NAD Electronics C 399 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier
The NAD C399 is an integrated amplifier that is part of NAD's Classic Series. It features HybridDigital nCore amplification technology, which was previously only available in NAD's Masters Series, providing 180 watts per channel of continuous power and 250 watts per channel of instantaneous power. The C399 is also equipped with a 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre DAC, the same chip used in the M10 and M33 Masters Series amplifiers.
The C399 is the first amplifier to incorporate the new MDC2 Modular Design Construction technology. Users can add optional modules to provide functions such as BluOS Hi-Res multi-room music streaming and Dirac Live room correction. The MDC2 architecture enables two-way communications between the module and host component, allowing desirable features to be added.
According to NAD Electronics' Product Manager, Cas Oostvogel, the C399 gets the basics right, with a precise volume control, accurate channel balance, low-noise circuits, and correct input and output impedances. The HybridDigital nCore output stage and high-resolution ESS Sabre DAC can reproduce all digital and analogue sources to a level of excitement and refinement that is unprecedented in its class. The C399 can serve as the hub of a world-class music system today, and for many years to come.
The C399's HybridDigital nCore amplifier is renowned for its wide bandwidth, flat frequency response, clean clipping behavior with instant recovery, high current capability, and stability into demanding low-impedance speaker loads. Noise and distortion are vanishingly low under all operating conditions. The ESS Sabre ES9028 high-resolution DAC is noted for its wide dynamic range, ultra-low noise and distortion, and near-zero levels of clock jitter. These refinements enable the C399 to produce neutral, distortion-free sound even at very high listening levels, with thrilling dynamics, exquisite detail, and superb portrayal of space.
The C399 has two optical and two coaxial digital inputs, plus an HDMI-eARC port for playing audio from a connected TV, while controlling amplifier output with the TV’s remote control. Analogue fans are well served with two pairs of RCA line-level inputs, plus an MM phono input for turntables. The C399 is also equipped with Wi-Fi and Ethernet, enabling users to play music from their favorite streaming services through the C399. The MDC2 BluOS-D module has integrated support for dozens of streaming services and supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect.
