NAD C379
NAD stereo integrated amplifier with UcD HybridDigital output stage and built-in ESS Sabre DAC, upgradeable via two MDC slots for multiroom streaming.
Description
The NAD C379 is a stereo integrated amplifier combining an amplification section with a built-in digital-to-analogue converter. It handles both the amplification of analogue sources and the processing of digital signals, without requiring separate devices for these two functions.
The output stage is based on HybridDigital technology with a custom UcD module, delivering 2 x 80 W into 8 and 4 Ω with total harmonic distortion below 0.03%. IHF dynamic power reaches 120 W into 8 Ω and 200 W into 4 Ω, allowing the amplifier to handle level peaks without audible compression. The damping factor above 100 and peak output current above 26 A reflect good control over the speakers, even with demanding loads. The digital section relies on an ESS Sabre ES9028 DAC capable of processing streams up to 32-bit/384 kHz, with a high dynamic range and very low distortion. The unit also features two optical digital inputs, two coaxial inputs and an HDMI eARC input, as well as an MM phono input for connecting a turntable directly.
The C379 incorporates two slots for MDC modules, which allow features such as BluOS multiroom streaming, Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility, two-way aptX HD Bluetooth or Dirac room correction to be added later, via modules available separately. It is aimed at users seeking a versatile stereo amplifier capable of handling analogue, digital and vinyl sources, with the option of expanding connected functions over time without changing the unit.
Technical specifications
| Continuous output power into 8 Ω and 4 Ω | 2 x 80 W |
| Total harmonic distortion (20 Hz – 20 kHz) | < 0.03% (250 mW to 80 W, 8 Ω and 4 Ω) |
| Signal to noise ratio | > 95 dB (A-weighted, 500 mV input, ref. 1 W output into 8 Ω) |
| Power supply | 150 W |
| IHF dynamic power | 120 W into 8 Ω / 200 W into 4 Ω |
| Peak output current | > 26 A (into 1 Ω, 1 ms) |
| Damping factor | > 100 (ref. 8 Ω, 20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
| Frequency response | ± 0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz) |
| Channel separation | 90 dB (1 kHz) / 75 dB (10 kHz) |
| Input sensitivity (for 80 W into 8 Ω) | 750 mV/50 kΩ |
| Weight | 11 kg |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 435 x 100 x 390 mm |
| Digital to analogue converter | ESS Sabre DAC 32-bit/384 kHz |
| Connections | 2 RCA analogue inputs, 1 MM phono input, 2 optical digital inputs, 2 coaxial digital inputs, 1 HDMI eARC input, 1 headphone output, 2 speaker outputs, 2 subwoofer outputs |
What to check before buying used
On an integrated amplifier with a digital output stage such as this one, each input and output (RCA, MM phono, optical, coaxial, HDMI eARC) as well as the headphone output should be tested to rule out any contact faults. The MDC module slots are worth checking: ensure they are empty or, if a module is installed, that it is properly recognised and functional. It is also useful to check that the built-in DAC works correctly across several file resolutions to rule out any issues with digital signal recognition or locking.
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