NAD C399

Built-in amplifier with digital inputs, Bluetooth aptX and 180W of power at 8 Ohm
€1.749,00 €2.199,00 €1.749,00 per 
Integrated amplifier
Details

NAD C399

As the new flagship of NAD's Classic series of integrated amplifiers, the C 399 HybridDigital DAC amplifier takes NAD's commitment to lasting value and sonic excellence to a whole new level.

The C399 employs NAD's Hypex HybridDigital nCore amplification circuitry, which until now was only available in Masters series amplifiers. Its digital section is built around a 32-bit/384 kHz ESS Saber DAC, the same chip used in NAD Masters' acclaimed M10 and M33 series amplifiers.

The C-399 is the first amplifier to incorporate the latest generation of NAD's Modular Design Construction (MDC) technology. MDC2 allows users to add optional modules that provide features such as BluOS multi-room music streaming and Dirac Live room correction. 

The flagship Classic Series integrated amplifier features the HybridDigital nCore amplification of the Masters Series, the ESS Sabre DAC and the MDC2 modular design construction architecture.

NAD Electronics, the renowned manufacturer of high-performance audio/video components, takes value and performance to a whole new level. 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, previously only available in Masters series amplifiers, the C399 is the new flagship integrated amplifier in NAD's Classic series. The digital section of the C 399 is built around a 32-bit/384 kHz ESS Saber DAC, the same chip used in NAD Masters' acclaimed M10 and M33 series amplifiers. The suggested retail price of the C399 is $1,999 (£1,799 / €1,999 / $2,599 CAD) and will be available in time for the holiday season.

The NAD C399 is also the first amplifier to incorporate the latest generation of NAD's Modular Design Construction (MDC) technology: MDC2. The MDC2 optional module allows users to add optional modules that provide features such as BluOS high-resolution multi-room music streaming, Dirac Live room correction, and more.

"Like all NAD amplifiers, the C399 gets the basics right: precise volume control with exact channel balance, low-noise circuitry, and correct input and output impedances. The C 399, with its HybridDigital nCore output stage and its ESS Saber high-resolution DAC, can reproduce all your digital and analog sources with a level of excitement and refinement unprecedented in its class," says Cas Oostvogel, NAD Electronics' Product Manager.

"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. Thanks to NAD's innovative new MDC2 architecture, the C 399 can serve as the center of a world-class music system today, and for many years to come."

Pure power

The C399's HybridDigital nCore amplifier, from NAD's Masters series, is highly efficient and remarkably powerful. It can supply 180W of continuous power per channel and 250W of instantaneous power per channel, allowing the C 399 to produce musical transients effortlessly. The HybridDigital nCore design is famous for its wide bandwidth, flat frequency response, clean clipping behavior with instant recovery, high current capability, and stability with low-impedance speaker loads. Noise and distortion are incredibly low under all operating conditions. The minuscule levels of harmonic distortion are dominated by sonically benign second and third harmonics. These improvements allow the C399 to produce neutral, distortion-free sound even at very high listening levels, with exciting dynamics, exquisite detail and magnificent representation of space.

Also coming from the Masters series is the ESS Saber ES9028 high-resolution DAC, a design that stands out for its wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise and distortion, and near-zero clock jitter levels. This high-quality DAC allows the C399 to reproduce all digital sources with stunning musicality, precise soundstage, and stunning clarity.

Future Perfect

In 2006, NAD introduced modular design construction (MDC), an innovative architecture for adding new functions to existing components. Many NAD products have rear panel slots for MDC modules that realize UHD (4K) support, HDMI switching, BluOS multi-room music streaming, Dolby Atmos surround processing, and other functions.

The C 399 is the first product to incorporate NAD's new MDC2 architecture. By enabling bi-directional communications between the module and the host component, MDC2 allows for the addition of desirable features.

Equipped with Wi-Fi and Ethernet, the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module allows listeners to play music from their favorite streaming services through the C399, using the acclaimed BluOS Controller app for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. Like all BluOS Enabled products, the MDC2 BluOS-D has built-in support for dozens of streaming services; and is compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. Two-way communications also allows the MDC2 BluOS-D to stream music from local sources connected to the C 399 to BluOS Enabled components in other rooms.

The Dirac Live function allows users to measure their room acoustics using a supplied microphone and an intuitive app, and then upload the correction curves to the MDC2 BluOS-D. By compensating for acoustic anomalies in listening environments, Dirac Live dramatically improves bass clarity, imaging, and timbral accuracy. Thanks to its bidirectional architecture, the MDC2 BluOS-D performs Dirac Live room correction for all sources connected to the C399.

Well connected

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

In addition to two pairs of speaker outputs (A, B), the C 399 has preamp output jacks and dual subwoofer outputs. Two-way aptX HD Bluetooth enables 24-bit streaming from mobile devices and high-quality output for Bluetooth headphones. It also incorporates a dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and high output voltage capability, allowing the C399 to drive demanding high-impedance studio monitoring headphones.

A timeless classic

Like every NAD amplifier ever made, the C399 gets the basics right: precise volume control with exact channel balance, low-noise circuitry, and correct input and output impedances. But it goes far beyond the basics. With its HybridDigital nCore output stage and high-resolution ESS Saber DAC, the C-399 can reproduce all your digital and analog sources with a level of excitement and refinement unprecedented for a Classic Series integrated amplifier.

Thanks to NAD's innovative MDC2 platform, the C 399 will keep pace with future developments. Essentially, MDC2 makes obsolescence obsolete. The C399 can serve as the center of a world-class music system today, and for years to come. With NAD's HybridDigital C 399 DAC amplifier, the legend continues.

Main features of the HybridDigital NAD C 399 DAC amplifier

  • nCore hybrid digital amplifier
  • Continuous power: 180 watts per channel at 8/4 ohms
  • Instant power: 250 watts per channel
  • Incredibly low harmonic and intermodulation distortion
  • Double MDC2 slot for greater functionality
  • Optional MDC2 BluOS-D module adds BluOS multi-room streaming and Dirac Live room correction
  • ESS Saber 32-bit / 384 kHz jitter-free DAC
  • Very low noise MM phono stage with infrasonic filtering circuit
  • Two optical and two coaxial S/PDIF digital inputs
  • HDMI-eARC input
  • Two pairs of line-level analog inputs with low-noise buffer amplifiers
  • Speaker A / Speaker B outputs
  • Bluetooth aptX HD bi-directional
  • Double subwoofer output
  • Dedicated headphone amplifier
  • IR Remote
  • Trigger 12V In / Out
  • Infrared input and output
  • RS-232 serial port for integration of control with home automation systems
  • Seamless integration with Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, Lutron, iPort, Elan, PUSH and KNX smart home control systems

ABOUT NAD ELECTRONICS

Founded in 1972 and now sold in more than 80 countries, NAD Electronics is known for its award-winning line of high-quality components for audio, home theater and custom installation applications. From the beginning, NAD's commitment to four core values - innovation, simplicity, performance and value - has earned it a cult following that catapulted it to become a household name among audiophiles and music lovers alike. To this day, the brand continues to design and manufacture some of the most acclaimed and affordable hi-fi components that include modern features and technologies aimed at appealing to a new generation of audiophiles.

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Specifications

Specifications

  • LINE IN AND SPEAKER OUT
    • CONTINUOUS OUTPUT POWER AT 8 OHM    >180 W (at specified THD, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, both channels simultaneous)
    • TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION (THD)    <0.02% (250 mW to 180 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms)
    • SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO    >95 dB (IHF, A-weighted, 500 mW input, referred to 1 W output at 8 ohms)
    • MAXIMUM OUTPUT POWER (IN CLIPPING)    210W (at 1 kHz 0.1% THD)
    • IHF DYNAMIC POWER    
      • 8 ohms: 217W
      • 4 ohms: 400W
      • 2 ohms: 506.4W
    • PEAK OUTPUT CURRENT    >26 A (into 1 ohm, 1 ms)
    • DAMPING FACTOR    >150 (ref. 8 ohms, 20 Hz to 6,500 Hz)
    • FREQUENCY RESPONSE    ±0.3 dB (20 Hz - 20,000 Hz)
    • CHANNEL SEPARATION    
      • >90 dB (1 kHz)
      • >75 dB (10 kHz)
    • INPUT SENSITIVITY (FOR 180 W INTO 8 OHMS)
    • Line input: 201 mV
    • Digital entry: 10.25% FS
  • PREAAMPLIFIER
    • LINE IN, PRE OUT (ANALOG BYPASS ON) 
      • TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION THD    <0.002 % at 2 Vout (20Hz - 20,000Hz)
      • SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO    >106 dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV output, unity gain)
      • CHANNEL SEPARATION    
      • >100dB (1 kHz)
      • >90 dB (10 kHz)
      • INPUT IMPEDANCE (R AND C)    56 kohms + 100 pF
      • MAXIMUM INPUT SIGNAL    >4.6 Vrms (ref. 0.1% THD)
      • OUTPUT IMPEDANCE    Source Z + 320 ohms
      • INPUT SENSITIVITY    65 mV (ref. 500 mV out, Maximum volume)
      • FREQUENCY RESPONSE    ±0.3 dB (20 Hz - 20,000 Hz)
      • MAXIMUM VOLTAGE OUTPUT - IHF CHARGING    >>5 V (ref. 0.1% THD)
  • PHONE INPUT / PRE OUT (ANALOG BYPASS ON)
    • THD (20 HZ - 20,000 HZ)    <0.01% at 2 Vout
    • SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO    >84 dB (200 ohm source; A-weighted, 500 mV output)
    • INPUT IMPEDANCE (R AND C)    46 kohms / 100 pF
    • INPUT SENSITIVITY    1.08 mV (ref. 500 mV out, Maximum volume)
    • FREQUENCY RESPONSE    ±0.3 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
    • MAXIMUM INPUT SIGNAL AT 1KHZ    >80 mV rms (ref. THD 0.1%)
  • HEADPHONES: LINE IN / HEADPHONES OUT (ANALOG BYPASS ON)
    • TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION THD    <0.005% at 1 Vout (20 Hz - 20,000 Hz)
    • SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO    >107 dB (32 ohm loads; A-weighted, ref. 1 Vout, unity gain)
    • FREQUENCY RESPONSE    ±0.3 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
    • CHANNEL SEPARATION    >62 dB at 1 kHz
    • IMPEDANCIA DE SALIDA    2,2 ohmios
  • ESPECIFICACIONES DE FORMATOS SOPORTADOS POR DAC 
    • SOPORTA VELOCIDAD DE BITS/TASA DE MUESTRA    hasta 24 bits / 192 kHz
    • BANDA DE FRECUENCIAS    2.402GHz - 2.480GHz
    • POTENCIA MÁXIMA DE TRANSMISIÓN (DBM)    7 dBm ± 2 dBm
  • CARACTERÍSTICAS GENERALES 
    • DIMENSIONES    435 mm (Ancho) x 120 mm (Alto) x 390 mm (Fondo)
    • PESO    11,2 kg 
    • PESO DEL ENVÍO    13,6 kg 
    • ACCESORIOS INCLUIDOS    Cable de alimentación
    • Control remoto
    • Baterías AA para control remoto
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