NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier
Category: other
Set Your Subwoofer Crossover, Not Just Its Volume
Most integrated amplifiers give you a subwoofer output and leave you to it. The C 389 gives you two, with a crossover point you choose anywhere from 40Hz to 200Hz. That is real bass management, and it is rare at this level.
The amplifier behind it delivers 130 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 4 ohms, using NAD's HybridDigital UcD platform. IHF dynamic power reaches 210 watts into 8 ohms for short peaks. Bluetooth with aptX HD is built in for quick streams from a phone.
Everything Plugs In, and Two Slots Stay Open
Two optical and two coaxial digital inputs sit alongside two analog line inputs with low-noise buffers. HDMI eARC handles the television, and a moving-magnet phono stage with infrasonic filtering takes a turntable directly, with no outboard box.
Two MDC2 expansion slots on the back ship empty. They accept modules that join the signal path rather than hanging off it, so the amplifier can gain capability later without being replaced.
Where the Numbers Stay Quiet
An ESS Sabre DAC handles conversion for every digital input, at up to 32-bit/384kHz. Distortion holds below 0.02% from a quarter watt to the full 130, into 8 ohms and 4 ohms alike, so the rating is honest across its range.
Signal-to-noise measures better than 85dB A-weighted, and channel separation exceeds 90dB at 1kHz. Damping factor is better than 150, and frequency response sits inside 0.3dB from 20Hz to 20kHz. Clipping power is rated at 150 watts.
The Phono Stage Is Not an Afterthought
The moving-magnet stage measures below 0.01% distortion at 2 volts out, with infrasonic filtering to keep record warp out of your woofers. That is a genuine phono input rather than a checkbox.
A dedicated headphone amplifier handles private listening. The chassis is 435 by 100 by 390mm and weighs 8.7kg, and NAD covers it with a 2-year parts and labor warranty. That is 19 pounds, light enough to move on your own.
Who Is This Integrated Amplifier Best For?
- You run subwoofers and want them integrated properly — dual outputs with a crossover you set between 40Hz and 200Hz, so the handover to your main speakers lands where the room needs it.
- You want to upgrade later, not re-buy — two MDC2 slots take modules that join the signal path.
- You play vinyl — the moving-magnet stage measures below 0.01% distortion with infrasonic filtering.
- Your TV needs better sound — HDMI eARC connects it directly, with two optical and two coaxial inputs alongside.
- If you want streaming working on day one, this version ships with both slots empty. The C 389 with BluOS has the MDC2 BluOS-D module already fitted.
How Does It Connect to Your System?
Speakers go to the binding posts and a turntable to the phono input. HDMI eARC brings in the television, while two optical, two coaxial, and two analog inputs take everything else.
Run one subwoofer or two from the dual outputs, then set the crossover to suit your speakers rather than accepting a fixed point. Headphones use the dedicated amplifier.
Then you stop thinking about the bottom octave.
Pairs Well With
Building around the C 389? Here are some good companions:
- Speakers: 130 watts per channel drives a serious pair — see our Floorstanding Speakers.
- Subwoofers: Dual outputs and an adjustable crossover reward a pair — see our Subwoofers.
- Turntable: Put that measured phono stage to work — see our Turntables.
- Headphones: The dedicated headphone amp deserves a good pair — see our Headphones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does the NAD C 389 deliver?
130 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 4 ohms, with IHF dynamic power of 210 watts into 8 ohms.
Can I set the subwoofer crossover point?
Yes. There are two subwoofer outputs and the crossover is selectable anywhere from 40Hz to 200Hz.
Does this version include BluOS streaming? Both MDC2 slots ship empty on this one. The C 389 with BluOS is the version with the MDC2 BluOS-D module already installed.
Does it have a phono stage?
Yes, a moving-magnet stage with infrasonic filtering. Moving-coil cartridges need an outboard stage.
Can I connect my TV?
Yes. An HDMI eARC input takes audio straight from the television.
What warranty does it carry?
NAD covers the C 389 with a 2-year parts and labor warranty.
See It in Action
The Absolute Sound reviews the C 389 and asks whether it is the best all-in-one amplifier:
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Learn More
Want to learn more about bass management, phono stages, or modular upgrades? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.
