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NAD C 389
The NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier delivers award-winning performance, powerful HybridDigital amplification, and flexible upgradeability for modern music systems. Its 130-Watt-per-channel design and refined digital architecture bring exceptional clarity and control to every track. With dual MDC2 slots, the C 389 can be expanded with high-resolution BluOS streaming and Dirac Live Room Correction (Dirac Live® Limited Bandwidth licence and calibration microphone for room correction up to 500Hz - MDC2 BluOS-D card required). HDMI eARC, a precise MM phono stage, and versatile digital and analogue inputs complete a refined, future-ready foundation for everyday listening.
- 130 Watts per channel of HybridDigital UcD amplification
- Advanced DAC architecture for detailed, low-noise playback
- Dual MDC2 expansion slots for future upgrades
- Optional MDC2 BluOS-D module adds 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
- Precise Moving Magnet phono stage with infrasonic filtering
- Two optical and two coaxial digital inputs
- Two sets of analogue inputs with low-noise buffer amplifiers
- Dual subwoofer outputs for flexible bass integration
- Dedicated headphone amplifier and Bluetooth with aptX™ HD support
Powerful HybridDigital Amplification (Section 1 of 4)
The C 389 uses NAD’s HybridDigital UcD design to deliver 130 Watts per channel of clean, controlled power. Its balanced bridged amplifier modules and efficient power supply maintain clarity and composure when the music becomes more energetic. This combination provides an engaging presentation that brings out more detail and presence in every track.
Detailed, Low-Noise Digital Playback (Section 2 of 4)
A high-performance digital-to-analogue stage ensures wide dynamic range, low noise, and accurate imaging across all sources. This refined conversion allows your favourite recordings to sound more open and natural, revealing subtle textures and spatial cues. The result is clear, expressive playback that enhances your listening experience.
Upgradeable with MDC2 (Section 3 of 4)
With two MDC2 expansion slots, the C 389 is built to adapt as your system evolves.Adding the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module enables high-resolution streaming, whole-home music control, and Dirac Live Room Correction (Limited Bandwidth), and includes a calibrated measurement microphone with the option to upgrade the Dirac licence to full bandwidth.This upgrade path keeps the amplifier current with new features and technologies for years to come.
Flexible Connections for Every Source (Section 4 of 4)
HDMI eARC, a precise Moving Magnet phono stage, dual subwoofer outputs, and multiple digital and analogue inputs make the C 389 an easy fit in a wide range of systems. A dedicated headphone amplifier and Bluetooth with aptX™ HD support provide convenient options for private or wireless listening. Whether used for music, movies, or both, the C 389 connects your favourite sources with clarity and confidence.
Dealers selling NAD near you
Authorized dealers for NAD C 389
- 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 279 more verified dealers
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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