NAD C 379 – Integrated Amplifier

NAD C 379 – Integrated Amplifier

Embodying half a century of audio mastery, the NAD C 379 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier continues NAD's Classic Series tradition of simplicity, value, and innovation. 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, with nearly immeasurable distortion and noise across the audible range. The critically acclaimed ESS SABRE ES9028 32-bit/384 kHz DAC delivers an exceptionally wide dynamic range, ultra-low distortion, and unparalleled clarity free from clock jitter. With dual MDC2 expansion slots and bridging capability with the C 268 Stereo Power Amplifier for up to 300 Watts per channel, the C 379 is a versatile, future-ready foundation for any serious music system.

• 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
• aptX HD Bluetooth
• Dedicated headphone amplifier, 1/4" (6.3 mm) output
• Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage with accurate RIAA equalization
• Dual MDC2 expansion slots (optional MDC2 BluOS-D module adds BluOS streaming and Dirac Live room correction)
• Dual subwoofer outputs
• Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
• Made in China
• 2 Year Warranty

Highlights & Key Technologies

HybridDigital UcD Amplification & Bridge Mode
The C 379 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, maintaining composure and clarity from quiet passages to energetic peaks. For even greater output, the C 379 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'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.

MDC2 Expansion Platform
The C 379 features two MDC2 expansion slots — NAD's second-generation Modular Design Construction architecture — enabling two-way communications between the host component and any installed module. The optional MDC2 BluOS-D module adds BluOS high-resolution streaming, whole-home audio integration with up to 64 zones, and Dirac Live Room Correction (Limited Bandwidth, 20 Hz – 500 Hz), with the option to upgrade to the full-bandwidth version. Thanks to MDC2's two-way architecture, room correction applies to all sources connected to the C 379.

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 also provides a preamplifier output for use with an external power amplifier or processor.

Digital Inputs, HDMI eARC & Connectivity
The C 379 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. aptX HD Bluetooth enables 24-bit audio streaming from any Bluetooth-enabled device. 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 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.

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
Bluetooth frequency band: 2.402 GHz – 2.480 GHz
Bluetooth maximum transmit power: 7 dBm ± 2 dBm
Bluetooth codec: aptX HD (disabled when MDC2 BluOS-D installed)
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)
Bluetooth: Yes (aptX HD; disabled when MDC2 BluOS-D installed)

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

CONTROL & CONNECTIVITY
RS-232: Yes
IR In / IR Out: Yes
12V Trigger In / Out: Yes
MDC2 expansion slots: 2

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