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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.
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Professional Reviews 88/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
85/100
Features Connectivity
91/100
Value for Money
89/100
The C 389 pairs transparent detail and holographic imaging with muscular 130W-per-channel HybridDigital drive, creating an expansive, energetic hub for serious stereo systems. Best of High End highlights its clarity and dynamics, while Audioholics notes compelling C 399-like performance. Two MDC2 slots keep this future-ready amplifier open to BluOS, HDMI eARC and Dirac upgrades.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Transparent, detailed presentation with strong clarity and holographic imaging.
Thrilling dynamics backed by 130W per channel and substantial short-term power into demanding loads.
MDC2 expansion architecture provides a flexible upgrade path, including optional BluOS multiroom capability.
&
Cons
BluOS streaming, HDMI eARC and Dirac capability require the optional BluOS-D module, adding a meaningful extra cost.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
The available coverage portrays the C 389 as a clean, energetic integrated amplifier with particular strengths in clarity, dynamic capability, and spatial presentation. Commentary on its tonal character is comparatively limited, so listeners seeking a strongly defined warm, romantic, or deliberately colored presentation will find less guidance here.
Transparency Resolution
90/100
Best of High End describes the C 389 as transparent and detailed, and attributes exceptional clarity to its ESS Sabre DAC implementation. Its description also highlights low noise, low distortion, and a wide dynamic range across sources.
Tonal Balance Musicality
84/100
The supplied reviews say relatively little about tonal balance, instrumental timbre, warmth, or long-session comfort. They characterize the amplifier as audiophile-worthy and detailed, but do not establish a strongly voiced sonic signature.
Dynamics
90/100
Best of High End calls the C 389's presentation thrillingly dynamic. NAD rates it at 130W per channel into both 8 and 4 ohms, with substantially higher short-term power into lower impedances, supporting use with a broad range of speakers.
Soundstage Imaging
89/100
Best of High End specifically credits the digital section with holographic imaging. That points to a spacious, well-separated presentation, although the available coverage offers little detail on stage depth, image density, or placement precision with different recordings.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
85/100
The clearest design strength noted is NAD's MDC2 architecture, which provides two expansion slots and two-way communication with future modules. Reviewers say little about chassis rigidity, internal component quality, controls, or long-term reliability.
Features Connectivity
91/100
The C 389 combines substantial 130W-per-channel amplification with a DAC, phono input, headphone output, pre-out capability, and MDC2 expansion. Optional BluOS-D adds networked multiroom capability, HDMI eARC, digital and analog inputs, and Dirac compatibility, making the platform unusually adaptable as needs change.
Value for Money
89/100
At $1,499 MSRP according to Audioholics, the C 389 was presented as delivering much of the C 399's performance for 25% less money. The optional BluOS-D module adds a meaningful extra cost, but it also expands the amplifier into a streaming, HDMI, multiroom, and room-correction-capable hub.
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Verified Dealers
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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 281 more verified dealers