Power and performance

For more than 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 bridge configuration and an innovative switch-mode power supply that provides ample current reserves on demand. The C 389 can continuously deliver an impressive 130W per channel, with virtually immeasurable distortion and noise across the audioband, 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 Saber 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 vibration, the ESS Saber 9028 DAC enables the C 389 to deliver astonishing clarity and near-holographic imaging across all sources.

Future Friendly

In 2006, NAD introduced Modular Design Construction technology, which allows users to add new features by inserting an expansion module into an MDC-capable component. In 2021, NAD introduced MDC2, a future-generation platform that enables bi-directional communications between the expansion module and the host component.

The C 389 has two MDC2 expansion slots, so you can keep up to date with new developments in A/V technology. NAD's first MDC2 module is the MDC2 BluOS-D, which features BluOS high-res multi-room streaming and Dirac Live room correction.

The MDC2 BluOS-D 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 favorite streaming services and your personal music library via the C 389. BluOS has built-in support for more than 20 services, including several that offer lossless, high-resolution audio, such as Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Idagio, Qobuz, and Tidal. Like all BluOS-compatible components, the MDC2 BluOS-D has MQA decoding and processing capabilities for high-resolution streaming from Tidal. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, as well as Amazon Alexa voice control. With MDC2 BluOS-D installed, the C 389 can be part of a whole-home music system with up to 64 zones.

By neutralizing common acoustic problems like standing waves and room reflections, Dirac Live room correction transforms your listening experience. Connect the supplied microphone to the MDC BluOS-D's USB port, and then run the free Dirac Live app on a smart device or personal computer. Dirac Live will play the test tones through your speakers, analyze the results, and then transfer the compensation filters to the MDC BluOS-D. You'll enjoy deeper, more textured bass; more accurate images; greater mid-range clarity; and a more precise tonal balance. Thanks to the MDC2's bidirectional architecture, the MDC2 BluOS-D provides these benefits across all sources connected to the C 389.

Everything is Connected

The C 389 can accommodate all of 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. 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 precise 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, the C 389 has an HDMI eARC input so you can play TV audio through its high-fidelity speakers while controlling volume with the TV's remote control. Dual subwoofer outputs allow the C 389 to serve as the center of a 2.1- or 2.2-channel system for music and movies. With the MDC2 BluOS-D installed, you can set the crossover frequency with the BluOS app, for seamless mixing between subwoofers and main speakers.

For private listening, the C 389 features a dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and ultra-high voltage output capability, making it a good match even for demanding studio headphones. The C 389 also features two-way Bluetooth wireless, 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 delivers 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 real listening levels through virtually any speaker. Thanks to NAD's state-of-the-art MDC2 technology, it allows you to upgrade 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.

Features and preliminary details

• Custom HybridDigital UcD amplifier in fully balanced bridge configuration
• Continuous power: 130 Watts per channel into 8/4 ohms
• Instant Power: 210 W into 8 ohms, 300 W into 4 ohms, 350 Watts per channel
• Increasingly lower harmony and intermodulation distortion
• Almost immeasurable noise across the entire audioband
• Dual MDC2 ports for expanded functionality
• Optional MDC2 BluOS-D adds BluOS High-Resolution Music Streaming and Dirac Live room correction
• Jitter-Free 32-bit/384kHz ESS Saber 9028 DAC
• Ultra-low noise MM phono stage with infrasonic filtering circuit
• Two coaxial digital inputs, two optical
• HDMI-eARC input
• Two pairs of line-level analog inputs with ultra-low noise buffer amplifiers
• Two sets of speaker outputs
• Qualcomm aptX dual-way HD Bluetooth
• Dual subwoofer outputs
• Dedicated headphone amplifier
• CI-Friendly - IR Remote Control, 12V Input/Output, IR Input/Output, RS-232 Serial Port
• Seamless integrations with intelligent control systems such as Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, Lutron, and Elan