NAD C399
NAD stereo integrated amplifier with HybridDigital Hypex nCore amplification and ESS Sabre DAC, upgradeable via optional MDC2 modules.
Description
The NAD C 399 is a stereo integrated amplifier that combines a HybridDigital power section with a digital section built around a high-resolution ESS Sabre converter. It sits at the top of NAD's Classic range, adopting an amplification architecture previously reserved for models in the Masters series.
The power section is based on the Hypex HybridDigital nCore circuit, delivering 2x180 W RMS into 8 ohms, with a clipping power in excess of 210 W at 1 kHz for 0.1% distortion. Dynamically, the unit can deliver up to 217 W into 8 ohms, 400 W into 4 ohms and 506.4 W into 2 ohms, reflecting an ability to handle signal peaks without compression on current-hungry speakers. The 32-bit/384 kHz ESS Sabre digital-to-analogue converter, identical to that fitted in the NAD M10 and M33, handles conversion of digital sources with an input sensitivity of 10.25% FS, while the line input has a sensitivity of 201 mV.
The C 399 features MDC2 (Modular Design Construction) technology, which allows optional modules to be added for BluOS multi-room streaming or Dirac Live room correction, without changing amplifier. It also offers bidirectional Bluetooth aptX HD, AirPlay 2, an HDMI-eARC input, outputs for two pairs of speakers (Speaker A/B) and a built-in RIAA phono stage.
This model is aimed at a user wishing to build an upgradeable high-end stereo system, capable of driving speakers directly without a separate power amplifier, and able to expand streaming or room correction functions simply by adding a module rather than replacing the unit.
Technical specifications
| RMS Power | 2x180 W (8 ohms) |
| Clipping power | >210 W (at 1 kHz, 0.1% THD) |
| IHF dynamic power 8 ohms | 217 W |
| IHF dynamic power 4 ohms | 400 W |
| Dynamic power 2 ohms | 506.4 W |
| Line input sensitivity | 201 mV |
| Digital input sensitivity | 10.25% FS |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 435 x 120 x 390 mm |
| Weight | 11.2 kg |
What to check before buying used
On the HybridDigital nCore, check for absence of background noise, hum or unexpected cut-outs into thermal protection, symptoms indicating tired capacitors or a faulty power module. Test each input, including the digital section with the ESS Sabre converter, to rule out any source recognition issues or muted channel. Operate the volume dial and front panel buttons to detect a crackling potentiometer or an imprecise encoder, common on heavily used units.
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