NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC Integrate Amplifier

Bring modern connectivity and classic NAD musicality together in one refined, future-ready amplifier. The NAD C 389 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier delivers 130 watts per channel of clean, controlled power using NAD’s HybridDigital UcD design, giving your speakers the grip, dynamics, and clarity they need to sound their best at any volume. Its advanced digital-to-analogue architecture is tuned for detailed, low-noise playback with accurate imaging, so your favorite recordings feel more open, expressive, and dimensional.

Built for systems that evolve, the C 389 includes dual MDC2 expansion slots for long-term upgrade flexibility. Add the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module to unlock high-resolution BluOS multi-room streaming and Dirac Live Room Correction (Limited Bandwidth), including a calibrated measurement microphone and the option to upgrade the Dirac license to full bandwidth. With HDMI eARC for seamless TV integration, a precise moving-magnet phono stage for turntables, multiple digital and analogue inputs, dual subwoofer outputs, a dedicated headphone amplifier, and Bluetooth with aptX HD, the C 389 is an ideal integrated hub for music, movies, and everything in between.

The NAD C389 is part of ListenUp's NAD Integrated Amplifiers Collection.

What It's Good At:

• Driving real-world speakers with 130W per channel of clean, confident HybridDigital UcD power
• Delivering detailed, low-noise DAC performance with strong imaging and musical transparency
• Growing with your system via dual MDC2 expansion slots (upgradeable platform)
• Integrating perfectly with your TV using HDMI eARC for simple, high-quality audio return
• Supporting vinyl playback with a Moving Magnet phono stage and infrasonic filtering
• Expanding bass performance and placement with dual subwoofer outputs and flexible connections

NAD C 389 Full Specifications:

• LINE INPUT, PRE-OUT (ANALOG BYPASS ON)
  • THD (20Hz - 20kHz): <0.002 % at 2 V out
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >106dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out, unity gain)
  • Channel separation: >100dB (1 kHz); >90 dB (10 kHz)
  • Input Impedance (R and C): 56 kohms + 100 pF
  • Maximum input signal: >4.6 Vrms (ref. 0.1 % THD)
  • Output impedance: Source Z + 320 ohms
  • Input sensitivity: 65mV (ref. 500 mV out, Volume maximum)
  • Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
  • Maximum voltage output -IHF load: >>5 V (ref. 0.1 % THD)
• PHONO INPUT, PRE-OUT (ANALOG BYPASS ON)
  • THD (20Hz - 20kHz): <0.01% at 2 V out
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >84dB (200 ohms source; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out)
  • Input sensitivity: 46 kohms/100 pF
  • Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
  • Maximum input signal at 1kHz: >80 mVrms (ref. 0.1 % THD)
• LINE INPUT, HEADPHONE OUT (ANALOG BYPASS ON)
  • THD (20Hz - 20kHz): <0.005% at 1V out
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >107 dB (32 ohms loads; A-WTD, ref. 1V out, unity gain)
  • Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
  • Channel separation: >62 dB at 1kHz
  • Output impedance: 2.2 Ohms
• LINE IN, SPEAKER OUT (ANALOG BYPASS ON)
  • Continuous output power into 8 ohms and 4 ohms: 2 x 130W
  • THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.02% (250 mW to 130 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms)
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >85 dB (A-weighted, 500 mV input, ref. 1 W out in 8 ohms)
  • Clipping power: 150W
  • IHF dynamic power: 210W into 8 ohms
  • Peak output current: >26A (in 1 ohm, 1ms)
  • Damping factor: >150 (ref. 8 ohms, 20Hz to 6.5kHz)
  • Frequency response: >±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
  • Channel separation: >90dB (1 kHz)
  • Input sensitivity (for 130 W in 8 ohms): Line In: 201 mV, Digital In: 10.25% FS
• GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
  • Supports bit rate/sample rate: up to 32 bit/384 kHz
  • Frequency band: 2.402GHz- 2.480GHz
  • Maximum transmit power (dBm): 7 dBm ± 2 dBm
• DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
  • Gross dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 100 x 390mm (17.1 x 3.9 x 15.4")
  • Net Weight: 8.7kg (19.1lb)
  • Shipping weight: ~11kg (24.2lb)

NAD C 389 Q&A:

How much power does the NAD C 389 deliver?

It delivers 130 watts per channel (2 x 130W) for strong dynamics, control, and speaker-driving capability.

Can I connect my TV to the C 389 with one cable?

Yes. The C 389 includes HDMI eARC, making TV integration simple while maintaining high-quality audio.

Does the C 389 include a built-in DAC for digital sources?

Yes. It features an advanced DAC stage and supports digital audio up to 32-bit/384 kHz.

Is the NAD C 389 upgradeable for future features?

Yes. It has dual MDC2 expansion slots, letting you add optional modules later to expand functionality.

Can I add streaming and room correction to the C 389?

Yes. With the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module, you can add BluOS high-resolution streaming and Dirac Live Room Correction (Limited Bandwidth), with an option to upgrade Dirac to full bandwidth.

Is this amplifier suitable for turntables?

Yes. It includes a Moving Magnet phono stage designed for vinyl playback, plus infrasonic filtering.

Does it support wireless listening?

Yes. The C 389 includes Bluetooth with aptX HD for higher-quality wireless playback from compatible devices.

Can I connect two subwoofers?

Yes. The amplifier includes dual subwoofer outputs for flexible bass placement and smoother in-room response.

NAD C 389 Downloads:

NAD C389 Manual
NAD C389 Quick Start Guide