NAD C 3050 BluOS® – Streaming Integrated Amplifier

NAD C 3050 BluOS – HybridDigital DAC Streaming Integrated Amplifier

Created to celebrate 50 years of NAD innovation, the C 3050 BluOS Stereophonic Integrated Amplifier blends vintage hi-fi charm with modern engineering — combining NAD's HybridDigital UcD amplifier platform with the acclaimed BluOS high-resolution streaming platform and Dirac Live Room Correction in a single, uniquely styled component. Inspired by the original NAD 3030 Stereophonic Amplifier, its walnut-finished vinyl-clad cabinet, dual illuminated VU meters, push-button input selectors, and original New Acoustic Dimension cursive logo recall the classic 1970s design, while the installed MDC2 BluOS-D module provides access to hundreds of internet radio stations and over 20 streaming services, whole-home audio integration across up to 64 zones, and Dirac Live room correction up to 500 Hz with a supplied calibrated microphone. Recognised with multiple Product of the Year awards, the C 3050 BluOS brings heritage styling and thoroughly modern capability together in a uniquely engaging amplifier.

• Class D HybridDigital UcD amplifier topology
• 100 W per channel, continuous (8Ω and 4Ω); 135 W per channel instantaneous
• THD <0.03% (250 mW to 100 W, 8Ω and 4Ω, 20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Texas Instruments PCM5242 32-bit/384 kHz differential DAC
• BluOS streaming platform via installed MDC2 BluOS-D module; Wi-Fi 5 and Gigabit Ethernet
• Up to 24-bit/192 kHz via BluOS; FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF, and more supported
• Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri; MQA decoding and rendering
• Dirac Live Room Correction (Limited Bandwidth, 20 Hz – 500 Hz); full-bandwidth upgrade available; calibrated microphone included
• Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage with infrasonic filtering
• Two-way aptX HD Bluetooth (via MDC2 BluOS-D)
• Dedicated headphone amplifier, 1/4" (6.3 mm) output
• Pre-out / Main-in connections
• Vintage-inspired design: walnut-finished vinyl-clad cabinet, dual illuminated VU meters, 1970s NAD cursive branding
• Made in China
• 2 Year Warranty

Highlights & Key Technologies

Vintage-Inspired Design
The C 3050 BluOS's industrial design was inspired by the NAD 3030 Stereophonic Amplifier, a 1970s classic, created to celebrate NAD's 50-year history of innovation and value. Retro design elements include dual illuminated VU meters, push-button input selectors, a walnut-finished vinyl-clad cabinet, and a dark grey front panel bearing the original New Acoustic Dimension logo in its 1970s cursive typeface. The dual VU meters are calibrated in Watts and dB corresponding to an 8-ohm load, and can be configured via the rear panel selector to monitor either input signal or speaker output level.

HybridDigital UcD Amplification
The C 3050 BluOS employs NAD's proven HybridDigital UcD amplifier technology to deliver 100 Watts per channel of continuous power and 135 Watts per channel of instantaneous peak power for effortless reproduction of musical transients. Noise and distortion are virtually unmeasurable through the entire audio band, resulting in neutral, distortion-free sound through any loudspeaker load — even at high listening levels — with wonderful detail, immersive three-dimensionality, and thrilling dynamics.

Texas Instruments PCM5242 DAC
The C 3050 BluOS's digital section is built around the Texas Instruments PCM5242 32-bit/384 kHz high-resolution differential DAC, a design known for its excellent dynamic performance and immunity to clock jitter. This enables the C 3050 BluOS to deliver stunning clarity and pinpoint sound-staging from all digital sources.

BluOS Streaming via MDC2 BluOS-D
The C 3050 BluOS includes the MDC2 BluOS-D module, which adds the BluOS high-resolution multi-room streaming platform via dual-band Wi-Fi 5 and Gigabit Ethernet. The BluOS Controller app — available for iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows — provides access to hundreds of internet radio stations and over 20 streaming services, supporting high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz, and MQA decoding and rendering. Supported file formats include FLAC, MQA, WAV, and AIFF at high resolution, and MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, ALAC, and OPUS at standard resolution. Streaming cloud services include Amazon Music, Deezer, IDAGIO, Napster, Neil Young Archives, nugs.net, Qobuz, Spotify, TIDAL, and others. Internet radio services include CALM Radio, iHeartRadio, LiveXLive, Radio Paradise, SiriusXM, and TuneIn. Supported integrations include Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Roon, Control4, Crestron, ELAN, Lutron, RTI, URC, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. A USB Type-A port supports playback from a USB memory stick (FAT32 or NTFS formatted). The MDC2 BluOS-D also incorporates two-way aptX HD 5.0 Bluetooth, and network file sharing via Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. Thanks to MDC2's bidirectional architecture, audio from any source connected to the C 3050 BluOS can be shared with up to 63 additional BluOS-enabled components on the same network, for whole-home audio in up to 64 zones.

Dirac Live Room Correction
The MDC2 BluOS-D includes a license for Dirac Live Room Correction (Limited Bandwidth, 20 Hz – 500 Hz), with the option for advanced users to upgrade to the Dirac Live Full Frequency version from Dirac.com. The supplied calibrated microphone connects to the MDC2 BluOS-D's USB port; the intuitive Dirac Live app plays test tones through the speakers, analyses the results, and creates correction filters that counteract common acoustic problems such as standing waves and unwanted reflections. Up to five settings can be stored for different listener positions or room conditions. Thanks to MDC2's two-way architecture, Dirac Live room correction applies to all sources connected to the C 3050 BluOS, not only streamed content.

Analogue Inputs & MM Phono Stage
A single pair of RCA line-level inputs features low-noise buffer amplifiers. The dedicated MM phono stage delivers ultra-precise RIAA equalization, extremely low noise, and high overload margins. An infrasonic filtering circuit suppresses the infrasonic noise present on all LPs without compromising bass response. Pre-out and main-in connections are provided: in normal use these are bridged by the supplied links, but they can be separated to insert an external processor or to use the C 3050 BluOS as a preamplifier only driving a separate power amplifier.

Digital Inputs & HDMI eARC
The C 3050 BluOS provides one optical and one coaxial digital input. The HDMI eARC port allows audio from a connected TV to be played through the C 3050 BluOS, including control of amplifier power via HDMI CEC. eARC is the default mode and falls back to ARC if no eARC connection is established. Only audio output from a connected TV is supported by the HDMI eARC port; there is no video output.

Outputs, Headphone Amplifier & MDC2 Platform
The C 3050 BluOS provides two sets of speaker terminals (Speakers A and B, selectable via the front panel knob as A, B, A+B, or Off), a subwoofer output, and a preamplifier output. The dedicated headphone amplifier features a low output impedance of 2.2 ohms and will work with conventional headphones of any impedance; inserting a headphone jack automatically switches off outputs at Speakers A and B, Pre Out, and Subwoofer. The MDC2 slot is occupied by the MDC2 BluOS-D module.

Control & Integration
The C 3050 BluOS includes a 12V trigger output and IR input for use with IR repeater and multi-room systems. Integration partners supported via BluOS include Control4, Crestron, ELAN, Lutron, Push, Roon, RTI, and URC. The included SR 10 remote control handles key functions and can be programmed to control up to four devices. Bass and treble tone controls and a balance control are provided on the front panel.

Details & Specifications

All specifications measured according to IHF 202 CEA 490-AR-2008 standard. THD measured using AP AUX 0025 passive filter and AES 17 active filter.

PREAMPLIFIER – LINE INPUT, PRE-OUT
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.005% at 2 V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >95 dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out, unity gain)
Channel separation: >100 dB (1 kHz); >90 dB (10 kHz)
Input impedance (R and C): 28 kΩ + 360 pF
Maximum input signal: >4.5 Vrms (ref. 0.1% THD)
Output impedance: 440 Ω
Input sensitivity: 270 mV (ref. 500 mV out, Volume maximum)
Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Maximum voltage output – IHF load: >2 V (ref. 0.1% THD)

PHONO – PHONO INPUT, PRE-OUT
Cartridge compatibility: Moving Magnet (MM) only
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.03% at 2 V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >79 dB (200 Ω source; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out)
Input impedance (R and C): 46 kΩ / 100 pF
Input sensitivity: 5.5 mV (ref. 500 mV out, Volume maximum)
Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Maximum input signal at 1 kHz: >80 mVrms (ref. 0.1% THD)

HEADPHONE – LINE INPUT, HEADPHONE OUT
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.005% at 1 V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >96 dB (32 Ω loads; A-weighted, ref. 2 V out, unity gain)
Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Channel separation: >60 dB (1 kHz)
Output impedance: 2.2 Ω
Output connector: 1/4" (6.3 mm) stereo jack

AMPLIFIER – MAIN IN, SPEAKER OUT
Continuous output power into 8Ω and 4Ω: 100 W (ref. 20 Hz–20 kHz at rated THD, both channels driven)
Instantaneous power: 135 W per channel
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.03% (250 mW to 100 W, 8Ω and 4Ω)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >95 dB (A-weighted, 500 mV input, ref. 1 W out in 8Ω)
Clipping power: >115 W (at 1 kHz, 0.1% THD)
IHF dynamic power: 8Ω: 180 W | 4Ω: 250 W | 2Ω: 300 W
Peak output current: >20 A (in 1Ω, 1 ms)
Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Channel separation: >75 dB (1 kHz); >70 dB (10 kHz)
Input sensitivity (for 100 W in 8Ω): Analogue: 540 mV | Digital: –6 dBFS

BLUOS SECTION (MDC2 BluOS-D INSTALLED)
Streaming platform: BluOS
Supported audio file formats: MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L, ALAC, OPUS
Supported high-resolution audio file formats: FLAC, MQA, WAV, AIFF
Sampling rate: up to 192 kHz
Bit depth: 16 – 24
Streaming cloud services: Amazon Music, Bugs, CustomChannels, Deezer, IDAGIO, KKBOX, Napster, Neil Young Archives, nugs.net, Qobuz, Qsic, Spotify, SOUNDMACHINE, TIDAL, Tunify
Internet radio services: CALM Radio, iHeartRadio, LiveXLive, RADIO.COM, Radio Paradise, SiriusXM, TuneIn
Integration partners: Control4, Crestron, ELAN, Lutron, Push, Roon, RTI, URC
Voice control: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri
Network connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet RJ45; Wi-Fi 5
Supported network file share protocol: Server Message Block (SMB)
USB: 1 × Type-A (for USB memory stick, FAT32 or NTFS formatted, and supported peripherals)
Bluetooth: aptX HD 5.0, two-way (via MDC2 BluOS-D)
Supported operating systems: Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, Vista, 7, 8 to current; macOS (current versions)
Mobile application: Free BluOS Controller App (Apple iOS, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows, macOS)
Multi-room zones: Up to 64 (1 host + up to 63 additional BluOS-enabled components)
Room correction: Dirac Live Limited Bandwidth (20 Hz – 500 Hz); full-bandwidth upgrade available from Dirac.com
Dirac profiles stored: Up to 5
Calibrated microphone: Included

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
DAC: Texas Instruments PCM5242, 32-bit/384 kHz differential
Standby power consumption: 0.5 W (after 15 minutes of no user interface interaction and no active source input)

INPUTS
Optical digital: 1 (TOSLINK)
Coaxial digital: 1 (RCA)
HDMI: 1 (eARC/ARC)
Analogue line: 1 (RCA pair)
Phono: 1 (MM, RCA pair with ground terminal)
Main In: 1 (RCA pair; linked to Pre Out by supplied jumpers in normal use)
USB (MDC2 BluOS-D): 1 × Type-A (for local USB drive playback and supported peripherals)
Bluetooth: Yes (two-way, aptX HD 5.0, via MDC2 BluOS-D)
Wi-Fi / Ethernet: Yes (Wi-Fi 5 dual-band; Gigabit Ethernet RJ45, via MDC2 BluOS-D)

OUTPUTS
Speaker terminals: 2 sets (A and B; selectable A / B / A+B / Off via front panel)
Subwoofer: 1 (RCA; full range)
Preamplifier (Pre Out): 1 (RCA pair; linked to Main In by supplied jumpers in normal use)
Headphone: 1 (1/4" / 6.3 mm stereo jack)

CONTROL & CONNECTIVITY
IR In: Yes
12V Trigger Out: Yes
MDC2 expansion slots: 1 (occupied by MDC2 BluOS-D)

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
SR 10 remote control with 2 AA batteries
Two detachable mains power cords
Bluetooth antenna
Pre-out / Main-in links
MDC2 BluOS-D module (installed)
Calibrated microphone with USB MIC Sound Adaptor (for Dirac Live setup)

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Gross dimensions (W × H × D): 447 × 127 × 335 mm / 17 5/8 × 5 × 13 3/16 inches (per data sheet); 450 × 128 × 345 mm / 17 1/4 × 5 1/8 × 13 5/8 inches (per manual)*
Net weight: 10 kg (22 lbs)
Shipping weight: 12.6 kg (27.8 lbs)
*Gross dimensions include feet, volume knob, installed antenna at right angle, and extended rear panel terminals.

COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE & WARRANTY
Country of Manufacture: China
Warranty: 2 Years