The C 328 is an integrated amplifier with built-in DAC by NAD that delivers 40 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 40 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It was released in November 2017. It is a 2-channel design using a Class D output stage. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. It has a built-in DAC, so you can play digital sources directly with no separate DAC unit needed. It also has a phono input, so a turntable can connect straight to it. The NAD C 328 has an MSRP of $699.
There are 10 NAD amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
NAD Integrated Amplifier Series
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 328 is rated at 40 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:
- 40 watts into 8-ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz) at 0.03%
- 40 watts into 4-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
- 100dB Signal to Noise Ratio
How loud will 40 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Which speakers suit the NAD C 328?
40 W into 8 ohms, 40 W into 4, rated down to 4 ohms.
We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current
delivery.
Need more power?
NAD C 328 is rated at 40 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our Up to 60 watts band. The next band up is 61 to 90 watts, which is worth about 3.9dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.
Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room.
When pairing the NAD C 328 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 328 Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the NAD C 328 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
| Listening Environment |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Good |
| Small Room | Good |
| Mid-size Room | Average |
| Large Room | Poor |
| Very Large Room | No way |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the NAD C 328, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
NAD C 328 has total of 2 Analog inputs including 1 Phono Input (MM).
NAD C 328 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
- Phono Input
- 2 Optical Digital Input
- 2 Coaxial Digital Input
Outputs
- Speaker Outputs
- Sub Preamp Outputs
- 1/4 Headphone Output
- Subwoofer Output (1)
Bluetooth Connectivity
NAD C 328 features built-in Bluetooth 4.0 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:
Phono Input
NAD C 328 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 328 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 328 amp and your speakers.
DAC and Digital Music
The NAD C 328's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC.
NAD C 328 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓Class D output stage, so it runs cool and wastes little power as heat - which is how it fits in a small case.
- ✓Signal-to-noise ratio of 100dB, so the amplifier itself should be inaudible between tracks.
- ✓Built-in DAC handling 24-bit / 192, so a TV, computer or streamer can connect digitally with nothing in between.
- ✓Digital inputs cover 2 optical and 2 coaxial.
- ✓Phono stage built in (MM), so a turntable needs no separate preamplifier.
- ✓Bluetooth (version 4.0) for playing straight from a phone.
- ✓Pre-outs (Sub) leave room to add a power amplifier or an active subwoofer later.
- ✓Headphone output (1/4).
- ✓Has tone controls.
- ✓Detachable mains lead (IEC 2-prong).
- ✗Output rises only from 40 to 40 watts when the load halves to 4 ohms, so it is happier with an easy 8 ohm speaker than a demanding one.
- ✗The phono stage is moving-magnet only; a moving-coil cartridge would need a step-up or an external stage.
NAD C 328 External Dimensions and Weight
NAD C 328 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 2-13/16inch x 17-1/8inch x 12-3/16inch (72.0mm x 435.0mm x 310.0mm ). The unit weighs
4.91 kg (10.8 lbs).
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 328 is approximately 1348.5cm2 / 209.0inch2.
- Width: 435.0mm (17-1/8")
- Height: 72.0mm (2-13/16")
- Depth: 310.0mm (12-3/16")
- Weight: 4.91 kg (10.8 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~1348.5cm2 / 209.0inch2
- Volume: ~9.7 liter / 2.6 gallon
What's in the Box of NAD C 328?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of C 328:
- Stereo integrated amplifier
- 6-feet AC power cord
- Remote control (AMP 3)
- CR2025 3V battery (installed in remote)
- Bluetooth antenna
- Quick Setup Guide
- Warranty Card
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the NAD C 328 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for NAD C 328
Warranty
2 Years of parts warranty and 2 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the NAD C 328 by the manufacturer.
| General |
| Brand |
NAD |
| Full Model Name |
NAD C 328 |
| Release Date |
November 2017 |
| Amplifier Type |
Integrated Amplifier |
| Number of Channels |
2 |
| Amp Class |
Class D |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
40 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
40 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20 Hz-20 kHz |
| THD |
0.03% |
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
100 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
Yes |
| Bluetooth |
Yes |
| WiFi |
|
| Ecosystem |
| Apple AirPlay |
No |
| Apple AirPlay2 |
No |
| DTS Play-Fi |
No |
| Chromecast built-in |
No |
| Roon |
No |
| HEOS |
No |
| BluOS |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
2 |
| Phono Input |
Yes |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
2 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
2 |
| USB Input |
No |
| Preamp Outputs |
Sub |
| Pre-out / Main-in Loop |
No |
| Headphone Output |
1/4 |
| Subwoofer Output |
Yes |
| Removable Power Cord |
IEC 2-prong |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
72.0mm (2-13/16") |
| Width |
435.0mm (17-1/8") |
| Depth |
310.0mm (12-3/16") |
| Weight |
4.91 kg (10.8 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Tone Controls |
Yes |
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |