Cambridge Audio Edge NQ

Bertie - North Wales 2 years ago

What a journey! Okay, so we didn’t get off to a good start. Towards the end of lockdown, I had some money to throw at a streamer and amp to replace my ageing Roksan Kandy and BlueSound Node set-up. The Dali Oberon 5’s and REL T9x would stay for now, and I, like many folks influenced by the press, began my quest to bag a Naim combo. I say ‘quest’ because that’s what it became, very quickly and very widespread across all the retailers, as the chip rut made Naim waiting lists commonplace. Now, I’m as weak willed and impatient as the next audiophile with cash in hand, and it wasn’t long before I’m on the hunt for a new champion; burning the midnight oil in search of the holy grail v2.0. Long story short, my research suggested the Cambridge Edge NQ was worth every penny of its asking price and it seemed to partner rather well with the non-too shabby W power amp as well. This led me down the route of buying a refurbed NQ from Richer's and a refurbed W direct from Cambridge. I have to say, I was a little disappointed at first: unimpressed, underwhelmed and a bit deflated with my purchasing decision. Problem being, I’d bought them mid December and had waited until after moving house (mid January) to unbox them, so the 14 day, no quibble was now quibble. I decided to wait and see if weeks of burn-in would prove me wrong. It didn’t. I blamed the Dali’s for ‘holding out’ on the Cambridge duo’s potential and got myself a pair of ATC 40’s, which also sounded sub par to my ears. Fast forward to present day and after many hours of online owner’s group encounters, emails, phone calls and payment (to cover the difference), I’m the proud owner of a brand new off the shelf (not refurbished) NQ, and couldn’t be happier. The pairing now performs as well as it looks, and it does look very, very special. Now that all’s good in the hood, I would like to thank: Richer Sounds, for coming good in the end, despite a poor start, and going the extra mile to give exceptional after sales support - rescuing an almost ex-customer about to throw the towel in Cambridge Audio, for recognising extenuating circumstances and responding appropriately, with genuine commitment from the customer service agent handling the issue ATC, for making the SCM40’s sound so wonderful that I’m keeping them forever, despite the awful 80’s cherry veneer finish IKEA for making the TV stand that’s an uncanny match for the 80’s veneer and will render the speakers viable in my living room In all seriousness, I am extremely happy with the NQ/W combo and would thoroughly recommend it for those hoping to reveal a vast soundstage with a fast, agile bass; very breathy but not too forward mid, and a refined but detailed top end. I’m without doubt so emotionally attached to this set-up now, I’m considering buying 2 more W amps and tri-amping the ATC’s. You know, that feeling where something’s so perfect you wouldn’t change it one bit… except for maybe having even more of the exact same sound. Happy 50th anniversary Cambridge, you’ve done yourselves proud there. Recommends this product: Yes

David - Glasgow 5 years ago

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.

Wislon - Manchester 5 years ago

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! Recommends this product Yes