NAD has announced the new, modular, C 399 integrated amplifier, including a built-in ESS Sabre ES9028 DAC. The new NAD C 399 has just about everything on board that you would expect from an integrated amplifier. Of course, a power amplifier module with a maximum power of 180 watts per channel in 8 or 4 Ohms. The in-house modified HybridDigital (Hypex) nCore is used as the power-amp circuit. According to NAD, it is famous for its bandwidth, flat frequency curve, clean soft-clip power with instant recovery, high current capability and stability at low-impedance speaker loads.
Furthermore, noise and distortion should also be virtually absent under all operating conditions. It should lead to a neutral, distortion-free sound, even if you turn the volume knob way up. Whereby – still according to NAD – the C 399 guarantees exciting dynamics, fantastic detail and excellent reproduction of spaciousness.
Modular and expandable
As far as connections go, you have plenty of choice on the NAD C 399. Double coax and double Toslink on the digital side and video enthusiasts are delighted with HDMI eARC. Furthermore, two-way Bluetooth is provided while physical analog line inputs allow you to connect more traditional equipment.
For vinyl lovers, there is an MM phono input. And well, at the output you will find a low impedance-high voltage headphone amplifier. In short: enough to last for years. Especially when you consider that the NAD C 399 is modular and expandable.
The first module that is already available for the integrated amplifier is the MDC2 BluOS-D module. Based on – as the name undoubtedly suggests – BluOS. This adds a huge amount of streaming capabilities and support for things like Apple’s Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Roon Ready in no time. Of course, you can always plug that module in later!
The NAD C 399 will cost you €1999, the mentioned expansion module has a price tag of €549.