NAD has a long history of making high-performance audio components at an affordable price. Their latest creation, the C388 integrated amplifier, shows they are still committed to innovation. It has a mix of old and new features, including Bluetooth connectivity with aptX and a smartphone app for control. This article will provide an overview and other details of NAD C388. So let’s get started:
Interior Design
The NAD C 388 is a powerful amp with a lot of inputs and outputs. It delivers 150 watts continuous and 250 watts instantaneous power at 8 ohms, with low distortion and high precision.
The NAD C 388 expansion cards can be a game-changer. For example, the BluOS card adds internet and network connectivity, and other cards add HDMI connectivity. Some cards are still in the works, but one that will add 4K capability has been announced. You get to choose which cards to add, but I think the BluOS card is a good one to start with because it boosts functionality.
Power and flexibility
The NAD C 388 integrated amp pushes 150 watts per channel, filling your room with clean, detailed sound. It brings out the best in your music, no matter the source. Connect digital or analog sources, or stream music via Bluetooth from your computer or mobile device. You can also stream audio from connected sources to a pair of Bluetooth headphones.
Features
NAD keeps improving its PowerDrive amp circuit. It’s designed to deliver the best possible power to a wide range of speakers. They say the amp can put out 80 watts per channel into both 4-ohm and 8-ohm loads. Powerful Hybrid Digital Amplifier
The NAD is a high-performing audio system that’s perfect for any high-end stereo setup. It has two line-level inputs, which are a must for any stereo amp. It also has a moving-magnet phono stage, which is great for playing vinyl records. The NAD has an eight-channel DAC chip that runs in Dual Differential mode, with four channels on each side for better resolution. It also has two coaxial and two optical inputs, and aptX Bluetooth connectivity, which lets you stream music from your smartphone or tablet to a pair of wireless headphones. Powerful Hybrid Digital Amplifier
Two slots at the rear can accommodate upgrade modules, whether that’s additional digital audio inputs such as a type-B USB for connecting laptops; HDMI sockets with 4K passthrough; or a Bluesound (NAD’s sister brand) one to add hi-resolution multi-room network streaming. There’s also a preamp output to facilitate bi-amping for adding greater clout at a later date, a 6.3mm headphone output on the front panel, and two pairs of speaker outputs.
Sound quality
The NAD looks solid and sturdy from top to bottom, which suggests it might have good sound quality. It has both analog and coaxial inputs, and the sound is warm and full-bodied. You can really hear this in the simple arrangement of “Lay Down in the Tall Grass” by Timber Timbre.
The NAD is a solid piece of gear that makes a warm, full-bodied sound. It has both analog and coaxial inputs, and the sound is warm and full-bodied. You can really hear this in the simple arrangement of “Lay Down in the Tall Grass” by Timber Timbre.
This presentation is full of details, but it doesn’t feel cramped. The tone is balanced, too.
The NAD has a wide-open soundstage that gives the layered instrumentation room to breathe. The band’s spooky sonic persona is communicated with marked intent and lots of detail. Powerful Hybrid Digital Amplifier
It’s quite content with rhythms too, and has no problem travelling through the latter track’s agile and rich melodies with impetus. However, erring on the side of caution, the C 638 can sound a little restrained with upbeat songs.
Additional Features
- 150 watts x 2 channels into 8 or 4 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.009% THD
- 4-ohm stable for use with a wide range of speakers
- Class D Asymmetrical PowerDrive amplifier design
- 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converter for high-performance playback of digitally connected sources such as a CD player
- built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from a compatible device or wireless headphone listening
- supports the aptX codec for wirelessly streaming CD-quality sound
- independent built-in high-output headphone amplifier
- 2 MDC (Modular Design Construction) slots for adding additional capabilities and features
- remote control
- compatible with leading third-party control systems like Control4, Crestron, RTI, and URC
Specification
Type: Solid-state integrated amplifier with optional boards
Continuous Output Power: >150 Watts per channel, stereo
IHF Dynamic Power: 400 Watts @ 2 Ohms, 250 Watts @ 8 Ohms
THD: <0.02% (250mW to 150 Watts @ 8 and 4 Ohms)
Signal/Noise Ratio: >95dB (A-weighted, 500mV input ref. 1W out in 8 Ohms)
Damping Factor: >150
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz (+/-0.03dB)
Channel Separation: >75dB
Inputs
- Digital: Two S/PDIF coax and Toslink optical
- Analog: Two RCA line In, moving magnet (MM) phono preamp (0.3mV input sensitivity ref. 200mV pre-out)
IR remote
- Smartphone Control App
- 12V Trigger in/out
- IR in/out
- RS-232 Serial port for control
- Control4, Crestron, RTI, URC, AMX, Savant, and Elan certified
Dimensions: 17.125″ x 4.75″ x 15.350″ (HxWxD)
Weight: 24.7 lbs.
Price: $1599
Conclusion
The NAD C388 is a solidly performing amplifier with a soft, but pleasing delivery in the treble, very pleasant mid-range, and strong in the bass region. For me, it’s quite clearly voiced towards a lightly warm character that is evident throughout and matched with the right pair of speakers, it will undoubtedly please many listeners. It has every connectivity option expected of an integrated amplifier of the digital age, and the build quality is rock-solid. Powerful Hybrid Digital Amplifier
