C389

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For more than 50 years, the NAD brand has been synonymous with exceptional performance and value. The NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier continues this tradition with its advanced technology and impressive specifications. The output stage is based on a modified version of NAD's efficient HybridDigital UcD design, where multiple UcD amplifier modules are placed in a balanced bridge configuration. This is combined with an innovative switching power supply that provides ample power reserves when needed. The C 389 delivers as much as 130 watts per channel continuously, with nearly immeasurable distortion and noise across the entire audio band, and up to 350 watts per channel of instantaneous power for effortless reproduction of musical transients.

Top-of-the-line Digital Section

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

Future-friendly MDC2 Technology

In 2006, NAD introduced Modular Design Construction (MDC) technology, which allows users to add new features by inserting an expansion module into an MDC-compatible component. In 2021, NAD introduced MDC2, a next-generation platform that enables two-way communication between the expansion module and the host component. The C 389 has 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 features BluOS high-res multi-room streaming and Dirac Live room correction.

Comprehensive Music Streaming and 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 personal music library through the C 389. BluOS supports more than 20 services, including lossless and high-res audio from Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Idagio, Qobuz and Tidal. Like other BluOS-supporting components, the MDC2 BluOS-D can decode and render MQA for high-resolution streaming from Tidal. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Amazon Alexa voice control. With the MDC2 BluOS-D installed, the C 389 can be part of a whole-house music system with up to 64 zones.

Dirac Live Room Correction transforms your listening experience by eliminating common acoustic problems such as standing waves and room reflections. Plug the included microphone into the MDC BluOS-D's USB port and use the Dirac Live app to play test tones through your speakers. The app analyzes the results and then sends compensation filters to the MDC BluOS-D. This results in deeper bass with more texture, more accurate imaging, brighter mids and more accurate tonal balance.

Extensive Connectivity

The NAD C 389 offers a wide range of connectivity options for all your analog and digital source components. Connection options include two optical and two coaxial digital inputs and two sets of RCA line-level analog inputs. The analog inputs on this NAD amp have buffer amplifiers with ultra-low noise for greater sonic purity. For vinyl enthusiasts, the C 389 features an accurate MM phono section with RIAA equalization, high overload margins and extremely low noise. The phono section incorporates an innovative circuit that suppresses infrasonic noise without compromising bass response.

Advanced Functionality for Movies and Television

The C 389 has an HDMI eARC input, allowing you to play TV audio through your high-fidelity speakers while controlling the volume with the TV remote. Dual subwoofer outputs allow the C 389 to act as the center of a 2.1 or 2.2-channel system for music and movies. With the MDC2 BluOS-D installed, you can set the crossover frequency with the BluOS app for a seamless transition between subwoofers and main speakers.

Private Listening and Bluetooth Connectivity

For private listening, the C 389 has a dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and high output voltage, making it suitable for demanding studio headphones. The C 389 also features Bluetooth aptX-HD playback, providing a high-quality wireless audio experience.

Timeless Design

Building on five decades of innovation in amplifier design, the NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier offers audiophile-class performance, flexible connectivity, industry-leading upgradeability and long-lasting value. Precise volume control, ultra-low noise circuitry and advanced amplifier design allow the C 389 to deliver refined sound at lifelike listening levels through virtually any speaker. NAD's MDC2 future-proof technology lets you update your C 389 with exciting features such as multi-room music streaming and room correction. The C 389 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier continues NAD's legendary tradition.

Preliminary Features and Details

• Customized HybridDigital UcD amplifier in fully balanced bridge configuration
• Continuous power: 130 watts per channel into 8/4 ohms
• Momentaneous power: 210 watts into 8 ohms, 300 watts into 4 ohms, 350 watts per channel
• Low harmonic and intermodulation distortion
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• Nearly immeasurable noise across the entire audio band
• Double MDC2 ports for extended functionality
• Optional MDC2 BluOS-D module: BluOS Hi-Res multi-room music streaming and Dirac Live room correction
• Jitter-free 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre 9028 DAC
• Ultra-low-noise MM phono stage with infrasonic filter circuit
• Two optical, two coaxial digital inputs
• HDMI-eARC input
• Two pairs of line-level analog inputs with ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers
• Two sets of speaker outputs
• Bluetooth aptX-HD playback
• Dual subwoofer outputs
• Special headphone amplifier
• IR remote control, 12V Trigger in/out, IR in/out, RS-232 serial port: For control integration with home automation systems such as Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, AMX, Savant and Elan

With the NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier, the legend of NAD continues. This timeless classic offers unmatched performance, versatile connectivity options and future-proof technology, making it the perfect choice for any serious music lover.