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NAD C 389
The NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier can serve as the cornerstone of a high-performance audio system now – and for decades to come. Employing NAD’s proven HybridDigital UcD amplifier design and the same ESS Sabre DAC used in NAD’s acclaimed M33 BluOS streaming amplifier, the C 389 will deliver thrilling dynamics and exquisite detail from all your sources.
With its full suite of digital and analogue inputs, including an ultra-low-noise phono stage and HDMI eARC interface, the C 389 can accommodate all your source components. And it incorporates the latest generation of NAD’s Modular Designs Construction future-proofing technology, making it easy to add exciting capabilities such as BluOS high-res music streaming and Dirac Live room correction.
NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier
Power and Performance
For over 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 bridged configuration and an innovative switch-mode power supply that provides ample reserves of current on demand. The C 389 can deliver a staggering 130W per channel continuously, with virtually unmeasurable distortion and noise through 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 Sabre 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 jitter, the ESS Sabre 9028 DAC enables the C 389 to deliver astonishing clarity and near-holographic imaging on all sources.
Future Friendly
In 2006, NAD introduced Modular Design Construction technology, which lets users add new features by inserting an expansion module into an MDC-capable component. In 2021, NAD introduced MDC2, a next-generation future-proofing platform that enables two-way communications between the expansion module and host component.
The C 389 has two MDC2 expansion slots, so that it can stay current 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 favourite streaming services and personal music library through the C 389. BluOS has integrated support for more than 20 services, including several that offer lossless and high-res audio, such as Amazon Music HD, Deezer, Idagio, Qobuz and Tidal. Like all BluOS-enabled components, the MDC2 BluOS-D has MQA decoding and rendering capability, for high-res streaming from Tidal. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, as well as Amazon Alexa voice control. With the MDC2 BluOS-D installed, the C 389 can be part of a whole-home music system with as many as 64 zones.
By counteracting 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 test tones through your speakers, analyze the results, then transfer compensation filters to the MDC BluOS-D. You’ll enjoy deeper, more textured bass; more precise imaging; greater midrange clarity; and more accurate tonal balance. Thanks to MDC2’s two-way architecture, the MDC2 BluOS-D delivers these benefits on all sources connected to the C 389.
Everything’s Connected
The C 389 can accommodate all your analogue and digital source components. Connectivity options include two optical and two coaxial digital inputs and two sets of RCA line-level analogue inputs. The analogue inputs have ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers for greater sonic purity.
For vinyl enthusiasts, the C 389 features a precise MM phono section with accurate 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 that you can play TV audio from through your high-fidelity speakers while controlling volume with the TV’s remote. Dual 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 crossover frequency with the BluOS app, for a seamless blend between the subwoofers and main speakers.
For private listening, the C 389 has a dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and very high voltage output capability, making it a good match even for demanding studio headphones. The C 389 also features Bluetooth aptX-HD playback.
Truly Timeless
Building on five decades of innovation in amplifier design, NAD’s C 389 HybridDigital DAC amplifier offers 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 lifelike listening levels through virtually any loudspeaker. Thanks to NAD’s next-generation MDC2 future-proofing technology, you can update 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.
Preliminary Features & Details
- Customized HybridDigital UcD amplifier in fully balanced bridged configuration
- Continuous Power: 130 Watts per channel into 8/4 ohms
- Instantaneous Power: 210 W into 8 ohms, 300 W into 4 ohms, 350 Watts per channel
- Vanishingly low harmonic and intermodulation distortion
- Nearly unmeasurable noise through the entire audioband
- Dual MDC2 ports for expanded functionality
- Optional MDC2 BluOS-D module adds BluOS Hi-Res multi-room music streaming and Dirac Live room correction
- Jitter-free 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre 9028 DAC
- Ultra-low-noise MM phono stage with infrasonic filtering circuitry
- Two optical, two coaxial digital inputs
- HDMI-eARC input
- Two pairs of line-level analogue inputs with ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers
- Two sets of speaker outputs
- Bluetooth aptX-HD playback
- Dual subwoofer outputs
- Dedicated headphone amplifier
- CI-Friendly – IR remote, 12V Trigger in/out, IR in/out, RS-232 Serial port
- Seamless integrations with smarthome control systems such as Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, Lutron, and Elan
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NAD C 389: muscular, transparent integrated amplifier
The NAD C 389 pairs a ESS Sabre DAC with NAD’s HybridDigital UcD power stage to deliver a clear, neutral presentation with impressive transient punch. With 2 x 130W continuous output, >26A peak current and high damping factor, it exhibits authoritative bass control and dynamic headroom while the digital section yields fine microdetail and wide staging. Reviewers note the unit’s blend of musicality and engineering: Jacob Green of Audioholics highlights its C 399–like performance at lower cost, while the Editorial Staff at Best of High End praises its imaging and modular MDC2 expandability. Features include MM phono, robust headphone output, 32/384-capable DAC and optional BluOS-D streaming, making the C 389 a versatile, future-proof center for serious stereo systems.
Pros
- Transparent, low-noise digital section (ESS Sabre DAC) that delivers detailed clarity and wide, holographic imaging.
- Strong power delivery and dynamics — 2 x 130W continuous, high instantaneous/dynamic power and >26A peak current provide tight bass control and transient authority.
- Modular MDC2 architecture plus optional BluOS-D module give flexible expandability and streaming/networking options for future upgrades.
Sound Quality
90/100
Dynamics
90/100
The amplifier's Hypex UcD HybridDigital topology and measured 2 x 130W output with high instantaneous and dynamic power figures are cited directly by reviewers as delivering 'thrilling dynamics' and strong power delivery (Best of High End, Audioholics). High damping factor (>150) and generous peak current (>26A) in the spec sheet back reviewers' impressions of good control and transient authority. For a 130W UcD-class design this sits in the excellent range without stepping into reference-level claims.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
Both reviews highlight 'holographic imaging' and wide, detailed staging driven by the ESS Sabre DAC and low-noise digital section (Best of High End). The reviewers' language about clarity and imaging is strong and consistent, and the DAC/topology pairing supports the precise channel separation and imaging performance referenced. The presentation is described as focused and spacious for its class.
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Build Quality
89/100
NAD emphasizes a modular MDC2 construction with two expansion slots, and reviewers note the design intent of future-proofing the unit (Best of High End). Mechanical build impressions are positive and the feature-minded chassis design is reinforced by solid specifications and measured performance; however reviews do not dwell on heavy-duty transformer, exotic parts count, or workmanship minutiae, so score is high but conservative.
Features Connectivity
92/100
The C 389 includes a high-quality ESS Sabre DAC, a phono input, a robust headphone output, digital-capable architecture (up to 32/384), and MDC2 expansion slots; reviews also document an optional BluOS-D module (adds HDMI eARC, coax, optical, analog, phono sharing). Counting the flagship DAC, phono stage (MM), headphone out, and digital inputs gives the unit a well-featured connectivity set for its class, while streaming/networking is available as an optional module rather than built-in.
Value for Money
91/100
Audioholics explicitly positions the C 389 as offering much of the C 399's performance for roughly 25% less (MSRP cited at $1,499), with an enthusiastic first impression ('Gotta Have It!'). Given the sonic performance, DAC quality, modular expandability and the quoted MSRP, reviewers frame the C 389 as a competitively priced offering in its segment, justifying a strong value score.
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