Cambridge Audio Edge NQ

”A truly fantastic streaming preamp.”– ‘What Hi-Fi’ – 5 Star review.

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.


Brand Cambridge Audio
Pre Amplifier Yes
Weight (KG) 10.2
Bluetooth Yes
Smartphone control Yes
Dimensions WxDxH (mm) 460 x 405 x 120
HDMI 1
Freq Response (Hz) 20 - 20,000
XLR Balanced Outputs Yes
Remote Control yes
Wi-Fi Built In yes
Phono Input No
Optical Digital Inputs 2
USB Input 2 + 1 utility
XLR Inputs Yes
Pre Output XLR & RCA Phono
Headphone Output Yes
Analogue RCA Inputs 2