NAD C399 Integrated Amp

Description

The NAD C 399 is a powerful, highly configurable integrated amplifier that brings technology derived from NAD’s flagship Masters Series into the company’s more affordable Classic Series. Introduced in 2021, the C 399 combines a 180-watt-per-channel HybridDigital nCore amplifier with a high-resolution DAC, MM phono stage, headphone amplifier, Bluetooth and HDMI eARC. It also incorporates NAD’s MDC2 modular architecture, allowing the amplifier to be expanded with the optional BluOS-D module for BluOS high-resolution streaming and Dirac Live room correction.

The amplifier section is the C 399’s foundation. NAD specifies more than 180 watts per channel into both 8 and 4 ohms, with more than 26 amps of peak current capability. The nCore-based HybridDigital design is intended to provide high power with very low distortion, while the published damping factor of greater than 150 helps maintain electrical control over the loudspeaker. In practical terms, the C 399 has the power reserves to partner with a wide range of floorstanding and bookshelf speakers, including designs that demand considerable current.

Digital functionality is equally extensive. The built-in DAC accepts PCM signals up to 24-bit/192kHz, while two optical and two coaxial inputs accommodate conventional digital sources. HDMI eARC provides a convenient connection for a television, allowing the C 399 to function as the centerpiece of a high-quality two-channel entertainment system. Bluetooth with aptX HD provides another way to stream music from portable devices.

The C 399 also includes an MM phono stage, making it possible to connect a conventional moving-magnet turntable directly. NAD specifies 46k-ohm/100pF input loading and a 1.08mV input sensitivity. The phono circuit includes infrasonic filtering, and the company claims more than 84dB signal-to-noise ratio. A dedicated headphone amplifier is also provided, along with preamp, record and dual subwoofer outputs.

One of the C 399’s most significant features is its MDC2 expansion capability. The optional MDC2 BluOS-D module adds BluOS network streaming, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Roon Ready functionality and Dirac Live room correction. NAD’s current documentation also specifies a Dirac Live Limited Bandwidth license and calibration microphone, with correction extending to 500Hz; this makes the C 399 unusually adaptable as a system evolves.

Reviewers have been particularly complimentary about the amplifier’s combination of power and transparency. The Absolute Sound called the C 399 “a true high-end component of superior performance”, praising its dynamic range, soundstaging, bass control and low distortion. The reviewer also found its integrated DAC and phono stage unusually accomplished for an amplifier at this price level.

AVForums described the C 399 as “breathtakingly competent,” citing its effortless power delivery, extensive feature set and upgrade potential. The publication did note that the phono stage was less impressive than the amplifier section itself. Sound & Vision similarly concluded that the C 399 delivers “great performance, impressive features and flexibility, and high value.”

With its combination of substantial amplification, digital connectivity, vinyl support, headphone capability, HDMI eARC and optional network streaming, the C 399 is designed to serve as the central component of a modern two-channel system while retaining considerable upgrade flexibility.

Product Specifications

• Type: Integrated stereo amplifier / DAC
• Amplifier Design: HybridDigital nCore
• Power Output: >180W × 2 into 8 ohms
• Power Output: >180W × 2 into 4 ohms
• Clipping Power: 210W at 1kHz, 0.1% THD
• IHF Dynamic Power: 217W into 8 ohms
• Peak Output Current: >26A
• Damping Factor: >150
• THD: <0.02%, 20Hz–20kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >95dB
• Frequency Response: ±0.3dB, 20Hz–20kHz
• DAC: High-resolution digital-to-analog converter
• Maximum Digital Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Digital Inputs: 2 × coaxial, 2 × optical
• HDMI: 1 × eARC input
• Analog Inputs: 2 × RCA
• Phono: MM, 46kΩ/100pF
• Bluetooth: aptX HD, two-way
• Headphone Output: ¼-inch
• Preamp Output: RCA
• Subwoofer Outputs: 2, independently addressable
• Speaker Outputs: 2 pairs
• Expansion: 2 × MDC2 slots
• Optional Module: MDC2 BluOS-D
• Streaming with BluOS-D: BluOS, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Qobuz, Roon Ready
• Room Correction: Dirac Live, with BluOS-D
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 17⅛ × 4¾ × 15⅜ inches
• Weight: 24.7 lb (11.2kg)
• Finish: Black