NAD C 3050

Retro style meets modern amplification and streaming features

To pay tribute to their 50th anniversary, NAD created this modern iteration of their classic 1970s 3030 amplifier. The C 3050's vintage-styled exterior features glowing analog VU meters and other classic cosmetic touches. But it's also got advanced amplification, a built-in high-performance DAC, Bluetooth, and a future-ready expansion slot that gives you the option to add BluOS network streaming.

Dynamic power

This amp will render your digital and analog sources in sparkling, authoritative detail. It uses NAD's super-efficient HybridDigital UcD (Universal Class D) technology for effortlessly powerful amplification. It can deliver 100 watts per channel of continuous power, and it has the headroom to handle dynamic peaks, from hard-hitting electronic dance tracks to explosive Marvel movies. This amp will drive even demanding low-impedance speakers with its cool-running high-current power, at vanishingly low noise and distortion levels — even when cranked.

High-end digital decoding

The high-performance built-in Texas Instruments TI PCM5242 DAC delivers smooth, musical detail from digital sources. It's known for its wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise and distortion, and near-zero levels of jitter (timing errors that can smear musical detail).

Flexible connections

The C 3050 has optical and coaxial digital inputs for taking advantage of its great internal DAC. You also get an HDMI eARC port for playing TV sound and controlling the amplifier volume with the TV's remote control. Analog connections include two pairs of RCA inputs, including a moving magnet phono stage that gives you precise, natural sound with extremely low noise. The phono preamp's circuit design cuts down on frequencies below the threshold of human hearing — that inherent turntable rumble — without conceding fantastic bass response.

In addition to two sets of speaker outputs, the C 3050 has preamp output jacks and a mono subwoofer output. Bluetooth with aptX® HD gives you another easy way to access high-quality streaming. A front-panel 1/4" jack connects you to a built-in headphone amplifier that can drive even demanding high-impedance cans.

An expansion slot lets you add network streaming

The C 3050 doesn't come with network streaming built in, but you can add it with the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module (sold separately). That lets you play 24-bit high-res music from sources on your local network or from the web. 

The selection of supported services — including TIDAL, Spotify®, Qobuz, and Amazon Music, among others — is one of the most impressive we've seen. Apple users can easily stream from their devices using AirPlay® 2.

Two-way communication also lets this module stream music from your connected sources — even a turntable — to BluOS components in other rooms. You can also use the module's two-way Bluetooth to stream to a pair of compatible headphones. And its Dirac Live room correction lets you compensate for your room's acoustics for improved bass clarity, imaging, and timbral accuracy.