NAD LAUNCHES NEW C 399 HYBRID AMP

NAD has released its C 399 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier, which becomes the new flagship model in the Canadian company’s ‘Classic Series’ of integrated amplifiers. It features nCore amplifiers, a 32-bit/384kHz ESS Sabre DAC (as used in NAD’s acclaimed M10 and M33) and has NAD’s new MDC2 (Modular Design Construction 2) architecture.

“This new C 399 is the clearest expression yet of NAD’s commitment to sonic excellence and lasting value,” said Martin Ireland, of Convoy International, which distributes NAD in Australia. “It uses NAD’s HybridDigital nCore amplification, a state-of-the-art ESS Sabre DAC, and is the first amplifier to incorporate the latest generation of NAD’s MDC technology, which lets users add optional modules to provide functions such as BluOS Hi-Res multi-room music streaming, Dirac Live room correction and more.”

NAD rates the C 399’s HybridDigital nCore amplifier with a power output of 180-watts per channel of continuous power into 8Ω and says it can deliver 250-watts per channel of instantaneous power to allow it to effortlessly reproduce musical transients. “The unique HybridDigital nCore amplifier design is renowned for its wide bandwidth, flat frequency response, clean clipping behaviour with instant recovery, high current capability, and stability into demanding low-impedance speaker loads whilst maintaining noise and distortion at vanishingly low levels under all operating conditions,” said Ireland. “What’s more, the tiny levels of harmonic distortion remaining are primarily sonically benign second and third harmonics. The result is that the sound of the C 399 is neutral and distortion-free even at very high listening levels, with thrilling dynamics, exquisite detail, and a superb portrayal of acoustic space.”

Slots on the rear of the C 399 are supplied to allow NAD’s MDC and MCD2 modules to be plugged in, such as the new MDC2 BluOS-D module which features Dirac Live Room Correction, along with BluOS High-Res Music Streaming and music management, incorporates the latest Wi-Fi and Ethernet protocols, supports Apple AirPlay2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and has two-way Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth along with a USB port. “This means listeners can play music from their favourite streaming services using the acclaimed BluOS Controller app or via Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect,” said Ireland. “The Dirac Live function lets users measure their own room’s acoustics using a supplied microphone and an app, and then upload correction curves to compensate for acoustic anomalies in their listening room. Doing this dramatically improves bass clarity, imaging and timbral accuracy.”

In addition to two sets of speaker outputs, the C 399 has preamp output jacks, dual subwoofer outputs, two-way aptX HD Bluetooth and a dedicated headphone amplifier with low output impedance and high output voltage capability, enabling the C 399 to drive even the most demanding studio monitor headphones. When it goes on-sale in January 2022, the NAD C399 will sell for $3,399 (RRP) without the MDC2 module, or for $3,999 (RRP) with the module installed.

For more information, contact Convoy International on (02) 9774 9900 or at www.convoy.com.au