NAD Electronics has announced the launch of its new Classic Series amplifier, the C 379 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier at the HIGH END Munich International Audio Show.
The C 379 has been created to build on NAD’s commitment to innovation and value-driven performance with a ground-breaking design featuring a carefully engineered Class D output stage, industry-leading ESS SABRE DAC, and the second generation of Modular Design Construction (MDC) technology for upgrades and expandability. The NAD C 379 will be available at the end of June 2024 for a suggested retail price of US $1,099 / EUR€ 1,199 / GBP £899.
The NAD C 379 utilises a customised UcD output stage with HybridDigital technology to deliver 80W of Continuous Power (into 8 and 4 Ohms) and 120W watts of Dynamic Power (4 Ohms), all with virtually no noise or distortion, says the maker. The C 379 can also be bridged with the C 268 Stereo Power Amplifier in a fully balanced configuration for 300W continuously and over 500W instantaneously to provide maximum power and performance for the most demanding tracks.
Efficiency
The maker says the C 379’s highly efficient power supply consumes less than half the power of conventional amplifiers in its class while also providing clean power to all amplification stages. This energy-saving supply and balanced design also provides near perfect regulation of voltage across a wide range of conditions, adds NAD.
“The NAD C 379 stands in a class of its own, integrating of every essential component of a high-performance music system and accommodating all music sources from vinyl to digital streaming,” says Cas Oostvogel, Product Manager of NAD Electronics. “With its meticulous, low-noise circuits and the ability to enhance both its features and power output, this Class D integrated is a testament to the legacy of NAD’s Classic Series and our relentless pursuit of sonic excellence at an affordable price.”
The digital circuity is built around the ESS SABRE ES9028 DAC, said to be the industry’s highest performance 32-bit digital-to-analogue converter with unprecedented dynamic range and ultra-low distortion.
Featuring the second generation of NAD’s Modular Design Construction, MDC 2, the C 379 and its two expansion slots allow users to upgrade the amplifier’s capabilities with emerging AV technologies and additional features through the module, including BluOS high-resolution multi-room streaming and Dirac Live Room Correction. The available MDC2 BluOS-D module further enables seamless integration with BluOS, Apple AirPlay 2, and two-way aptX HD Bluetooth.
With BluOS, users can connect the C 379 to their home network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and experience the most advanced multi-room wireless music management system with 24 bit/192kHz resolution. Controlled through the BluOS app for smartphone, tablet, or desktop, BluOS manages a digital music collection and connects to over 20 high-quality streaming music services including Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, Amazon Music and Spotify.
Additionally, the NAD C 379 is equipped with a variety of analogue and digital connectivity including aptX HD Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, MM Phono stage, and two independent subwoofer outputs. The integrated amplifier also includes a built-in separate headphone amplifier with low output impedance and high output voltage capability, allowing it to drive a wide range of headphones.
The product will be on demonstration at HIGH END Munich International Audio Show from May 9-12, 2024, in Rooms D107 and D108 located in Atrium 3.1 at the MOC Event Centre.