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NAD C 379
The NAD C 379 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier delivers clean, dynamic sound from all your favourite music sources with the clarity and control expected from the Classic Series. Its HybridDigital UcD amplifier design and refined digital architecture reveal more detail and presence in every track, and its power amplifier section can be bridged to deliver 1 x 300 Watts into 8 ohms — or paired with the matching C 268 to create a powerful 2 x 300 Watts into 8 ohms system. With dual MDC2 slots, the C 379 can be expanded with high-resolution BluOS streaming and Dirac Live Room Correction. HDMI eARC, a Moving Magnet phono stage, and a dedicated headphone amplifier complete a versatile system built for everyday listening.
Includes Dirac Live® Limited Bandwidth licence and calibration microphone for room correction up to 500Hz - MDC2 BluOS-D card required
- 80 Watts per channel of HybridDigital UcD amplification
- High-performance DAC for detailed, low-noise playback
- Dual MDC2 expansion slots for future upgrades
- Optional BluOS high-resolution streaming and Dirac Live Room Correction
- Includes Dirac Live® Limited Bandwidth licence and calibration microphone for room correction up to 500Hz - MDC2 BluOS-D card required
- HDMI eARC input for seamless TV integration
- Moving Magnet phono stage with accurate RIAA equalization
- Two independent subwoofer outputs for flexible bass management
- Built-in headphone amplifier with high output capability
- Optical, coaxial, and analogue inputs for versatile system integration
- C 379 can be bridged with the matching C 268 power amplifier to create a powerful 2 x 300 Watts into 8 ohms system configuration
Powerful HybridDigital Amplification (Section 1 of 4)
The C 379 uses NAD’s HybridDigital UcD amplifier design to deliver 80 watts per channel of clean, dynamic power. Its fully balanced configuration reduces noise and distortion for a clearer, more controlled presentation across all volumes. Music feels effortless and detailed, from quiet passages to energetic peaks.
Detailed, Low-Noise Digital Playback. (Section 2 of 4)
A high-performance 32-bit digital-to-analogue stage provides low noise, wide dynamic range, and accurate stereo imaging. This precise conversion allows your favourite recordings to sound more open and revealing, helping you hear subtle textures and details that elevate everyday listening. The result is a natural, engaging presentation that brings you closer to the performance.
Upgradeable with MDC2 (Section 3 of 4)
With two MDC2 expansion slots, the C 379 adapts as your system evolves. Adding the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module enables high-resolution streaming, whole-home music control, and Dirac Live Room Correction through the BluOS Controller app. This upgrade path keeps the amplifier current with new features and technologies for years to come.
Connected for Modern Listening (Section 4 of 4)
HDMI eARC, a Moving Magnet phono stage, dual subwoofer outputs, and a dedicated headphone amplifier provide flexible options for all your music sources. Whether you are streaming wirelessly with aptX HD Bluetooth, enjoying vinyl, or connecting your TV, the C 379 integrates easily into your system. Its thoughtful design makes it simple to enjoy high-quality audio in any setup.
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Professional Reviews 93/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
87/100
Features Connectivity
94/100
Value for Money
96/100
The NAD C 379 marries rich, robust bass with stunning clarity, tactile dynamics and an expansive stereo image, delivering composed authority well beyond its 80W rating. HDMI eARC, phono, dual sub outputs and flexible digital inputs make it a natural system hub, while MDC2 adds a compelling route to Dirac Live, BluOS streaming and bass management. Its bridgeable architecture keeps future upgrades unusually elegant.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers robust, controlled bass, clean high-frequency sparkle and highly accomplished imaging at demanding levels.
Extensive connectivity includes HDMI eARC, MM phono, multiple digital inputs, pre-outs and dual subwoofer outputs.
MDC2 BluOS-D expansion adds streaming, Dirac Live and bass management through a notably straightforward installation process.
&
Cons
There is no USB-DAC input.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
The C 379 is described as a powerful, full-bodied and notably clear-sounding integrated amplifier, with the composure to remain convincing at very high levels. Dennis Burger particularly praised its imaging, bass authority and clean, sparkling treble.
Transparency Resolution
93/100
Burger heard “stunning clarity and tactile punch” in demanding orchestral bursts, along with appealing high-frequency sparkle. Its phono stage was also judged indistinguishable from that in NAD’s well-regarded C 3050 in his system.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
The amplifier maintained substance through mixes that can become thin, whether Dirac Live was active or not. Bass is described as rich and robust, while the overall presentation appears lively and engaging rather than overly analytical.
Dynamics
93/100
The C 379 supplied all the current required to produce a substantial bottom end and was driven to extremely high listening levels without apparent strain. Its chassis also remained cool during this demanding use, supporting the impression of controlled, comfortable power delivery.
Soundstage Imaging
95/100
Burger was emphatic about the amplifier’s spatial performance, calling its imaging and soundstaging capabilities a “10/10.” He found the stage sufficiently expansive and involving that it prompted an immediate follow-up listen through headphones.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
87/100
The amplifier remained cool to the touch after sustained high-level playback, a reassuring observation about its thermal behavior. The clearly labelled binding posts also make setup straightforward, though the reviews offer limited detail on internal construction or long-term durability.
Features Connectivity
94/100
Connectivity is unusually comprehensive: HDMI eARC, optical and coaxial digital inputs, Bluetooth, an MM phono stage, pre-outs, dual subwoofer outputs and control connections are all included. The MDC2 BluOS-D module can further add BluOS streaming, AirPlay 2, two-way aptX HD Bluetooth, Dirac Live and adjustable bass management, with the reviewer finding installation exceptionally simple.
Value for Money
96/100
At $1,099 in standard form and $1,499 with the BluOS-D module, Burger called the C 379 the best value he had encountered in quite some time. He described it as a budget-conscious design with no performance compromises, praising its sound quality, connectivity and upgrade path against competing options.
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for NAD C 379
- Holt Hill — online and in-store — Andover, Massachusetts, United States (website)
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- Aalen Hifi — in-store — Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Wurtemberg, Germany (website)
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- AES — in-store — Mitte, Hessen, Germany (website)
- Ahead Stereo — in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
- Alex Audio Video — in-store — Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria (website)
and 281 more verified dealers