NAD C 389 Hybrid Digital integrate amp + BluOS2d Network Module

Strength and power

For over 50 years, the NAD brand has been synonymous with performance and value, and the C 389 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier continues this tradition. Its output stage is based on a modified version of NAD's efficient HybridDigital UcD design, featuring multiple UcD amplifier modules in a balanced bridged configuration and an innovative switching power supply that provides ample power reserves when needed. The C 389 can deliver up to 130 W per channel continuously, with virtually immeasurable distortion and noise across the entire audio band, and up to 350 W per channel of instantaneous power for effortless reproduction of musical transients.

The digital section features the same 32-bit/384 kHz ESS Technology Sabre DAC chip used in NAD's award-winning Masters M33 amplifier. The ESS Sabre 9028 DAC is renowned for its exceptionally wide dynamic range, extremely low noise and distortion, and near-zero clock jitter, enabling the C 389 to deliver astonishingly clear and almost holographic reproduction from all sources.

Future-proof

In 2006, NAD introduced Modular Design Construction (MDC) technology, allowing users to add new functionality by inserting an expansion module into an MDC-enabled component. In 2021, NAD introduced MDC2, a future-proof, next-generation platform that enables bidirectional communication between the expansion module and the host component.

The C 389 features two MDC2 expansion slots, allowing it to keep pace with new developments in A/V technology. NAD's first MDC2 module is the MDC2 BluOS-D, which offers BluOS high-resolution multi-room streaming and Dirac Live room correction.

The MDC2 BluOS-D connects to your home network via Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet. Using the BluOS Controller app on a smart device or PC, you can play music from your favorite streaming services and your personal music library through the C 389. BluOS offers built-in support for more than 20 services, including several that offer lossless, high-resolution audio, such as Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Idagio, Qobuz, and Tidal. Like all BluOS-enabled components, the MDC2 BluOS-D features MQA decoding and rendering capabilities for high-resolution streaming from Tidal. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, as well as voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. With the MDC2 BluOS-D installed, the C 389 can be part of a whole-home music system with up to 64 zones.

Dirac Live room correction counteracts common acoustic problems such as standing waves and room reflections, transforming your listening experience. Connect the included microphone to the MDC BluOS-D's USB port and then launch the free Dirac Live app on a smart device or PC. Dirac Live plays test tones through your speakers, analyzes the results, and then applies the compensation filters to the MDC BluOS-D. You'll enjoy deeper, more defined bass, more precise imaging, greater midrange clarity, and more accurate tonal balance. Thanks to the MDC2's two-way architecture, the MDC2 BluOS-D delivers these benefits to all sources connected to the C 389.

Everything is connected

The C 389 can accommodate all your analog and digital source components. Connectivity options include two optical and two coaxial digital inputs, as well as two analog RCA line-level inputs. The analog inputs are equipped with extremely low-noise buffer amplifiers for superior sound purity.

For vinyl enthusiasts, the C 389 offers a precise MM phono stage with accurate RIAA equalization, high headroom, and extremely low noise. The phono stage features an innovative circuit that suppresses infrasonic noise, which is always present in vinyl playback, without compromising bass performance.



For watching movies and TV, the C 389 features an HDMI eARC input, allowing you to play TV audio through your high-fidelity speakers and control the volume with your TV remote. With two subwoofer outputs, the C 389 can serve as the centerpiece of a 2.1 or 2.2 channel system for music and movies. When the MDC2 BluOS-D is installed, you can adjust the crossover frequency using the BluOS app to create a seamless connection between the subwoofers and the main speakers.

For private listening, the C 389 features a dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and very high output voltage, suitable even for demanding studio headphones. The C 389 also boasts two-way wireless Bluetooth functionality with support for Qualcomm's aptX HD codec for 24-bit streaming from your smartphone or tablet, as well as wireless playback via Bluetooth headphones and speakers.

Truly timeless

The NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier builds on five decades of innovation in amplifier design, delivering audiophile performance, flexible connectivity, best-in-class upgradeability, and long-term value. Thanks to its precise volume control, ultra-low-noise circuitry, and state-of-the-art amplifier design, the C 389 can deliver beautifully refined sound at natural volume levels through virtually any loudspeaker. With NAD's next-generation MDC2 technology, you can upgrade your C 389 with exciting features such as multi-room music streaming and automatic room correction. The NAD legend continues with the C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier.

Preliminary Features & Details

Custom-designed HybridDigital UcD amplifier in fully balanced bridge configuration
Continuous power output: 130 watts per channel at 8/4 ohms
Instantaneous power: 210W into 8 ohms, 300W into 4 ohms, 350 watts per channel
Amazingly low harmonic and intermodulatory distortion
Virtually immeasurable noise across the entire audio band
Two MDC2 connectors for extended functionality
Optional MDC2 BluOS-D module for BluOS Hi-Res multi-room music streaming and Dirac Live room correction
Jitter-free 32-bit/384kHz ESS Saber 9028 DAC
Ultra-low-noise MM phono stage with infrasonic filter circuit
Two optical and two coaxial digital inputs
HDMI eARC input
Two pairs of analog line-level inputs with low-noise buffer amplifiers
Two sets of speaker outputs
Two-way Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth
Two subwoofer outputs
Dedicated headphone amplifier
CI-friendly - IR remote control, 12V trigger input/output, IR input/output, serial RS-232 port
Seamless integration with smart home control systems such as Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, Lutron and Elan