This the Best Value Amp Upgrade of 2025?
Honestly… yes. It’s rare to see a manufacturer reward existing owners instead of pushing them to buy a new model.
NAD proved:
- They are still serious about long-term support
- They want BluOS to remain the best ecosystem in hi-fi
- And they understand how important DSP is becoming in modern audio
If you already own a C 700, this is a no-brainer upgrade.
If you’re considering buying one, this update just moved it to the top of the shopping list for 2025.
Final Verdict:
The NAD C 700 was always a fantastic all-in-one unit. Sleek, powerful, and remarkably musical. But with Dirac Live added for free, it evolves into something else entirely, a true modern audiophile hub. This upgrade isn’t a small tweak. It’s a full transformation, and NAD deserves credit for it.
