NAD C 389 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier

NAD C 389 DAC Amplifier: Timeless Audio Performance and Future-Proofing

The NAD C 389 DAC amplifier represents a milestone in the world of high-performance audio systems, maintaining its leading position not only today but for decades to come. Combining NAD’s proven HybridDigital™ UcD amplifier design with the highly regarded ESS Sabre DAC, used in the NAD M10 and M33, the C 389 delivers thrilling dynamics and breathtaking detail from any source.

With an impressive range of digital and analog inputs, including a low-noise phono stage and HDMI eARC connectivity, the C 389 adapts to any source component. Additionally, it features NAD’s advanced Modular Design Construction (MDC) technology, allowing you to add useful functions such as high-resolution BluOS™ multi-room music streaming and Dirac Live® room correction.

Performance and Power:
For over 50 years, NAD has been synonymous with outstanding performance and value. The C 389 HybridDigital DAC integrated amplifier continues this tradition seamlessly. Its amplifier stage is based on a customized version of NAD’s efficient HybridDigital UcD design. Featuring multiple UcD amplifier modules in a balanced, bridged configuration, along with an innovative switching power supply with ample current reserves, the C 389 delivers an astonishing 130 watts of continuous power per channel, with virtually no distortion or noise throughout the entire audio spectrum. This enables up to 350 watts per channel of impulse power for effortless playback of musical transients.

The digital section of the C 389 incorporates the same 32-bit/384-kHz ESS Sabre DAC chip used in the award-winning NAD Masters M33 amplifier. The ESS Sabre 9028 DAC provides exceptional dynamic range, extremely low noise, minimal distortion, and near-zero clock jitter, allowing the C 389 to offer stunning clarity and a nearly holographic soundstage from all sources.

Future-Proof Design:
NAD introduced Modular Design Construction in 2006, enabling users to add new features via expansion modules. In 2021, NAD unveiled the next-generation MDC2 platform, allowing bidirectional communication between expansion modules and host components.

The C 389 is equipped with two MDC2 expansion slots, allowing it to keep pace with technological advancements. The first MDC2 module from NAD, the MDC2 BluOS-D, enables high-resolution BluOS multi-room streaming and Dirac Live room correction.

Comprehensive Connectivity:
The C 389 supports a wide range of analog and digital source components. Connectivity includes two optical and two coaxial digital inputs, as well as two RCA analog inputs with line-level buffering to preserve sound purity.

Versatile Applications:
With its HDMI eARC input, the C 389 allows TV audio playback through your speakers while enabling volume control via the TV remote. Two subwoofer outputs make it the ideal hub for 2.1 or 2.2 channel systems. When equipped with the MDC2 BluOS-D module, crossover frequencies can be adjusted via the BluOS app for seamless subwoofer integration.

Technical Specifications