The NAD C 399 features the HybridDigital nCore amplifier, a technology descended from the renowned NAD Masters Series. This amplifier delivers continuous power of 180 watts per channel and peak power of 250 watts per channel. The HybridDigital nCore amplifier is known for its efficiency and ability to effortlessly produce musical transients. The design is characterized by wide bandwidth, flat frequency response, clean clipping behavior with instant recovery, high current capability and stability at demanding low impedance loudspeaker loads. Distortion and noise are minimal under all operating conditions, with harmonic distortion dominated by sonically benign second and third harmonics. This enables the C 399 to produce neutral, distortion-free sound even at high listening levels, with superb detail, spatial reproduction and dynamics.
Top-of-the-line DAC
The C 399 also features the ESS Sabre 9028 high-resolution DAC, a technology also used in the NAD Masters Series. This DAC is known for its near-zero clock jitter, ultra-low noise and distortion, and wide dynamic range. This enables the C 399 to reproduce all your digital sources with amazing musicality, clarity and accurate soundstaging.
Future-proof with MDC2
In 2007, NAD introduced Modular Design Construction (MDC), an innovative architecture that allows new features to be added to existing components. The C 399 is the first product to feature NAD's new MDC2 architecture, which allows two-way communication between the module and the component. The optional MDC2 BluOS-D module offers Wi-Fi and Ethernet, so you can play music from your favorite streaming services through the C 399 using the BluOS Controller app. This module supports dozens of streaming services, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and also offers MQA decoding and rendering for streaming high-resolution music from Tidal.
Dirac Live Space Correction
The Dirac Live feature lets you measure the acoustics of your room with an included microphone and an intuitive app. Correction curves are then uploaded to the MDC2 BluOS-D, resulting in significant improvements in bass clarity, imaging and timbre. Thanks to two-way communication, the MDC2 BluOS-D performs room correction for all sources connected to your C 399.
Versatile Connectivity
The C 399 offers extensive connectivity options for both digital and analog sources. This includes two optical and two coaxial digital inputs, plus an HDMI-eARC port for playing TV audio through your high-fidelity speakers. For vinyl enthusiasts, there is an accurate MM phono stage with RIAA equalization, high overload margins and extremely low noise. This phono preamplifier also features an innovative circuit that suppresses infrasonic noise without compromising bass response.
Extended Functionality
In addition to two sets of speaker outputs, the C 399 has preamp outputs and dual subwoofer outputs. With aptX HD Bluetooth, you can achieve 24-bit streaming from mobile devices. The dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and high output voltage allows you to drive demanding high-impedance studio headphones.
Really Timeless
As with every NAD amplifier ever made, the C 399 has the basics right: accurate volume control with precise channel balance, low-noise circuitry and correct input and output impedances. But it goes far beyond the basics. With its HybridDigital nCore output stage and high-resolution ESS Sabre DAC, the C 399 can reproduce all your digital and analog sources with a level of excitement and sophistication unprecedented for a Classic Series integrated amplifier. Thanks to NAD's innovative MDC2 platform, the C 399 will keep pace with future developments. In essence, MDC2 makes obsolescence obsolete. The C 399 can serve as the hub of a world-class music system now and in the future.
Features and Details
- HybridDigital nCore Amplifier: Continuous power of 180 watts per channel into 8/4 ohms, instantaneous power of 250 watts per channel.
- ESS Sabre 9028 DAC: 32-bit/384kHz, offers jitter-free performance with ultra-low noise and wide dynamic range.
- Modular Design Construction (MDC2): Provides two-way communication for future upgrades.
- Optional MDC2 BluOS-D module: Adds BluOS multi-room streaming, Bluetooth aptX-HD and Dirac Live room correction.
- HDMI-eARC Input: For playing TV audio through your high-fidelity speakers.
- Two optical and two coaxial digital inputs: For versatile digital connectivity.
- Precise MM phono stage: With ultra-low noise and high overload margins.
- Two pairs of line-level analog inputs: With low-noise buffer amplifiers.
- Double subwoofer outputs and preamp outputs: For expanded connectivity options.
- Special headphone amplifier: With low output impedance and high output voltage.
- Bluetooth aptX-HD: For 24-bit streaming from mobile devices.
- 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 399 HybridDigital DAC amplifier, the legend of NAD continues. This timeless NAD amplifier classic offers unparalleled performance, versatile connectivity and future-proof technology, making it the perfect choice for any serious music lover.
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