NAD Electronics announced three new Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifiers, which include the budget-priced C 338 to the C 368 and C 388, which each add more power and future proof upgradability via their Modular Design Construction (MDC). All models supporting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming audio, but only the top two can use the aptX codec.
Amplifier Comparison
- C 338 – 2 x 50W (150W Dynamic @ 4 Ohms)
- C 368 – 2 x 80W (240W Dynamic @ 4 Ohms)
- C 388 – 2 x 150W (350W Dynamic @ 4 Ohms)
The C 338’s active power supply, controlled by NAD’s latest Asymmetrical PowerDrive, is capable of 160 watts continuously and over 300 watts instantaneously to allow for short-term musical transients. Yet it consumes less than half the power as the similarly powered Class AB NAD C 326BEE. It can operate flawlessly with any AC mains voltage from 100 to 240 volts and provides pure DC power to all the various stages of the C 338. This highly efficient supply also provides near perfect regulation of voltage across a wide range of conditions and provides a solid noise-free foundation for the amplifying stages.
The preamp stage features a solid state volume control, with a hi-res dynamic range of 120dB in precise 0.5dB steps, as used in ultra-high end preamps. The onboard DAC, using established high-end practice, uses eight DAC channels configured as a Dual Differential array to also boast 120dB dynamic range. Vinyl lovers rejoice at the return of the famous NAD MM Phono stage: wide dynamic range, with high overload margin and low noise, super accurate RIAA equalization, and a capacitor-less infrasonic filter extracts every ounce of energy from your LPs.
The C 368 and C 388 utilize advanced amplifier stages include many cutting-edge technological breakthroughs developed by NAD over decades of creating affordable ultra-high performance audio components. Modular Design Construction (MDC) allows you to customize your NAD amplifier with additional capabilities and features, now or in the future. The two available MDC slots can accommodate a variety of upgrade modules including 4K video capable HDMI switching, additional Digital Inputs, and one of the most advanced Hi-Res Audio multi-room wireless systems available, the BluOS music management system developed by Bluesound. BluOS connects to your network and is controlled via smartphone, tablet, or desktop device to manage your music collection and connect to a growing list of high-quality streaming music services.
Adding the optional BluOS Module provides instant access to your local area network via Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet connection and adds Hi-Res Audio streaming. The BluOS Module also makes the C 388 a single-zone streamer in a multi-room wireless music system fully compatible with BluOS-enabled music systems and wireless speakers.
Inputs include MM Phono, Stereo Line, Optical Digital and Coax Digtal. A control app allows smartphones or tablet to control all functions of your NAD amp.
Price and Availability
All three models will be available in October 2016:
- NAD C 338 – $649 at Crutchfield
- NAD C 368 – $899 at Crutchfield
- NAD C 388 – $1599 at Crutchfield
