About The NAD C389 Stereo Amplifier DAC
The NAD C389 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 NAD's acclaimed M33 BluOS streaming amplifier, the C389 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 C389 can accommodate all your source components. And it incorporates the latest generation of NAD's Modular Design Construction future-proofing technology, making it easy to add exciting capabilities such as BluOS high-res music streaming and Dirac Live room correction.
Power & Performance: For over 50 years, the NAD brand has been synonymous with performance and value, and the C389 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier continues that tradition. Its output stage is based on a customized 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 C389 can deliver a staggering 130W per channel continuously, with virtually unmeasurable distortion and noise through 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 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 C389 to deliver astonishing clarity and near-holographic imaging on all sources.
Future Friendly: In 2006, NAD introduced Modular Design Construction technology, which lets users add new features by inserting an expansion module into an MDC-capable component. In 2021, NAD introduced MDC2, a next-generation future-proofing platform that enables two-way communications between the expansion module and host component.
The C389 has two MDC2 expansion slots, so that it can stay current with new developments in A/V technology. NAD's first MDC2 module is the MDC2 BluOS-D, which features 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. Using the BluOS Controller app on a smart device or personal computer, you can play music from your favourite streaming services and personal music library through the C389. BluOS has integrated support for more than 20 services, including several that offer lossless and high-res 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 Amazon Alexa voice control. With the MDC2 BluOS-D installed, the C389 can be part of a whole-home music system with as many as 64 zones.
By counteracting common acoustic problems like standing waves and room reflections, Dirac Live room correction transforms your listening experience. Connect the supplied microphone to the MDC BluOS-D's USB port, and then run the free Dirac Live app on a smart device or personal computer. Dirac Live will play test tones through your speakers, analyze the results, then transfer compensation filters to the MDC BluOS-D. You'll enjoy deeper, more textured bass; more precise imaging; greater midrange clarity; and more accurate tonal balance. Thanks to MDC2's two-way architecture, the MDC2 BluOS-D delivers these benefits on all sources connected to the C389.
Please Note: The BluOS Dirac Live MDC2 module is an optional extra, available separately. If you would like to look at a version of this amplifier with the BluOS Dirac Live MDC2 Module already installed head to the NAD C389 BluOS-D Amplifier DAC.
Everything's Connected: The C389 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 C389 features a precise MM phono section with accurate RIAA equalization, 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 C389 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 C389 to serve as the hub of a 2.1- or 2.2-channel system for music and movies. With the optional MDC2 BluOS-D installed, you can set crossover frequency with the BluOS app, for a seamless blend between the subwoofers and main speakers.
For private listening, the C389 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 C389 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 C389 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 C389 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 C389 with exciting features like multi-room music streaming and automatic room correction. With the C389 HybridDigital DAC-Amplifier, the NAD legend continues.
Our Take
NAD has an enviable reputation for creating some of the best performing budget amplifiers of all time. The C389 offers superior performance with all the latest 21st century features and when considering what it can do and the power output, comes in at a reasonable price package and for many they will never need another amplifier until it dies!
It is surprising how many seemingly advanced products in the market today often miss many of the most basic requirements for satisfying performance. Low noise circuits, precise volume control action, accurate channel balance, proper input and output impedance characteristics, high overload margins and stability with difficult speaker loads. NAD starts by getting these things precisely right and advances from there. The C389 certainly ties together all the critical elements of a top performing music system; music sources past and present, while providing a deep reservoir of power that allows even very inefficient speakers to reveal every nuance of musical detail. This advanced amplifier includes many cutting-edge technological breakthroughs developed by NAD over decades of creating affordable ultra-high performance audio components. Yes, you can add a NAD CD player or Turntable and some good interconnecting cables, the right speakers and you're in business to sit back and enjoy the pleasures of great music. And, with optional BluOS streaming now coming on-board (no pun intended) and surround sound losing some of its prominence, the C389 will provide a number of meaningful options via the MDC2 system going forward.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: High Performance Stereo Amplifier DAC
- 2 x 130 Watts into 8 or 4 Ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.02% THD
- 4 Ohm stable for use with a wide range of speakers
- Instantaneous Power: 210 Watts into 8 Ohms, 300 Watts into 4 Ohms, 350 Watts into 2 Ohms
- High-Performance HybridDigital Universal Class D (UcD) amplifier design
- Jitter-Free 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre DAC for high-performance playback of digitally connected sources such as a CD player
- Dual MDC2 slots for expanded functionality
- Optional BluOS compatibility with add-on NAD MDC2 BluOS-D module
- These slots only accept MDC2 modules; they will not work with previous MDC modules
- Built-In two-way Bluetooth with high-quality aptX HD audio coding
- Stream to the C389 from your phone, computer, tablet, or other device with Bluetooth
- Stream from the C389 to Bluetooth headphones or speakers
- Discrete built-in high-output headphone amplifier
- Remote Control
- Compatible with leading third-party control systems like Control4, Crestron, RTI, and URC
Connections
- HDMI eARC port for playing TV sound
- 4 Digital audio inputs (2 Optical/2 Coaxial)
- 3 Stereo RCA audio inputs, including a Phono input (for use with a Moving Magnet cartridge)
- Stereo RCA preamp output for connecting a separate amplifier
- Two mono RCA subwoofer outputs
- RS-232C port for use with external controllers
- IR and 12-volt trigger inputs and outputs
- 35mm (¼") front-panel Headphone jack
- 2 pairs of binding post speaker connectors for A and B speakers
- USB (Type A) input for service only
- Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to an IsoTek Power Cable for better performance
- Bluetooth antenna included
General
- Signal-To-Noise Ratio: 95 dB
- Included Accessories: AC Power Cable, SR10 Remote Control, 2 AA Batteries, Antenna, Quick Setup Guide
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 435 x 100 x 390mm
- Weight: 8.7 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 2 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE