The High End trade fair in Munich hasn’t even started yet, but launches are already pouring in before the doors open.
NAD Electronics has announced a new amplifier in the Classic series, the C 379 HybridDigital DAC Amplifier.
The amplifier is built over a Class D output stage. The digital conversion is done with the recognised ESS SABRE DAC. And the amplifier is expandable with second generation Modular Design Construction (MDC) plug-in cards.
The output stage of the NAD C 379 is a specially designed UcD HybridDigital module that delivers 80 watts continuous power into 8 and 4 ohms. The C 379 can also be paired with the C 268 stereo power amplifier in a fully balanced configuration for 300 watts of continuous power.
The NAD C658 contains more than what is apparent from the looks. Behind the gray facade hides a versatile preamplifier, DAC and streaming receiver that can also control your listening room.
The NAD C 379’s high-efficiency power supply uses less than half the power of conventional amplifiers in the same class, which must mean it’s switched mode.
Covers all signal sources
‘The NAD C 379 is in a class of its own, integrating all the essential components of a high-performance music system and accommodating all music sources from vinyl to digital streaming,’ says Cas Oostvogel, Product Manager at NAD Electronics.
The digital circuitry is built around the renowned 32-bit ESS SABRE ES9028 DAC. It’s a choice this editor can only applaud, as I’ve encountered many highly musical digital converters with that particular chip.
On the back are two expansion slots for NAD’s MDC modules, allowing you to upgrade the amplifier’s capabilities with new features and A/V technologies. These include BluOS multi-room streaming and Dirac Live room correction.
However, the NAD C 379 comes factory equipped with a range of analogue and digital connectivity options, including aptX HD Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, MM Phono stage and two independent subwoofer outputs.
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Price and availability
The NAD C 379 will be available at the end of June 2024. The price in Europe is € 1,199.