NAD C389 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier

The Ideal Cornerstone for an Audiophile System: NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC Integrated Amplifier Delivers Exceptional Sound Quality, Remarkable Flexibility, and Long-Term Value via MDC2 Technology

Every hi-fi system needs a superb core. Whether you’re building a new system or upgrading your current one, the NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC integrated amplifier is the ideal cornerstone of a high-performance system, able to drive practically any loudspeaker. And considering its stellar build quality, you can purchase the C 389 with confidence that it could remain in your system for decades. Employing NAD’s renowned 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. In short, the C 389 can make your audio dreams a reality. Want astonishing sound and reliable, worry-free performance? Look no further.

With its full suite of digital and analog 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 Design Construction (MDC) future-proofing technology, making it easy to add exciting capabilities such as BluOS high-res music streaming and Dirac Live room correction.

For more than 50 years, NAD has been synonymous with outstanding performance and exceptional value, and the C 389 extends that tradition. Its output stage is based on a customized version of NAD’s efficient HybridDigital UcD design, featuring 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 130 watts per channel continuously, with virtually unmeasurable distortion and noise through the audioband, and up to 350 watts 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 the Masters M33 amplifier. Renowned for its wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise, lack of distortion, and near-zero levels of clock jitter, the ESS Sabre 9028 DAC enables the C 389 to deliver remarkable clarity and near-holographic imaging on all sources.

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

For vinyl enthusiasts, the C 389 features a precise moving-magnet (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.

If your entertainment system is set up for TV and movies, the C 389 has an HDMI eARC input so that you can play TV audio through your high-fidelity speakers while controlling volume with the TV’s remote control. The 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 MDC2 BluOS-D installed, you can set crossover frequency with the BluOS app, for a seamless blend between the subwoofers and main speakers.

For headphone lovers, the C 389 also has a dedicated headphone amplifier with low-output impedance and very high voltage output capability, making it a great match for almost any style, including demanding studio headphone models. 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.

Building on five decades of innovation in amplifier design, the 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.

In the Music Direct menu above, select from two options: You can choose the model with no network card included, or the model with the MDC BluOS 2i network card installed. Like every Music Direct product, this excellent integrated amplifier comes with the 100% Music Direct Satisfaction Guarantee.

MDC2: Future-Proofing Technology

In 2006, NAD introduced Modular Design Construction technology, which allows you to 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 the host component.

The C 389 has two MDC2 expansion slots, so that it can stay current with new developments in audio/video 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 favorite streaming services and personal music library through the C 389.

BluOS has integrated support for more than 20 services, including several that offer lossless and high-res audio, such as Qobuz, TIDAL, Amazon Music HD, and Deezer. Like all BluOS-enabled components, the MDC2 BluOS-D has MQA decoding and rendering capability, for high-res streaming. 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.

Dirac Live Room Correction

By counteracting common acoustic problems like standing waves and room reflections, Dirac Live room correction transforms your listening experience. Just 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, and then transfer compensation filters to the MDC BluOS-D. Your listening experience in that space will be improved. 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 C 389.