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NAD C 3050 BluOS-D Review
NAD C 3050 BluOS-D

Main Features

  • 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • HDMI Input (eARC)
  • Bluetooth v5.0
  • Weight: 22.00 lbs / 10.00 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):5-1/16 x 17-11/16 x 14-5/16 inch
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NAD C 3050 Review
NAD C 3050 NAD C 3050
See at AMAZON

The C 3050 BluOS-D is an Streaming Integrated Amplifier by NAD that delivers 100 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 100 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the C 3050 BluOS-D compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. Thanks to its built-in Texas Instruments TI PCM5242 DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. NAD C 3050 lets you connect your turntable via its Phono input and start listening to your vinyl collection without a hassle. NAD C 3050 has an MSRP of 1899$ but can often be found around 1799$.

There are 10 NAD amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

NAD Integrated Amplifier Series
Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Bluetooth
NAD C 389
Compare
130 watts4-ohmsYesYes
NAD C316BEE V2
Compare
40 watts4-ohmsNoNo
NAD D 3020 V2
Compare
30 watts4-ohmsYesYes
NAD C 399
Compare
180 watts4-ohmsYesYes
NAD C 368 BluOS-2i
Compare
80 watts4-ohmsYesYes
NAD C 388
Compare
150 watts4-ohmsYesYes
NAD C 328
Compare
40 watts4-ohmsYesYes
NAD C 368
Compare
80 watts4-ohmsYesYes
NAD Masters Series M10 V2
Compare
100 watts4-ohmsYesYes
NAD C 700
Compare
80 watts4-ohmsYesYes


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Performance Specs

One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements.The NAD C 3050 is rated at 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms. NAD provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.03% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).

Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:

  • 100 watts into 8-ohms (20-20k) at 0.03%
  • 100 watts into 4-ohms
  • 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
  • 95dB Signal to Noise Ratio

When pairing the NAD C 3050 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels. Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.


What size of room is the NAD C 3050 Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the NAD C 3050 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:

Listening Environment Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomPoor
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomAverage

Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the NAD C 3050, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. NAD C 3050 has total of 2 Analog inputs including 1 Phono Input (MM).

NAD C 3050 Back View
NAD C 3050 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • USB A
  • HDMI Input (eARC)

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • Pre-out/Main-in Loop
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output

Bluetooth Connectivity

NAD C 3050 features built-in Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.

Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:

  • Rotel A14 MKII - MSRP 1600$ - Compare w/ C 3050 BluOS-D
  • LEAK Stereo 230 - MSRP 1695$ - Compare w/ C 3050 BluOS-D
  • NAD C 399 - MSRP 1999$ - Compare w/ C 3050 BluOS-D
  • NAD C 368 BluOS-2i - MSRP 1749$ - Compare w/ C 3050 BluOS-D
  • JBL SA550 C - MSRP 1999$ - Compare w/ C 3050 BluOS-D

NAD C 3050 supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • aptX HD
  • AAC
  • SBC

Phono Input

NAD C 3050 features one Phono Input which is compatible with MM (Moving Magnet) type of phono cartridges, you can connect your turntable with MM cartridges directly to this amp without the need for a phono preamp. If you are using an MC cartridge on your turntable, you need to use a phono preamp that has MC phono stage such as the Cambridge Duo or the iFi ZEN Phono.

Subwoofer Output

NAD C 3050 has a dedicated subwoofer output which can be used to connect it directly to a powered subwoofer via an LFE(Low Frequency Effects) cable.
Check our Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with NAD C 3050 amp and your speakers.

DAC and Digital Music

The NAD C 3050's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the C 3050 BluOS-D is the Texas Instruments TI PCM5242, and supports resolutions up to 24-bit, 192KHZ.

NAD C 3050 External Dimensions and Weight

NAD C 3050 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 5-1/16inch x 17-11/16inch x 14-5/16inch (129.0mm x 450.0mm x 364.0mm ). The unit weighs 10.00kg / 22lbs.

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of the NAD C 3050 is approximately 1638.0cm2 / 253.9inch2.

  • Width: 450.0mm (17-11/16")
  • Height: 129.0mm (5-1/16")
  • Depth: 364.0mm (14-5/16")
  • Weight: 10.00 kg (22.00lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~1638.0cm2 / 253.9inch2
  • Volume: ~21.1 liter / 5.6 gallon

Available colors

NAD C 3050 is available in Black color options.

What's in the Box of NAD C 3050?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of C 3050 BluOS-D:
  • Integrated amplifier
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control (SR 10)
  • 2 -inchAA-inch batteries
  • Auto calibration microphone
  • USB microphone adapter
  • 3 Antennas
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • MDC2 BluOS-D Instructions
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Dirac Live Quickstart Guide
  • Warranty Card
  • Warranty

    2 Years of parts warranty and 2 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the NAD C 3050 by the manufacturer.

    NAD C 3050 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand NAD
    Full Model Name NAD C 3050 BluOS-D
    Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
    Amp Class Class D
    Performance
    Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 100 watts
    Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
    Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms 100 watts
    Frequency Bandwidth 20-20k
    THD 0.03%
    Minimum Impedance 4
    Signal to Noise Ratio 95 dB
    Digital Music
    Built-in DAC Yes
    DAC Specs Texas Instruments TI PCM5242
    Bluetooth Yes
    WiFi 802.11ac
    Ecosystem
    Apple AirPlay Yes
    Apple AirPlay2 Yes
    DTS Play-Fi No
    Chromecast built-in No
    Roon Ready
    HEOS No
    BluOS Yes

    CONNECTIONS
    Total Analog Inputs 2
    Phono Input Yes
    Optical Digital Inputs 1
    Coaxial Digital Inputs 1
    USB Input Yes
    USB Type USB A
    Preamp Outputs Stereo RCA
    Pre-out / Main-in Loop Yes
    Headphone Output 1/4
    Subwoofer Output Yes
    Removable Power Cord IEC 3-prong
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height 129.0mm (5-1/16")
    Width 450.0mm (17-11/16")
    Depth 364.0mm (14-5/16")
    Weight 10.00 kg (22.00lbs)
    Available Colors Black
    OTHER
    Tone Controls Yes
    Parts Warranty 2 Years
    Labor Warranty 2 Years
    NAD C 3050 BluOS-D Alternatives in Streaming Amplifiers
    Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Phono Stage
    LEAK Stereo 230
    Compare
    75 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    NAD C 368
    Compare
    80 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    NAD C 389
    Compare
    130 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    NAD C 399
    Compare
    180 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    Yamaha A-S801
    Compare
    100 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    NAD Masters Series M10 V2
    Compare
    100 watts4-ohmsYesNo
    NAD C 388
    Compare
    150 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    Marantz Model 40n
    Compare
    70 watts4-ohmsYesMM
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