The NAD C 3050 is a masterpiece of both design and technology. Inspired by the iconic NAD 3030 stereophonic amplifier from the 1970s, this amplifier offers a wonderful combination of vintage stylistic elements and modern innovations. The retro design includes dual illuminated VU meters, classic pushbuttons for source selection, a walnut-finished vinyl-clad cabinet and a dark gray front panel with the original New Acoustic Dimension logo in italics. These aesthetic elements bring a touch of nostalgia to your modern audio setup.
Modern Amplifier Technology
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Despite its vintage looks, the NAD C 3050 is completely modern in its performance. Featuring NAD's renowned HybridDigital UcD amplifier technology, the C 3050 delivers a continuous power output of 100 watts per channel and a peak power output of 135 watts per channel. This results in effortless reproduction of musical transients with virtually immeasurable noise and distortion across the entire audio band. The sound is neutral and inviting regardless of speaker load, offering immersive three-dimensionality and exciting dynamics.
High Quality Digital Section
The digital section of the NAD C 3050 uses Texas Instruments' PCM5242 differential DAC, known for its outstanding dynamic performance and insensitivity to clock jitter. This technology enables the C 3050 to deliver stunning musicality, clarity and accurate soundstaging from all your digital sources. Whether you listen to music from a streaming service or a local source, the C 3050 delivers impressive audio playback.
Future-proof with MDC2 Technology
The NAD C 3050 features the latest generation of NAD's Modular Design Construction (MDC) technology, known as MDC2. This future-proof technology allows users to add new features and capabilities by inserting an expansion module into the MDC2 slot on the rear panel. The optional MDC2 BluOS-D module offers high-resolution music streaming via BluOS and Dirac Live room correction, further optimizing sound quality.
Extensive Music Streaming
With dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet, the MDC2 BluOS-D module connects you to almost any music ever recorded. Through the award-winning BluOS wireless music management system and the intuitive BluOS Controller app, listeners can access more than 20 popular streaming services, including Amazon Music Ultra HD, Deezer, Qobuz and Tidal. BluOS supports high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz and offers MQA decoding and rendering capabilities for studio-quality streaming. In addition, you can play music from your personal library and thousands of Internet radio stations through the C 3050 stereophonic amplifier.
Multi-room Audio and Voice Control
With the MDC2 BluOS-D module installed, the NAD C 3050 can be part of a multi-room music system with up to 64 zones. You can play different music in different rooms, each with independent volume control, or have the same music playing in multiple rooms at the same time. The module also supports Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, so you can play music through these services' apps and then transfer it to the C 3050. In addition, Apple AirPlay 2 is supported, allowing you to stream audio from any app on an iPhone, iPad or Mac. You can even give playback commands via voice control with Amazon Alexa or Apple Siri.
Dirac Live Space Correction
With the MDC2 BluOS-D module, owners of a NAD C 3050 can use Dirac Live room correction to optimize the listening environment. Plug the included microphone into the module's USB port and follow the instructions in the Dirac Live app. Dirac plays test tones through your speakers, analyzes the results and creates correction filters that counteract common acoustic problems such as standing waves and unwanted reflections. This results in improved bass definition, greater tonal accuracy and a more accurate picture. Thanks to MDC2's two-way communication, you enjoy these benefits with all sources connected to the C 3050.
Versatile Connectivity
The NAD C 3050 offers a wide range of digital and analog inputs for all your source components. Vinyl enthusiasts will appreciate the ultra-low-noise MM phono stage, while movie lovers can use the HDMI eARC port to connect an HDTV. The amplifier also has line-level analog and digital inputs, as well as optical digital inputs. Speaker A/B switching lets you connect two pairs of speakers and add a subwoofer for extra deep bass.
Wireless Connectivity and Headphone Options
The NAD C 3050 features bidirectional aptX HD Bluetooth, which allows you to stream audio from a smart device to the amplifier and vice versa, from the amplifier to wireless headphones. The dedicated headphone amplifier ensures an excellent listening experience with any headphones. The pre-out/main-in connections make it possible to connect a more powerful amplifier and use the C 3050 as a preamp only. The amplifier comes with an IR remote control and offers installation-friendly features such as a 12V trigger and an IR input.
Summary of Features and Details
- Retro design with VU meters, walnut-finished vinyl case and classic pushbuttons
- HybridDigital UcD amplifier with 100 watts of continuous power per channel
- Texas Instruments PCM5242 DAC for high-resolution digital audio
- MDC2 port for expandable functionality, including BluOS and Dirac Live
- Dual-band Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet for extensive music streaming
- Multi-room audio support with up to 64 zones
- Dirac Live room correction for optimal sound reproduction
- HDMI eARC port, analog and digital inputs, Speaker A/B switching
- Bidirectional aptX HD Bluetooth and dedicated headphone amplifier
- Includes IR remote control, 12V trigger and IR input
Conclusion
The NAD C 3050 is a wonderful tribute to NAD's 50-year history of amplifier innovation. With its vintage-inspired design and modern technologies, this amplifier offers a unique combination of aesthetics and performance. The MDC2 port makes it easy to add new features such as BluOS multi-room streaming and Dirac Live room correction, making the C 3050 a future-proof choice for any audiophile. Whether you enjoy vinyl, digital music or movies, the NAD C 3050 delivers stunning sound quality and a visually appealing experience that will take your listening pleasure to the next level.
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