2019, 2020, & 2022 Editors’ Choice Award - The Absolute Sound
Feature-packed Mid-level Integrated Amp with Future-proof MDC, DAC, and Phono Stage
The NAD C 368 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier offers all of the features of the breakthrough entry-level C 338 amp plus Modular Design Construction (MDC). This exclusive feature of NAD products, 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, additional Analog and Phono Inputs, and one of the most advanced Hi-Res Audio multi-room wireless systems available, the BluOS music management system developed by Bluesound.
The C 368 offers provides 2 X 80W Continuous Power into 8 ohms or 4 ohms, and Dynamic Power of 145W at 8 ohms, 240W at 4 ohms, and 260W at 2 ohms. 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. Vinyl lovers will appreciate the MM Phono stage with precisely accurate RIAA equalization.
In recent years, NAD has moved away from the old-fashioned linear power supplies and Class AB output stages that waste energy, and has instead developed better performing circuits based on switch mode power supplies and Class D output stages. Once thought to be inferior to traditional topologies, NAD's advancements have created some of the best performing amplifiers regardless of basic design principle. These new designs are very linear over a wide bandwidth and provide consistent performance into all speaker loads, providing a dramatic advance over previous models.
The power supply is capable of 200 watts continuously and over 600 watts instantaneously to allow for short-term musical transients. It can operate with any AC mains voltage from 100 to 240 volts and provides pure DC power to all the various stages of the C 368. 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 C 368 uses a customized version of the proven Hypex UcD output stage. This allows for massive power with nearly unmeasurable distortion and noise in the audible range. Every detail of this design has been carefully planned and perfectly executed to wring out every last drop of performance.
Digital and Analog Connectivity
Connect instantly to the C 368 with Bluetooth to stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled device. SPDIF coax and optical inputs for digital sources and take advantage of the built-in 24-bit/192 kHz DAC. Wi-Fi and Network Streaming and support both Google Cast and Spotify Connect. It also provides access to internet radio stations and can serve as an UPnP Client for network streaming from a local NAS library.
Vinyl lovers will appreciate the MM Phono stage with precisely accurate RIAA equalization, high overload margins, extremely low noise, and an innovative circuit to suppress infrasonic noise. Line inputs can accommodate all kinds of analogue source components by offering ideal input impedance characteristics with linear ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers.
NAD Re-Invents the Integrated Amp
Three new Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifiers from NAD Electronics cover a wide range of technologies, power, and price points while providing best-in-class performance and value. The new line consists of the entry-level C 338, the mid-level C 368, and the powerhouse C 388.
Deploying the three major technology innovations recently debuted in the company's High End Masters Series components, NAD has upped the ante for competitive features and performance in affordable two-channel power amplifiers. Hybrid Digital Amplification bring new levels of performance to the category. Modular Design Construction is future ready for easy feature upgrades. Finally, BluOSâ„¢ Wireless Multi-room Audio provides a hi-res option for streaming music.
While appearing traditional in design – retaining the classic look of quality hi-fi separates – these high performance amps overflow with cutting edge digital technology along with must-have features and operation.
Excelling with Music Sources Past, Present, and Future
The entry-level C 338 is a compact yet powerful integrated amp designed in the classic NAD tradition by offering high end sound and specifications at a remarkably affordable price. Wireless network and streaming audio are fully supported by Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The two upper models, the C 368 C 388, are what NAD terms Future Proof Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifiers, and they are as intelligent as they are powerful.
The C 388 and C 368 are Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifiers that bring together all the critical elements of a top performing music system. They excel with music sources past, present, and future, while providing a nearly unrestricted reservoir of power that allows your speakers to reveal every nuance of musical detail. Inputs include MM Phono, Stereo Line, Optical Digital and Coax Digital.
Their advanced amplifier stages include many cutting-edge technological breakthroughs developed by NAD over decades of creating affordable ultra-high performance audio components. The C 338 provides 2 X 50W Continuous Power into 8 or 4 Ohms (150W Dynamic @4 Ohms). The C 368 offers 2 X 80W (240W Dynamic @4 Ohms), while the C 388 delivers 2 X 150W (350W Dynamic @4 Ohms), both conservatively rated and with virtually no audible noise or distortion.
Future Proofing with Modular Design Construction (MDC)
Found on both the C 388 and C 368, NAD's exclusive 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 BluOSâ„¢ 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.