<h2>NAD C399</h2>
Power powerful
The HybridDigital™ nCore power amplifiers of the C399 are highly efficient and remarkably powerful. They mobilize a continuous output power of 2 x 180 watts and reach pulse power peaks of up to 500 watts at 2 Ω. The HybridDigital™ nCore design is known for its wide bandwidth, extremely smooth frequency response, clean clipping behavior, high current delivery capability and stability under demanding low impedance speaker loads. noise rustling and distortion remain vanishingly low under all operating conditions, which is why the C399 always performs particularly neutral, dynamic, detailed and spatial at all volume levels.
Also adopted from the Masters series is the high-resolution ESS Sabre 9028 D/A converter, which features wide dynamic range, extremely low noise rustling, low distortion, and near-zero jitter. With this first-class D/A converter, the C399 can reproduce all digital sources amazingly musically, precisely and with breathtaking clarity.
Future-proof due to MDC2 modules
Back in 2006, NAD introduced Modular Design Construction. This innovative architecture makes it possible to expand the range of functions of numerous NAD components with optional modules – even retroactively. MDC modules with HDMI inputs, for BluOS™ Multiroom streaming, with Dolby Atmos® surround processing and other functions are currently available for the slots located on the rear of the device.
The C399 is the first product to feature NAD’s enhanced MDC2 architecture. It enables bidirectional communication between module and component, opening up the future for new upgrades. Owners of the C399 can thus always keep their device technically up to date and add future functions.
The optional MDC2 BluOS-D module connects the amplifier to the Internet via WLAN and Ethernet and allows music from numerous streaming services to be played through the C399. These functions are controlled via the BluOS™ Controller App available for Android, iOS, macOS, Kindle Fire and Windows. Like all BluOS™-enabled products (from generation 2i), the new MDC2 module supports Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect. Bi-directional communication also allows music from local sources connected to the C399 to be transmitted to BluOS™-enabled components in other rooms.
Another component of the MDC2 BluOS-D module is the innovative Dirac Live® room correction. Using an app and the included microphone, Dirac Live® measures the acoustics of your living space and then stores the correction curves in the module. Frequency ranges that are too accentuated or too quiet are compensated by Dirac Live®, which significantly improves bass precision, spatial imaging, and the balance of the sound image.
Extensive connection options
The C399 has two optical and two coaxial digital inputs, as well as an HDMI eARC connector for playback of audio signals from a connected TV. This function is conveniently controlled via the TV’s remote control. Analog fans get their money’s worth with two RCA high level inputs and a high-quality phono stage for magnetic cartridges.
The phono preamplifier is designed for ultra-precise RIAA equalization, extremely low noise rustling and high overload reserves, and also features innovative circuitry that suppresses infrasonic components without affecting bass response. The high level inputs are equipped with low noise buffer amplifiers to avoid tonal degradation.
Furthermore, the C399 has preamplifier outputs and two subwoofer outputs. Streaming music from a smartphone or tablet is possible wirelessly and in 24-bit resolution via Bluetooth® aptX™ HD – Bluetooth® headphones can be controlled at the same time. In addition, the C399 has a high-quality separate headphone amplifier with a low output impedance and high output voltage, which makes it possible to drive even very high-quality high-impedance studio monitor headphones.
Timeless classic
Since the debut of the legendary 3020 integrated amplifier in 1978, hi-fi fans have appreciated the NAD brand for its outstanding sound quality combined with fantastic value for money. The C 399 continues this tradition on a whole new level.
Like every NAD amplifier, the C 399 has been designed based on all the fundamentals required for optimum sound quality: precise volume control with accurate channel balance, low-noise circuitry, and the right input and output impedances. But with its HybridDigital™ nCore power amplifiers and high-resolution ESS Sabre D/A converter, the C 399 achieves an audiophile level of playback of all digital and analog audio sources that is unprecedented for a Classic Series integrated amplifier.
What’s more, thanks to the innovative MDC2 platform, the C 399 is already perfectly equipped for future technologies and will continue to be the powerful and universal centerpiece of high-quality music systems in the decades to come. The C 399 integrated amplifier continues the NAD legend.