NAD C 379 Amplifier – First Look
All Image Credit: NAD
NAD have just announced a new addition to their Classic Series of amplifiers, the C 379 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier that boasts a modular design. This latest design fuses a Class D stereo amp and a preamp/32-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) into the second generation version of NAD’s modular chassis. The Modular Design Construction (MDC 2) mounts critical circuitry on plug-in cards that can be swapped out to upgrade the amp’s capabilities to support future developments. There are two rear panel expansion slots for adding new cards/features such as BluOS high-resolution multiroom streaming, Dirac Live room correction and other emerging A/V technologies.
The design features a custom Universal Class D (UcD) output stage. This amplifier is rated to deliver 80 watts of continuous power per channel into 4 or 8 ohms, or 120 watts/channel of dynamic power into 4 ohms. NAD says it does this “with virtually no noise or distortion”.
The amplifier is claimed to run at high efficiency, using; “less than half the power of conventional amplifiers in its class”. It incorporates an energy-saving power supply said to consume less than half the wattage of conventional amplifiers, while at the same time regulating voltage across a wide ranges of conditions with excellent precision.
The C 379’s preamp section is based upon ESS’s critically acclaimed Sabre ES9028PRO 32-bit/384KHz digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), which is known for its wide dynamic range and ultra-low distortion.
The amplifier natively supports aptX HD Bluetooth. While the optional MDC board upgrades support the BluOS-D modules enabling seamless integration with Apple AirPlay 2, two-way aptX HD Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect etc. and is Roon ready, plus DIRAC Live for room equalization.
Signal connectivity includes; aptX HD Bluetooth for high-quality wireless streaming, HDMI eARC, four digital inputs (two optical, two coaxial), two RCA stereo analog inputs, a moving-magnet (MM) phono input, a stereo pre-out, and two independent subwoofer outputs. Two pairs of speaker binding posts support bi-wring. Control is available using the front panel volume control, source selector, menu navigation rocker and visual display, with additional control available via infra-red and 12VDC trigger connections plus RS232 for full system integration.
Finally, a built-in headphone amplifier stage with high and low impedance settings, is said to be able to drive a wide range of headphones.
Features At A Glance:
- Customized HybridDigital UcD Amplifier with Stereo and Bridge Modes
- 2 x 80 Watts per channel of Continuous Power (8 and 4 Ohms)
- 2 x 120 Watts per channel of Dynamic Power (4 Ohms)
- Bridgeable for up to 300 Watts per channel of Continuous Power
- Industry-leading ESS SABRE9028PRO 32-bit/384kHz DAC
- Dual MDC 2 Ports for Future Upgrades and Expanded Features
- MM Phono Stage with Accurate RIAA Equalization and Ultra-Low Noise
- Built-in Separate Headphone Amplifier for Low and High Impedance
- HDMI eARC, Optical Digital and Coax Digital Inputs
- Dual Subwoofer Outputs
Specifications (preliminary):
- Line in – speaker out (Analog bypass on)
- Continuous output power into 8 ohms and 4 ohms: 2 x 80W (ref. 20 Hz-20 kHz at rated THD, both channels driven)
- Continuous output power into 8 Ohms (Bridge mode): 300W (ref. 20 Hz – 20 kHz at THD 0.03%)
- THD (20 Hz – 20 kHz): <0.03% (250 mW to 80 W, 8 ohms and 4 ohms)
- IHF dynamic power
- 120W into 8 ohms
- 200W into 4 ohms
- 250W into 2 ohms
- Peak output current: >26A (in 1 ohm, 1ms)
- Damping factor: >150 (ref. 8 ohms, 20Hz to 6.5kHz)
- Frequency response: >±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Channel separation
- >90dB (1 kHz)
- >75dB (10 kHz)
- Input sensitivity (for 80 W in 8 ohms): Line In: 201 mV, Digital In: 10.25% FS
- Line input – pre-out (Analog bypass on)
- THD (20Hz – 20kHz): <0.002 % at 2 V out
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >106dB (IHF; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out, unity gain)
- Channel separation: >100dB (1 kHz); >90 dB (10 kHz)
- Input Impedance (R and C): 56 kohms + 100 pF
- Maximum input signal: >4.6 Vrms (ref. 0.1 % THD)
- Output impedance: Source Z + 320 ohms
- Input sensitivity: 65mV (ref. 500 mV out, Volume maximum)
- Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Maximum voltage output -IHF load: >>5 V (ref. 0.1 % THD)
- Phono input – pre-out (Analog bypass on)
- THD (20Hz – 20kHz): <0.01% at 2 V out
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >84dB (200 ohms source; A-weighted, ref. 500 mV out)
- Input sensitivity: 46 kohms/100 pF
- Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Maximum input signal at 1kHz: >80 mVrms (ref. 0.1 % THD)
- Line in – headphone out (Analog bypass on)
- THD (20Hz – 20kHz): <0.005% at 1V out
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >107 dB (32 ohms loads; A-WTD, ref. 1V out, unity gain
- Frequency response: ±0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Channel separation: >62 dB at 1kHz
- Output impedance: 2.2 Ohms
- Other:
- Supports bit rate/sample rate: up to 32 bit/384 kHz
- Frequency band: 2.402GHz- 2.480GHz
- Maximum transmit power (dBm): 7 dBm ± 2 dBm
- Gross dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 100 x 390mm (17.1 x 3.9 x 15.4“)
- Net Weight: 8.7kg (19.1lb)
MSRP:
- US: $1,099.00
- UK: £899.00
- EU: €1,199.00
For more information visit the NAD web site.
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