Does the C 389 have built-in streaming?

No. Streaming comes from the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module, which also adds Dirac Live room correction. Without it, the amp is a DAC, phono and HDMI integrated.

Can it drive 4-ohm speakers?

Yes. NAD rates it at 130W continuous into both 8 and 4 ohms, with 210W transient peaks, so low-impedance loads are within spec.

How do I connect a TV?

Use the HDMI eARC input. It carries TV audio to the amp and lets the TV remote control volume over CEC.

Can I use two subwoofers?

Yes. It has dual subwoofer outputs, useful for stereo bass or a pair of subs in a larger room.

The amplifier, a power cord and a remote control. The MDC2 BluOS-D module and speakers are sold separately.

Is it worth it over the C 399?

The C 399 adds more power and the same MDC2 slots. Choose the C 389 if your speakers are efficient enough and you would rather put the difference toward the BluOS-D module.

Where is the NAD C 389 Integrated Amplifier / DAC cheapest?

At Audio Advisor, for $1,999.00, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the NAD C 389 Integrated Amplifier / DAC?

15 stores we checked sell it, including Audio Advisor, B&H Photo-Video Audio, ProjectorScreen.com, Upscale Audio, Safe and Sound.

NAD C 389 Integrated Amplifier / DAC

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$1,999.00at Audio AdvisorChecked 1 h ago

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What reviewers say

Owners and reviewers treat the C 389 as a strong value in high-current integrateds, praising its grip on difficult speakers and its clean DAC. Most criticism centers on the extra cost of the BluOS-D module and the sparse front-panel controls.

What people mention

Power deliveryPraisedOwners say it controls difficult speakers and stays composed at high volume.
DAC qualityPraisedReviewers describe the ES9028 DAC as clean and detailed with digital sources.
Phono stagePraisedVinyl users report a quiet, low-noise phono input that suits moving-magnet cartridges.
Modularity costCriticisedBuyers note that streaming and Dirac Live require the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module.
ControlsMixedSome owners miss tone and balance controls that rival integrateds include.
Build and sizeMixedThe chassis is praised for solidity but called heavy and deep for a shelf.

About the NAD C 389 Integrated Amplifier / DAC

The NAD C 389 is a stereo integrated amplifier with a built-in DAC. It uses NAD's customized HybridDigital UcD output stages in a balanced bridge configuration, powered by a switch-mode power supply. It delivers 130 watts per channel continuous into 8 or 4 ohms, with 210 watts of transient power per channel.

The ESS SABRE ES9028 DAC decodes 32-bit/384kHz digital audio from the optical, coaxial and HDMI eARC inputs. The HDMI eARC input connects to a TV for uncompressed stereo sound, with TV remote volume control and CEC power synchronization. A moving magnet phono input includes an infrasonic filter that removes vinyl warp rumble without reducing bass.

Two MDC2 expansion slots accept the optional MDC2 BluOS-D module, which is sold separately. The module adds 24-bit/192kHz multi-room streaming over Wi-Fi or Ethernet with BluOS, Apple AirPlay 2 and Roon Ready. It also adds Dirac Live room correction, with an included measurement microphone. The amplifier has A and B speaker outputs, two subwoofer outputs and a front-panel headphone jack.

Type

Stereo hybrid/digital integrated amplifier

Continuous power

130 W RMS x 2 into 8 Ω / 4 Ω (20 Hz–20 kHz)

Dynamic power

IHF: 210 W (8 Ω), 300 W (4 Ω), 350 W (2 Ω)

THD

< 0.02% (20 Hz–20 kHz, 250 mW to 130 W)

Signal-to-noise

> 106 dB (A-weighted, ref. 130 W, 8 Ω)

Damping factor

> 150 (ref. 8 Ω, 20 Hz–6.5 kHz)