NAD C 389 - Hybrid Digital integrated amplifier

power and performance

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

The digital section features the same 32-bit/384kHz ESS Technology Saber DAC chip used in NAD's award-winning Masters M33 amplifier. Renowned for its exceptionally wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise and distortion, and near-zero clock jitter, the ESS Saber 9028 DAC enables the C 389 to deliver amazingly clear and near-holographic reproduction of all sources.

future-friendly

In 2006, NAD introduced Modular Design Construction technology, which allows 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 two-way communication between the expansion module and the host component.

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

The MDC2 BluOS-D connects to your home network via Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet. With the BluOS Controller app on a smart device or PC, you can play music from your favorite streaming services and your personal music library via the C 389. BluOS offers built-in support for more than 20 services, including several that offer lossless and high-resolution audio, such as Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Idagio, Qobuz, and Tidal. Like all BluOS-enabled components, the MDC2 BluOS-D has MQA decoding and rendering capability for high-res streaming from Tidal. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, as well as voice control via Amazon Alexa and the 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 supplied microphone to the USB port of the MDC BluOS-D and then launch the free Dirac Live app on a smart device or a PC. Dirac Live plays test tones through your speakers, analyzes the results and then transmits the compensation filters to the MDC BluOS-D. You'll enjoy deeper, more structured bass, more accurate imaging, greater midrange clarity, and more accurate tonal balance. Thanks to the two-way architecture of the MDC2, the MDC2 BluOS-D offers these advantages for all sources connected to the C 389.

Everything is connected

The C 389 can accommodate all your analogue and digital source components. Connectivity includes two optical and two coaxial digital inputs, as well as two line-level analog RCA inputs. The analog inputs are equipped with ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers, which ensure greater sonic purity.

For vinyl lovers, the C 389 offers a precise MM phono section with precise RIAA equalization, high overload reserves and extremely low noise. The phono section features innovative circuitry that suppresses infrasonic noise, which is always present in vinyl reproduction, without sacrificing bass performance.



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

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

Truly timeless

NAD's C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier builds on five decades of innovation in amplifier design to offer audiophile performance, flexible connectivity, best-in-class upgradability and long-term value. Thanks to its precise volume control, extremely low-noise circuitry and state-of-the-art amplifier design, the C 389 can deliver beautifully refined sound at lifelike volumes through virtually any speaker. Thanks to NAD's future-proof next-generation MDC2 technology, you can update 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 HybridDigital UcD amplifier in fully balanced bridge configuration
Continuous power: 130 watts per channel at 8/4 ohms
Instantaneous power: 210 watts into 8 ohms, 300 watts into 4 ohms, 350 watts per channel
Amazingly low harmonic and intermodulation distortion
Nearly unmeasurable 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 circuitry
Two optical and two coaxial digital inputs
HDMI eARC input
Two pairs of line-level analog 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 In/Out, IR In/Out, RS-232 Serial Port
Seamless integration with smart home control systems such as Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, Lutron and Elan