NAD C 399 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier with BluOS

Editors' Choice Award 2024 – The Absolute Sound Magazine

Editors' Choice Award – soundstageaccess.com

Highly Recommended Award – avforums.com

Top Pick Award – Sound&Vision

Multi Award-Winning HybridDigital DAC Amplifier

Order with or Without Optional MDC2 BluOS-D Module

The C 399 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier is the clearest expression yet of NAD’s commitment to sonic excellence and lasting value. Employing NAD’s HybridDigital nCore amplification, which until now has been available only on Masters Series amplifiers, the C 399 is the new flagship integrated amplifier in NAD’s Classic Series. The C 399’s digital section is built around a 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre DAC, the same chip used in NAD’s acclaimed M10 and M33 Masters Series amplifiers.

The C 399 is also the first amplifier to incorporate the latest generation of NAD’s Modular Design Construction (MDC) technology, MDC2. That means you can order the C 399 with or without the BluOS Hi-Res multi-room music streaming and Dirac Live room correction module.

"Sheer Value is So Far Off the Charts"

The C 399 won an Editors' Choice Award 2024 from The Absolute Sound magazine, which remarks "As the first amp to incorporate the latest generation of NAD’s Modular Design Construction technology (MDC), the C 399 was built to serve as the hub of any world-class music system."

According to Paul Seydor's January 17, 2023 review, "When the excellent phonostage and DAC are factored in, it’s obvious that for sheer value the C399 is so far off the charts it’s almost a joke. That it costs a mere dollar under two grand is a conundrum only for those who need to know the price of something before they can judge it. The rest of us can rejoice in how fortunate it is that products like this exist to make the rewards of high-end audio available to multitudes."

"My Platonic Ideal for Everything I Want"

The C 399 also won an Editors' Choice Award from soundstageaccess.com. "The C 399, especially with the BluOS-D expansion module installed, very nearly represents my platonic ideal for everything I want in an integrated amp," raves Dennis Burger in his Dennis Burger April 1, 2022 review.

"The proof of the pudding is in the listening – or something like that. And for everything else the C 399 BluOS-D does well, my favorite thing about it is that it sounds brilliant and is nearly infinitely tweakable to fit my preferences and my listening space."

Optional MDC2 BluOS-D Module

MDC2 is the second generation of NAD Electronics' innovative Modular Design Construction platform that uses all-new architecture to support bidirectional data protocols, resulting in an even wider range of upgrade possibilities that were not previously possible. The NAD C 399 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier is the first product to be built on the platform, extending the life of the product and offering unparalleled value for money.

With the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module installed, the C 399 will feature post-purchase upgrades for Dirac Live, and like the first-generation MDC program there are upgrade paths for BluOS hi-res multiroom streaming and music management, Apple AirPlay 2, and two-way aptX HD Bluetooth.

Pure Power

Trickled down from NAD’s Masters Series, the C 399’s HybridDigital nCore amplifier is highly efficient and remarkably powerful. It can deliver 180 Watts per channel continuous power, and 250 Watts per channel instantaneous power, allowing the C 399 to reproduce musical transients effortlessly.

The HybridDigital nCore design is renowned for its wide bandwidth, flat frequency response, clean clipping behavior with instant recovery, high current capability, and stability into demanding low-impedance speaker loads. Noise and distortion are vanishingly low under all operating conditions. The minute levels of harmonic distortion are dominated by sonically benign second and third harmonics. These refinements enable the C 399 to produce neutral, distortion-free sound even at very high listening levels, with thrilling dynamics, exquisite detail, and superb portrayal of space.

Also trickled down from the Masters Series is the ESS Sabre 9028 high-resolution DAC, a design noted for its wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise and distortion, and near-zero levels of clock jitter. This premium DAC enables the C 399 to reproduce all your digital sources with amazing musicality, precise soundstaging, and stunning clarity.

"Formidable Strength in Depth"

Honors for the C 399 just keep on coming, with a Highly Recommended Award from avforums.com.

According to Ed Selly, "Ultimately, the C399 does the most NAD thing that any NAD product can do. It beguiles you with its absolute and unwavering ability to do everything that you need it to and largely do it very, very well. The formidable strength in depth that it possesses is something that makes rivals that might superficially look to have an advantage start to wilt when you actually start testing them against one another."

Compared to a competitor, "The NAD has better native streaming, is better made and easier to use and will drive anything short of two lengths of wet string. Both are superb implementations of the modern integrated amplifier concept though and this means that the C399 comes Highly Recommended as a result."

"Sound Quality, Features, Flexibility"

Honoring the C 399 with a Top Pick Award,Sound&Vision notes, "As is often stated, audio product design represents a series of compromises. With NAD's C 399 integrated streaming amp, the company has arguably made smart choices. Its compromises, corporeal and aesthetic in nature, relate to things like its chassis, front-panel display, and remote control. Those seeking audio jewelry will look elsewhere. But for those interested in sound quality, features, the flexibility of a modular design, and, importantly, value, the C 399 handily delivers."

Future Perfect with MDC2 Architecture

In 2006, NAD introduced Modular Design Construction, an innovative architecture for adding new functions to existing components. Many NAD products have rear-panel slots for MDC modules that perform HDMI switching, BluOS multi-room music streaming, Dolby Atmos surround processing, and other functions.

The C 399 is the first product to feature NAD’s new MDC2 architecture. By enabling two-way communications between the module and component, MDC2 opens the future for new upgrades. In a nutshell, MDC2 helps protect your investment from premature obsolescence whilst adding desirable features.

Equipped with Wi-Fi and Ethernet, the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module lets you play music from their favourite streaming services through the C 399, using the acclaimed BluOS Controller app for Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows. Like all BluOS-enabled products, the MDC2 BluOS-D module supports the new standard for Hi Res streaming, Master Quality Authenticated (MQA), and has integrated support for dozens of streaming services; including Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, Amazon Music HD and Spotify. Two-way communications also enable the MDC2 BluOS-D to stream music from local sources connected to the C 399 to BluOS-capable components in other rooms.

The Dirac Live* function lets you measure your room’s acoustics using a supplied microphone and intuitive app, and then upload correction curves to the MDC2 BluOS-D module. By compensating for acoustic anomalies in your listening environment, Dirac Live dramatically improves bass clarity, imaging, and timbral accuracy. Thanks to its two-way architecture, the MDC2 BluOS-D performs Dirac Live room correction for all sources connected to your C 399.

Well Connected

The C 399 has two optical and two coaxial digital inputs, plus an HDMI eARC port for playing audio from a connected TV, while controlling amplifier output with the TV’s remote control. Analog fans are well served with two pairs of RCA line-level inputs, plus a MM phono stage with ultra-precise RIAA equalization, extremely low noise, and high overload margins. The phono preamp also features an innovative circuit that suppresses the infrasonic noise present on all LPs, without compromising bass response. The line inputs have low-noise buffer amplifiers to prevent sonic degradation.

In addition to two sets of speaker outputs, the C 399 has preamp output jacks and dual subwoofer outputs. Two-way aptX HD Bluetooth allows 24-bit streaming from mobile devices, and high-quality output to Bluetooth headphones. Also built-in is a dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and high output voltage capability, enabling the C 399 to drive demanding high-impedance studio monitor headphones.

A Timeless Classic

Ever since the launch of the legendary 3020 integrated amplifier in 1978, the NAD brand has been synonymous with value and performance. The C 399 takes that reputation to a whole new level.

As with every NAD amplifier, the C 399 gets the basics right: a precise volume control with accurate channel balance, low-noise circuits, and correct input and output impedances. 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 refinement that is unprecedented for a Classic-Series integrated amplifier.

Thanks to NAD’s innovative MDC2 platform, the C 399 will keep pace with future developments. The C 399 can serve as the hub of a world-class music system today, and for years to come. With NAD’s C 399 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier, the legend continues.

BluOS Music Streaming

The optional MDC2 BluOS-D module also features BluOS high-resolution music streaming. Available for iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows, the flexible BluOS Controller app provides access to hundreds of internet radio stations and more than 20 streaming services. Like all BluOS products, the MDC2 BluOS-D module supports high-resolution playback up to 24- bit/192kHz, as well as MQA.

With the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module, users can share music from any source connected to the host component with up to 63 BluOS-enabled components on the same network. Playback can also be controlled by Alexa or Google voice commands, and from smart home control systems from Crestron, Control4, Lutron, RTI, and others.

Dirac Live Room Correction

The optional MDC2 BluOS-D is the first expansion module offered by NAD that adds Dirac Live room correction to a two-channel component.* Owners use the supplied calibrated microphone and intuitive Dirac Live app to analyze their room’s acoustics, and then upload correction filters to the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module.

The MDC2 BluOS-D module can store up to five Dirac profiles for different listening positions and room conditions – for example whether the drapes are open or closed. As well as correcting peaks and dips in frequency response, Dirac Live optimizes impulse response by learning how sounds reflect off various surfaces in the listening space. The result is dramatically improved bass clarity, imaging, and timbral accuracy, on music and movie soundtracks.

"More Power for Less Money"

"The C 399 is the new flagship of NAD’s Classic Series, the company’s range of high-value products that most closely represent a continuation of its no-frills heritage," reports Jacob Green, audioholics.com, March 15, 2022. "Styling? It’s just fine. Build-quality and finish? Not luxurious, but good enough. Great performance at a fair price? Absolutely. The C 399 sets out to offer virtually all of the functionality of the M10v2, with more power, for less money."

Future-Proof 2.0

Not only does the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module include the latest Wi-Fi and Ethernet protocols, but it also supports Apple AirPlay2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, and incorporates two-way Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth. There’s also a USB port for playing music from a connected USB drive. With the MDC2 BluOS-D module installed, MDC2-capable components can play music from a vast range of local, networked, and cloud-based sources. And thanks to its bidirectional communications architecture, MDC2 is ready for technology upgrades that have yet to be conceived.

*Note: The module includes a license for Dirac Live with the option for advanced users to upgrade to the Dirac Live Full Frequency version.

BluOS Adds Pandora and Presto Music Services

Bluesound is excited to announce the integration of the popular Pandora and Presto Music services into the BluOS platform.

Pandora offers exceptional music discovery features and curated radio stations. Its integration offers BluOS music lovers access to another seamless and intuitive way to enjoy their favorite tracks and discover new music based on listeners' tastes.

Presto Music specializes in classical and jazz recordings with high-quality content. In select markets, users can now savor Presto Music's vast collection of classical and jazz recordings. With a library boasting 200,000 albums in CD-quality and 34,000 albums in stunning 24-bit/192kHz, subscribers will revel in a focused, extensive, and continuously expanding catalog. The service is tailored with a powerful search engine designed explicitly for classical and jazz music, offering rich composers, artists, and genre profiles, recommendations, and featured releases.

To access these new services, simply update to the latest firmware and download the BluOS Controller App (version 4.2.0) from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or bluos.io/downloads.

Product Features

NAD C 399 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier

HybridDigital nCore Amplifier
MDC2 BluOS-D module installed (see below)
Continuous Power: 180 Watts per channel into 8/4 ohms
Instantaneous Power: 250 Watts per channel
Vanishingly low harmonic and intermodulation distortion
Dual MDC2 Ports for expanded functionality
Optional MDC2 BluOS-D module adds BluOS Hi-Res multi-room music streaming and Dirac Live room correction
Jitter-free 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre DAC
Ultra-low-noise MM phono stage with infrasonic filtering circuitry
Two optical, two coaxial digital input
HDMI eARC input
Two pairs of line-level analog inputs with low-noise buffer amplifier
Speaker A/Speaker B output
Two-way Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth
Dual subwoofer output
Dedicated headphone amplifier
CI-Friendly - IR remote, 12V Trigger in/out, IR in/out, RS-232 Serial port
Seamless integrations with smart home control systems such as Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, Push, Lutron, iPort, and Elan

NAD MDC2 BluOS-D Module

Dirac Live Room Correction*
Calibrated microphone included for Dirac setup
Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking
BluOS music streaming to up to 63 zones
Support for hundreds of internet radio stations and over20 streaming services
High-res audio to 24-bit/192kHz
MQA decoding and rendering
Apple AirPlay 2 and Siri voice control
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control
Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect
Two-way (send/receive) Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth

*Note: The module includes a license for Dirac Live with the option for advanced users to upgrade to the Dirac Live Full Frequency version.

Product Specs

Preamplifier Line Input, Pre-Out (Analog Bypass On)

THD (20Hz - 20kHz) <0.002% at 2V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio >106dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500mV out, unity gain)
Channel separation >100dB (1 kHz); >90 dB (10 kHz)
Input Impedance (R and C) 56 kohms + 100 pF
Maximum input signal >4.6Vrms (ref. 0.1% THD)
Output impedance Source Z + 320 Ohm
Input sensitivity 65mV (ref. 500mV out, Volume maximum)
Frequency response ±0.3dB (20Hz - 20kHz)
Maximum voltage output -IHF load >5V (ref. 0.1% THD)

Phono Input, Pre-Out (Analog Bypass On)

THD (20Hz - 20kHz) <0.01% at 2V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio >84dB (200 Ohm source; A-weighted, ref. 500mV out)
Input sensitivity 1.08mV (ref. 500mV out, Volume maximum)
Frequency response ±0.3dB (20Hz - 20kHz)
Maximum input signal at 1kHz >80mVrms (ref. 0.1% THD)

Line Input, Headphone Out (Analog Bypass On)

THD (20Hz - 20kHz) <0.005% at 1V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio >107dB (32 Ohms loads; A-WTD, ref. 2V out, unity gain)
Frequency response ±0.3dB (20Hz - 20kHz)
Channel separation >62dB at 1kHz
Output impedance 2.2 Ohms

Line In, Speaker Out (Analog Bypass On)

Continuous output power into 8 ohms and 4 ohms 180W (ref. 20 Hz-20 kHz at rated THD, both channels driven)
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz) <0.02% (250 mW to 180 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio >95 dB (A-weighted, 500 mV input, ref. 1 W out in 8 ohms)
Clipping power >210W (at 1 kHz 0.1 % THD)
IHF dynamic power 8 ohms: 217 W; 4 ohms: 400 W; 2 ohms: 506.4 W
Peak output current >26 A (in 1 ohm, 1 ms)
Damping factor >150 (ref. 8 ohms, 20Hz to 6.5kHz)
Frequency response ±0.3 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
Channel separation >90dB (1 kHz); >75dB (10 kHz)
Input sensitivity (for 180 W in 8 ohms) Line In: 201 mV; Digital In: 10.25% FS

General Specifications

Supports bit rate/sample rate up to 24 bit/192 kHz
Frequency band 2.402G- 2.480G
Maximum transmit power (dBm) 7 dBm ± 2 dBm
Gross dimensions (W x H x D) 17 1/8 x 4 3/4 x 15 3/8”
Net Weight 24.7 lb.
Shipping weight 30 lb.

Product Warranty

2 Years

Parts & Labor

NAD Electronics Warranty Information

Editors' Choice Award 2024 – The Absolute Sound Magazine

"As the first amp to incorporate the latest generation of NAD’s Modular Design Construction technology (MDC), the C 399 was built to serve as the hub of any world-class music system."

- The Absolute Sound magazine, December 2024

"When the excellent phonostage and DAC are factored in, it’s obvious that for sheer value the C399 is so far off the charts it’s almost a joke. That it costs a mere dollar under two grand is a conundrum only for those who need to know the price of something before they can judge it. The rest of us can rejoice in how fortunate it is that products like this exist to make the rewards of high-end audio available to multitudes."

In this context I cannot help but be struck by how appropriately named NAD’s Classic Series is, for it was always the dream of the great pioneers of audio that quality reproduction of recorded music in the home should be affordable to all and sundry. I salute NAD for keeping this dream alive and continuing to be a leader in the field. Products like the C399 demonstrate that in the right hands high performance and high value, far from being mutually exclusive, are matches that really do seem to be made in heaven."

- Paul Seydor, The Absolute Sound magazine, January 17, 2023

Editors' Choice Award – soundstageaccess.com

"The C 399, especially with the BluOS-D expansion module installed, very nearly represents my platonic ideal for everything I want in an integrated amp."

- Dennis Burger, soundstageaccess.com, April 1, 2022

Highly Recommended Award – avforums.com

"Ultimately, the C399 does the most NAD thing that any NAD product can do. It beguiles you with its absolute and unwavering ability to do everything that you need it to and largely do it very, very well. The formidable strength in depth that it possesses is something that makes rivals that might superficially look to have an advantage start to wilt when you actually start testing them against one another."

"Making the call between the C399 and Arcam SA30 is a game of swings and roundabouts. The Arcam has a better phono stage, sounds a little more fun and has full frequency Dirac. The NAD has better native streaming, is better made and easier to use and will drive anything short of two lengths of wet string. Both are superb implementations of the modern integrated amplifier concept though and this means that the C399 comes Highly Recommended as a result."

- Ed Selly, avforums.com, May 25, 2022

Top Pick Award – Sound&Vision

"As is often stated, audio product design represents a series of compromises. With NAD's C 399 integrated streaming amp, the company has arguably made smart choices. Its compromises, corporeal and aesthetic in nature, relate to things like its chassis, front-panel display, and remote control. Those seeking audio jewelry will look elsewhere. But for those interested in sound quality, features, the flexibility of a modular design, and, importantly, value, the C 399 handily delivers."

- Howard Kneller, soundandvision.com, April 27, 2022

"The C 399 is the new flagship of NAD’s Classic Series, the company’s range of high-value products that most closely represent a continuation of its no-frills heritage. Styling? It’s just fine. Build-quality and finish? Not luxurious, but good enough. Great performance at a fair price? Absolutely. The C 399 sets out to offer virtually all of the functionality of the M10v2, with more power, for less money."

- Jacob Green, audioholics.com, March 15, 2022

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