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The Cornerstone of a High-Performance Audio System Now and for Decades to Come
The NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier can serve as the cornerstone of a high-performance audio system now and for decades to come. Employing NAD's proven HybridDigital UcD amplifier design and the same ESS Sabre DAC used in NAD's acclaimed M33 BluOS streaming amplifier, the C 389 will deliver thrilling dynamics and exquisite detail from all your sources.
With its full suite of digital and analog inputs, including an ultra-low-noise phono stage and HDMI eARC interface, the C 389 can accommodate all your source components. And it incorporates the latest generation of NAD's Modular Designs Construction future-proofing technology, making it easy to add exciting capabilities such as BluOS high-res music streaming and Dirac Live room correction with the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module.
Power and Performance
For over 50 years, the NAD brand has been synonymous with performance and value, and the C 389 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier continues that tradition. Its output stage is based on a customized version of NAD's efficient HybridDigital UcD design, with multiple UcD amplifier modules in balanced bridged configuration and an innovative switch-mode power supply that provides ample reserves of current on demand.
The C 389 can deliver a staggering 130W per channel continuously, with virtually unmeasurable distortion and noise through the audio band, and up to 350W per channel of instantaneous power, for effortless reproduction of musical transients.
The digital section features the same 32-bit/384kHz ESS Technology Sabre DAC chip used in NAD's award-winning Masters M33 amplifier. Renowned for its exceptionally wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise and distortion, and near-zero levels of clock jitter, the ESS Sabre 9028 DAC enables the C 389 to deliver astonishing clarity and near-holographic imaging on all sources.
Future Friendly
In 2006, NAD introduced Modular Design Construction technology, which lets users add new features by inserting an expansion module into an MDC-capable component. In 2021, NAD introduced MDC2, a next-generation future-proofing platform that enables two-way communications between the expansion module and host component.
The C 389 has two MDC2 expansion slots, so that it can stay current with new developments in A/V technology. NAD's first MDC2 module is the MDC2 BluOS-D (optional), which features BluOS high-res multi-room streaming and Dirac Live room correction.
BluOS Technology
The optional MDC2 BluOS-D module connects to your home network via Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet. Using the BluOS Controller app on a smart device or personal computer, you can play music from your favourite streaming services and personal music library through the C 389. BluOS has integrated support for more than 20 services, including several that offer lossless and high-res audio, such as Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Idagio, Qobuz, and Tidal.
Like all BluOS-enabled components, the MDC2 BluOS-D has MQA decoding and rendering capability for high-res streaming from Tidal. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, as well as Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant voice control. With the MDC2 BluOS-D installed, the C 389 can be part of a whole-home music system with as many as 64 zones.
Dirac Live Room Correction
By counteracting common acoustic problems like standing waves and room reflections, Dirac Live room correction transforms your listening experience. Connect the supplied microphone to the USB port on the optional MDC BluOS-D and then run the free Dirac Live app on a smart device or personal computer. Dirac Live will play test tones through your speakers, analyze the results, then transfer compensation filters to the MDC BluOS-D. You'll enjoy deeper, more textured bass, more precise imaging, greater midrange clarity, and more accurate tonal balance. Thanks to MDC2's two-way architecture, the MDC2 BluOS-D delivers these benefits on all sources connected to the C 389.
Everything's Connected – Including Your Turntable
The C 389 can accommodate all your analog and digital source components. Connectivity options include two optical and two coaxial digital inputs and two sets of RCA line-level analog inputs. The analog inputs have ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers for greater sonic purity.
For vinyl enthusiasts, the C 389 features a precise MM phono section with accurate RIAA equalization, high overload margins, and extremely low noise. The phono section incorporates an innovative circuit that suppresses the infrasonic noise that is always present during vinyl playback, without affecting bass performance.
For Movies and Television
For movies and television, the C 389 has an HDMI eARC input so that you can play TV audio from through your high-fidelity speakers while controlling volume with the TV's remote. Dual subwoofer outputs enable the C 389 to serve as the hub of a 2.1- or 2.2-channel system for music and movies. With the MDC2 BluOS-D installed, you can set crossover frequency with the BluOS app for a seamless blend between the subwoofers and main speakers.
For Private Listening
For private listening, the C 389 has a dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and very high voltage output capability, making it a good match even for demanding studio headphones.
Bluetooth aptX
The C 389 also features two-way wireless Bluetooth, with support for Qualcomm's aptX-HD codec, for 24-bit streaming from your smartphone or tablet, and wireless playback through Bluetooth headphones and speakers.
Truly Timeless
Building on five decades of innovation in amplifier design, NAD's C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier offers audiophile-class performance, flexible connectivity, class-leading upgradability, and long-term value. Thanks to its precise volume control, ultra-low-noise circuitry, and cutting-edge amplifier design, the C 389 can deliver wonderfully refined sound at lifelike listening levels through virtually any loudspeaker.
NAD's next-generation MDC2 future-proofing technology means you can update your C 389 with exciting features like multi-room music streaming and automatic room correction. With the C 389 HybridDigital DAC-Amplifier, the NAD legend continues.
