NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier

The NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier can serve as the cornerstone of a high-performance audio system now, and for decades to come. Employing NAD's proven HybridDigital UcD amplifier design and the same ESS Sabre DAC used in the acclaimed M33 BluOS streaming amplifier, the C 389 will deliver thrilling dynamics and exquisite detail from all your sources.

With its full suite of digital and analogue inputs, including an ultra-low-noise phono stage and HDMI eARC interface, the C 389 can accommodate all your source components. And it incorporates the latest generation of NAD’s Modular Designs Construction future-proofing technology, making it easy to add exciting capabilities such as BluOS high-res music streaming and Dirac Live room correction.

Key Features:
• Customised HybridDigital UcD amplifier in fully balanced bridged configuration
• 130 Watts per channel continuous power into 8/4 ohms
• Vanishingly low harmonic and intermodulation distortion
• Dual MDC2 ports for expanded functionality
• Jitter-free 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre 9028 DAC
• Ultra-low-noise MM phono stage with infrasonic filtering circuitry
• HDMI-eARC input
• Two-way Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth
• Dual subwoofer outputs
• Dedicated headphone amplifier
• CI-Friendly - IR remote, 12V Trigger in/out, IR in/out, RS-232 Serial port

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 a customised version of NAD's efficient HybridDigital UcD design, with multiple UcD amplifier modules in balanced bridged configuration and an innovative switch-mode power supply that provides ample reserves of current on demand. The C 389 can deliver a staggering 130W per channel continuously, with virtually unmeasurable distortion and noise through the audioband, 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 Sabre 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 levels of clock jitter, the ESS Sabre 9028 DAC enables the C 389 to deliver astonishing clarity and near-holographic imaging on all sources.

Future Friendly

The C 389 has two MDC2 expansion slots, so that it can stay current with new developments in AV technology. NAD's first MDC2 module is the MDC2 BluOS-D, which features BluOS high-res multi-room streaming and Dirac Live room correction.

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 Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant voice control. With the MDC2 BluOS-D installed, the C 389 can be part of a whole-home music system with as many as 64 zones.

The MDC2 BluOS-D , as well as other MDC modules are available separately. Check out our range of MDC modules.

Everything's Connected

The C 389 can accommodate all your analogue and digital source components. Connectivity options include two optical and two coaxial digital inputs and two sets of RCA line-level analogue inputs. The analogue inputs have ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers for greater sonic purity.

For vinyl enthusiasts, the C 389 features a precise MM phono section with accurate RIAA equalisation, high overload margins, and extremely low noise. The phono section incorporates an innovative circuit that suppresses the infrasonic noise that is always present during vinyl playback, without affecting bass performance.

For movies and television, the C 389 has an HDMI eARC input so that you can play TV audio from through your high-fidelity speakers while controlling volume with the TV's remote. Dual subwoofer outputs enable the C 389 to serve as the hub of a 2.1- or 2.2-channel system for music and movies. With the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module installed, you can set crossover frequency with the BluOS app, for a seamless blend between the subwoofers and main speakers.

For private listening, the C 389 has a dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and very high voltage output capability, making it a good match even 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, and wireless playback through Bluetooth headphones and speakers.

Truly Timeless

Building on five decades of innovation in amplifier design, NAD's C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier offers audiophile-class performance, flexible connectivity, class-leading upgradability, and long-term value. Thanks to its precise volume control, ultra-low-noise circuitry, and cutting-edge amplifier design, the C 389 can deliver wonderfully refined sound at lifelike listening levels through virtually any loudspeaker. Thanks to NAD's next-generation MDC2 future-proofing technology, you can update your C 389 with exciting features like multi-room music streaming and automatic room correction.

With the C 389 HybridDigital DAC-Amplifier, the NAD legend continues.

SPECIFICATIONS

Specs Audio
- THD + N (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.03% 20-20 kHz -1dBFS output
- Signal-to-Noise ratio: -94dB (ref 2V)
- Frequency response: 20-20 kHz +/-0.3dB; 50 kHz -3dB
- Native sampling rate: Up to 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 16-24
- Supported audio file format: LPCM, MP3, AC3, Ogg Vorbis, HE-AAC, MQA & WMA decode capability
- Supported 3rd party service provider: Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, DLNA, Roon
- DAC: TI PCM5254ProcessorARM® Cortex™ -A53, Quad-Core, 1.5GHz per core

Connections
- Power: AC adapter
   - Input: 100-240V AC 0.3A
   - Output: 5V DC 1A
- Network connectivity: Ethernet RJ45 100 Mbps
   - Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac 2.4GHz/5 GHz)
   - DLNA/UPnp*
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
- BT Profiles: A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.3, SPP, HFP, HSP, HOGP
- NFC: NFC for easy Bluetooth connection
- 12V Trigger Out: 3.5mm Mini-jack x 1
- Analog Out: RCA x 1
- Coaxial Out: RCA 75 ohms
- Optical Out: TOSLINK x 1
- USB IN: USB C for AC adapter

* Certification in progress as of publishing date

General
- Status Indicator: Front Panel LED
- Function Button: Front Panel Function Button
- Power Consumption: 0.5W Network Standby
- Finish: Black

Dimensions and Weight
- Gross dimensions (W x H x D)**: 140 x 140 x 55 mm
- Net Weight: 1.5 kgs
- Shipping Weight: 1.7 kgs