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 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier:
Type: Hybrid Digital Integrated Stereo Amplifier
Amplifier Topology: Class D (HybridDigital with Purifi Eigentakt output stage)

Power Output (Continuous, both channels driven):
180W per channel into 8Ω (20Hz - 20kHz, at ≤0.003% THD)
300W per channel into 4Ω (20Hz - 20kHz, at ≤0.003% THD)
Power Bandwidth: 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.1dB)

Distortion & Performance (General):
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.0015% (20Hz - 20kHz, at 1W)
Intermodulation Distortion (IMD): <0.002% (19kHz + 20kHz, SMPTE)
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.1dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N): >120dB (A-Weighted, ref. 1W)
Damping Factor: >800 (ref. 8Ω)

Line Input, Pre-Out Section (Typical Performance):
THD (20Hz – 20kHz): <0.0005% at 2V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >110dB (IHF A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out)
Input Sensitivity: 300mV (ref. 500mV out, Volume maximum)
Input Impedance: 47 kΩ
Maximum Input Signal: >10Vrms (ref. 0.1% THD)
Output Impedance: 100 Ω

Phono Input Section (MM, with optional MDC module):
THD (20Hz – 20kHz): <0.03% at 2V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >82dB (MM cartridge, IHF A-weighted, ref. 500mV out)
Input Sensitivity: 2.5mV (with MDC module)
Input Impedance: 47 kΩ, 220pF
RIAA Equalization: Accurate, ultra-low noise

Line Input, Headphone Out Section:
THD (20Hz – 20kHz): <0.001% at 1V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >110dB (IHF A-weighted, 32Ω loads, ref. 2V out)
Output Impedance: 2.35 Ω (6.35mm), <1 Ω (4.4mm Balanced)
Channel Separation: >75dB at 1kHz

Input Section:
Analog Inputs: 3 × Line Level (RCA), 1 × Moving Magnet (MM) Phono (RCA, optional via MDC)
Digital Inputs: 2 × Digital Optical (Toslink), 2 × Digital Coaxial (RCA), 1 × USB Type B (for Computer)
Bluetooth Input: 5.1 with Qualcomm® aptX® Adaptive, AAC, LDAC, and SBC
Input Sensitivity (Line): 300mV
Input Impedance (Line): 47kΩ
Overload Margin (Line): >30dB

Output Section:
Pre-Out: 1 × Variable (RCA, fully balanced XLR optional via MDC)
Subwoofer Out: 2 × (RCA, independently configurable with adjustable crossover: 40Hz - 200Hz)
Headphone Output: 4.4mm Balanced & 6.35mm (1/4") Jack (on front panel, discrete Class A headphone amp)
Speaker Outputs: 4mm Binding Posts (supports two pairs, A/B switching)

DAC & Digital Engine:
DAC Type: ESS Sabre ES9028PRO 32-bit HyperStream DAC
Master Clock: Dual ultra-low jitter femtosecond-grade oscillators
Resolution: Up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512 (via USB)
Digital Filter: 7 Selectable Filter Types (including Fast Roll-off, Slow Roll-off, Minimum Phase, Brickwall)
Digital Processor: 40-bit/384kHz TI DSP with Dirac Live® Bass Control ready

General Specifications:
Power Supply: Dual-Mono Custom Toroidal Transformer with separate regulation
Power Consumption: <0.5W Standby, 850W maximum
Dimensions (W×H×D): 435mm × 140mm × 400mm (including knobs and feet)
Weight: 16.5 kg
Finish: Brushed Aluminum Front Panel (Silver or Black)
Display: High-Resolution Full-Color IPS LCD Touchscreen

Included Accessories:
Remote Control (NAD Aluminum RC4), Power Cable (IEC), USB Cable, Factory Test Report, User Manual

Additional Features:
Dual MDC Slots: Two MDC slots for future hardware upgrades
NAD Link: For multi-room system control and integration
Trigger Input/Output: 12V DC (3.5mm Jack) for system automation
BluOS Ready: MDC BluOS-D Module slot for high-resolution streaming (sold separately)
IR Input: For custom remote control integration
Auto Sense: Automatically powers on with signal detection
Tone Controls: Defeatable Bass and Treble controls, Loudness compensation
Room Correction: Dirac Live® Bass Control ready (full-range upgradeable via MDC)