NAD C 399

A classic amplifier for the digital age

The C 399, NAD's flagship integrated amplifier in its Classic line, will give you the fantastic sound we've come to expect from NAD. It gets the basics right, including a precise volume control with accurate channel balance and low-noise circuits. And it also features a high-performance DAC and future-ready expansion slots.

Masterful power 

This amp will render your digital and analog sources in sparkling, authoritative detail. Previously featured only in NAD's Masters Series, the C 399's HybridDigital nCore amplifier is super-efficient and effortlessly powerful. It can deliver 180 watts per channel continuous power, and 250 watts per channel instantaneous power. That means it can handle crazy dynamic peaks, from hard-hitting electronic dance tracks to explosive Marvel movies. And it'll drive demanding low-impedance speakers with cool-running, high-current power and vanishingly low noise and distortion levels — even when cranked.

High-end digital decoding

The high-performance built-in ESS Sabre ES9028 DAC previously only came in NAD's Master Series components. It's capable of decoding high-res music files at up to 32-bit/384kHz, and 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 399 has two optical and two 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 line-level inputs, plus 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 399 has preamp output jacks and dual subwoofer outputs. Two-way Bluetooth with aptX® HD allows 24-bit streaming from mobile devices, and high-quality output to compatible Bluetooth headphones. A front-panel 1/4" jack connects you to a built-in headphone amplifier that can drive even demanding high-impedance cans.

Future-ready expansion slots

The C 399 is the first component to feature NAD's next-generation MDC2 architecture. MDC (Modular Design Construction) is a concept NAD introduced in 2006 to "make obsolescence obsolete," and this new version allows two-way communication between the module and the amp.

The optional MDC2 BluOS-D module gives you 24-bit high-res music playback from sources on your local network or from the web. Stream music from personal drives or from internet streaming services. 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.

New two-way communication also lets this module stream music from your connected sources — even a turntable — to BluOS components in other rooms. And its built-in Dirac Live function lets you compensate for your room's acoustics to get clear and accurate bass and a balanced soundstage across the listening frequencies.