NAD C 379 BluOS® – Streaming Integrated Amplifier

NAD C 379 BluOS – HybridDigital DAC Streaming Integrated Amplifier

Embodying half a century of audio mastery, the NAD C 379 BluOS HybridDigital DAC Streaming Amplifier combines NAD's Classic Series tradition of simplicity, value, and innovation with the acclaimed BluOS high-resolution streaming platform and Dirac Live Room Correction. A customised HybridDigital UcD output stage operating in a fully balanced bridge configuration delivers 80 Watts per channel of continuous power and over 120 Watts per channel of instantaneous dynamic power, 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, two-way aptX HD Bluetooth, and Dirac Live room correction up to 500 Hz with a supplied calibrated microphone. The critically acclaimed ESS SABRE ES9028 32-bit/384 kHz DAC ensures an exceptionally wide dynamic range and unparalleled clarity, and the C 379 BluOS remains bridgeable in mono with the NAD C 268 Stereo Power Amplifier for over 300 Watts per channel.

• Class D HybridDigital UcD amplifier topology; fully balanced bridge configuration
• 80 W per channel, continuous (8Ω and 4Ω); >120 W per channel dynamic (4Ω)
• Bridgeable mono with C 268: >300 W continuous per channel (8Ω)
• THD <0.03% (250 mW to 120 W, 8Ω and 4Ω, 20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• ESS SABRE ES9028 32-bit/384 kHz DAC
• BluOS streaming platform via installed MDC2 BluOS-D module; Wi-Fi and Ethernet
• Up to 24-bit/192 kHz via BluOS; MQA decoding and rendering
• Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant; 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 accurate RIAA equalization
• Two-way aptX HD Bluetooth (via MDC2 BluOS-D)
• Dedicated headphone amplifier, 1/4" (6.3 mm) output
• Dual subwoofer outputs
• Made in China
• 2 Year Warranty

Highlights & Key Technologies

HybridDigital UcD Amplification & Bridge Mode
The C 379 BluOS employs a customised version of NAD's proven HybridDigital UcD output stage operating in a fully balanced bridge configuration, delivering 80 Watts per channel of continuous power and over 120 Watts per channel of instantaneous dynamic power for effortless reproduction of short-term musical transients. The fully balanced bridge design enables massive power output with nearly immeasurable distortion and noise across the audible range. For even greater output, the C 379 BluOS can be bridged in mono with the NAD C 268 Stereo Power Amplifier to provide over 300 Watts per channel of continuous, distortion-free power. The exceptionally high damping factor of greater than 300 (ref. 8Ω, 20 Hz to 6.5 kHz) ensures tight, accurate control over connected loudspeakers.

ESS SABRE ES9028 DAC
The C 379 BluOS's digital architecture is built around the ESS SABRE ES9028 DAC — a 32-bit/384 kHz converter noted for its unprecedented dynamic range and ultra-low distortion. It provides ultra-high-quality music playback free from clock jitter common in digital audio systems, resulting in an exceptionally wide dynamic range, ultra-low distortion, accurate soundstage, and unparalleled clarity across all digital sources.

BluOS Streaming via MDC2 BluOS-D
The C 379 BluOS includes the MDC2 BluOS-D module, which adds the BluOS high-resolution multi-room streaming platform via Wi-Fi and 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 services and integrations include Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Apple AirPlay 2 with Siri voice control, Amazon Alexa voice control, Google Assistant voice control, and MQA. The MDC2 BluOS-D incorporates two-way aptX HD Bluetooth, allowing audio streaming to the C 379 BluOS from a smart device and audio output from the C 379 BluOS to a pair of wireless headphones. A USB port allows playback from a connected USB drive. Thanks to MDC2's bidirectional architecture, audio from any source connected to the C 379 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. Playback can also be controlled from smart home systems including Crestron, Control4, Lutron, RTI, and others.

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. The supplied calibrated microphone connects to the MDC2 BluOS-D's USB port; the intuitive Dirac Live app analyses the room and applies correction filters improving bass clarity, imaging, and tonal accuracy. Up to five Dirac profiles can be stored for different listening positions or room conditions. Thanks to MDC2's two-way architecture, Dirac Live room correction applies to all sources connected to the C 379 BluOS, not only streamed content.

Analogue Inputs & MM Phono Stage
Two pairs of RCA line-level inputs feature low-noise buffer amplifiers. The dedicated MM phono stage delivers accurate RIAA equalization with ultra-low noise, consistent with a pre-emphasis rolled off at 50 kHz by a second-order filter as used in Neumann cutting lathes. The C 379 BluOS also provides a preamplifier output for use with an external power amplifier or processor.

Digital Inputs, HDMI eARC & Connectivity
The C 379 BluOS provides optical and coaxial digital inputs and an HDMI eARC port for seamless TV audio integration with HDMI CEC control. Only audio output from a connected TV is supported; there is no video output. Dual subwoofer outputs provide flexible bass integration.

Headphone Amplifier & Control
The built-in high-performance headphone amplifier features a low output impedance of 2.2 ohms and high output voltage capability, allowing it to drive a wide range of both low and high-impedance headphones. The C 379 BluOS includes IR input and output and a 12V trigger output for CI integration, and RS-232 for external control systems. NAD is a certified partner of AMX and Crestron. Integration partners supported via BluOS include Control4, Crestron, ELAN, Lutron, Push, Roon, RTI, and URC.

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 (ANALOG BYPASS ON)
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.002% at 2 V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >106 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): 56.2 kΩ + 100 pF
Maximum input signal: >4.6 Vrms (ref. 0.1% THD)
Output impedance: Source Z + 320 Ω
Input sensitivity: 257 mV (ref. 500 mV out, Volume maximum)
Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Maximum voltage output – IHF load: >4.5 V (ref. 0.1% THD)

PHONO – PHONO INPUT, PRE-OUT (ANALOG BYPASS ON)
Cartridge compatibility: Moving Magnet (MM) only
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.01% at 2 V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >83 dB (200 Ω source; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out)
Input impedance (R and C): 46 kΩ / 100 pF
Input sensitivity: 4.2 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)
*The RIAA response is consistent with a pre-emphasis rolled off at 50 kHz by a second-order filter, as used in Neumann cutting lathes.

HEADPHONE – LINE INPUT, HEADPHONE OUT (ANALOG BYPASS ON)
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.002% at 1 V out
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >101 dB (32 Ω loads; A-weighted, ref. 1 V out, unity gain)
Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Channel separation: >62 dB (1 kHz)
Output impedance: 2.2 Ω
Output connector: 1/4" (6.3 mm) stereo jack

AMPLIFIER – LINE IN, SPEAKER OUT (ANALOG BYPASS ON)
Continuous output power into 8Ω and 4Ω: 80 W (ref. 20 Hz–20 kHz at rated THD, both channels driven)
Continuous output power, Bridge mode (8Ω): >300 W
THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.03% (250 mW to 120 W, 8Ω and 4Ω)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >85 dB (A-weighted, 500 mV input, ref. 1 W out in 8Ω)
Clipping power: >110 W (at 1 kHz, 0.1% THD)
IHF dynamic power: 8Ω: 140 W | 4Ω: 250 W | 2Ω: 260 W
Peak output current: >20 A (in 1Ω, 1 ms)
Damping factor: >300 (ref. 8Ω, 20 Hz to 6.5 kHz)
Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Channel separation: >75 dB (1 kHz); >70 dB (10 kHz)
Input sensitivity (for 80 W in 8Ω): Line In: 440 mV

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
DAC: ESS SABRE ES9028, 32-bit/384 kHz
Digital input bit rate / sample rate support: up to 24-bit/192 kHz
BluOS maximum streaming resolution: up to 24-bit/192 kHz
Bluetooth frequency band: 2.402 GHz – 2.480 GHz (MDC2 BluOS-D)
Bluetooth codec: aptX HD (two-way, via MDC2 BluOS-D)
Standby power: <0.5 W
Network standby power: <2 W

INPUTS
Optical digital: 1 (TOSLINK)
Coaxial digital: 1 (RCA)
HDMI: 1 (eARC/ARC)
Analogue line: 2 (RCA pairs)
Phono: 1 (MM, RCA pair with ground terminal)
USB (MDC2 BluOS-D): 1 (for local USB drive playback)
Bluetooth: Yes (two-way, aptX HD, via MDC2 BluOS-D)
Wi-Fi / Ethernet: Yes (via MDC2 BluOS-D)

OUTPUTS
Speaker terminals: 1 set
Subwoofer: 2 (RCA)
Preamplifier: 1 (RCA pair)
Headphone: 1 (1/4" / 6.3 mm stereo jack)

STREAMING & ROOM CORRECTION (MDC2 BluOS-D)
Streaming platform: BluOS
Supported services: Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Roon Ready, Apple AirPlay 2, Amazon Music, Deezer, and others
Voice control: Apple Siri (via AirPlay 2), Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
MQA: Decoding and rendering supported
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
Dirac profiles stored: Up to 5
Calibrated microphone: Included

CONTROL & CONNECTIVITY
RS-232: Yes
IR In / IR Out: Yes
12V Trigger In / Out: Yes
MDC2 expansion slots: 2 (1 occupied by MDC2 BluOS-D; 1 remaining)

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

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT
Gross dimensions (W × H × D): 435 × 100 × 410 mm (17 1/4 × 4 × 16 3/16 inches)*
Net weight: 9.04 kg
Shipping weight: 10.88 kg
*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