For more than 50 years, the NAD brand has stood for performance and value, and the C 389 HybridDigital DAC-Amplifier continues this tradition. Its output stage is based on an adapted version of NAD's efficient HybridDigital UcD design, featuring multiple UcD amplifier modules in a symmetrical, bridged configuration and an innovative switching power supply that provides ample power reserves when needed. The C 389 can deliver an astounding 130 watts of continuous power per channel, with virtually unmeasurable distortion and noise across the entire audio band, and up to 350 watts per channel of instantaneous power for effortless reproduction of musical transients.

The digital section features the same 32-bit/384 kHz ESS Sabre DAC chip used in NAD's award-winning Masters M33 amplifier. The ESS Sabre 9028 DAC is renowned for its exceptionally wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise and distortion, and near-zero clock jitter, allowing the C 389 to deliver astonishing clarity and near-holographic imaging from all sources.

In 2006, NAD introduced Modular Design Construction technology, allowing users to add new features by inserting an expansion module into an MDC-enabled component. In 2021, NAD unveiled MDC2, a next-generation future-proof platform that enables bidirectional communication between the expansion module and the host component.

The C 389 features two MDC2 expansion slots, enabling it to keep pace with new technological developments. NAD's first MDC2 module is the MDC2 BluOS-D, which offers high-resolution BluOS multiroom streaming and Dirac Live room correction.

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 line-level RCA analog inputs. The analog inputs feature ultra-low noise buffer amplifiers for enhanced sonic purity.

For vinyl enthusiasts, the C 389 offers a precise MM phono section with accurate RIAA equalization, high overload margins, and extremely low noise. The phono section includes an innovative circuit that suppresses infrasonic noise, always present in vinyl playback, without compromising bass performance.

For movies and TV, the C 389 features an HDMI eARC input, allowing you to play TV audio through your speakers while controlling the volume with your TV remote. Two 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 the crossover frequency with the BluOS app to achieve a seamless blend between the subwoofers and main speakers.

For private listening, the C 389 features a dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and very high output voltage, making it well-suited even for demanding studio headphones. The C 389 also includes 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.

• Custom-designed HybridDigital UcD amplifier in fully balanced, bridged configuration
• Continuous output power: 130 watts per channel into 4 and 8 ohms
• Instantaneous power: 210 watts into 8 ohms, 300 watts into 4 ohms, 350 watts per channel
• Vanishingly low harmonic and modulation distortion
• Virtually unmeasurable noise across the entire audio band
• Two MDC2 slots for expanded functionality
• Optional MDC2 BluOS-D module with BluOS Hi-Res Multiroom Music Streaming and Dirac Live Room Correction
• Jitter-free 32-bit / 384 kHz ESS Sabre 9028 DAC
• Extremely low-noise MM phono stage with infrasonic filter
• Two optical and two coaxial digital inputs
• HDMI eARC input
• Two analog line-level inputs with low-noise buffer amplifier
• Two parallel speaker terminals
• Bidirectional Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth
• Two subwoofer outputs
• Separate headphone amplifier
• CI-friendly: IR remote control, 12 V Trigger In/Out, IR In/Out, RS-232 interface
• Seamless integration with smart home systems such as Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, Lutron, and Elan

High-Level Input and Output

THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
<0.002% at 2 V Output

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
106 dB (IHF; A-weighted, 500 mV output, Gain Unity)

Channel Separation
100 dB (1 kHz); >90 dB (10 kHz)

Input Impedance (R and C)
56 kOhms + 100 pF

Maximum Input Level
4.6 V rms (0.1% THD)

Output Impedance
Source Z + 320 Ohms

Input Sensitivity
65 mV (500 mV output, Volume at Maximum)

Frequency Response
±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)

Maximum Output Level
5 V (0.1% THD)

Phono Input, Pre-Amplifier Output

THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
<0.01% at 2 V Output

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
84 dB (200 Ohm Source; A-weighted, 500 mV output)

Input Sensitivity
1.08 mV (500 mV output, Volume at Maximum)

Frequency Response
20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.3 dB

Maximum Input Level at 1 kHz
80 mV rms (0.1% THD)

High-Level Input, Headphone Output

THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
<0.005% at 1 V Output

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
107 dB (32 Ohm Load; A-weighted, 2 V output, Gain Unity)

Frequency Response
20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.3 dB

Channel Separation
62 dB at 1 kHz

Output Impedance
2.2 Ω

General

Continuous Output Power at 4 and 8 Ω
2 x 130 W (at Rated THD, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, both channels driven)

Dynamic Power
2 x 210 W into 8 Ohms
2 x 300 W into 4 Ohms
2 x 350 W into 2 Ohms

THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
<0.02% (250 mW to 130 W, 8 and 4 Ohms)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
95 dB (A-weighted, 500 mV input and 1 W output into 8 Ohms)

Clipping Output Power
150 W (at 1 kHz, 0.1% THD)

Max. Output Current
26 A (into 1 Ω, 1 ms)

Damping Factor
150 (8 Ω, 20 Hz – 6.5 kHz)

Frequency Response
20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.3 dB

Channel Separation
90 dB (1 kHz)
75 dB (10 kHz)

Supported Bitrate/Sampling Rate
Up to 32 Bit/384 kHz

Frequency Band
2.402 – 2.480 GHz

Maximum Transmit Power
7 dBm ±2 dBm

Power Consumption (Auto Standby ON and Network Standby OFF)
0.5 W

Dimensions and Weight

435 x 100 x 390 mm

8.7 kg

DALI GmbH
Berliner Ring 89, 64625 Bensheim, Germany
support@nadelectronics.com
https://www.nadelectronics.com