The C 338 is an Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC by NAD that delivers 50 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 50 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the C 338 compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. Thanks to its built-in DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. NAD C 338 lets you connect your turntable via its Phono input and start listening to your vinyl collection without a hassle. NAD C 338 has an MSRP of 799$.
There are 10 NAD amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
NAD Integrated Amplifier Series
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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 338 is rated at 50 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:
- 50 watts into 8-ohms (20-20k) at 0.03%
- 50 watts into 4-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
- 98dB Signal to Noise Ratio
When pairing the NAD C 338 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 338 Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the NAD C 338 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
Listening Environment |
Suitability |
Near-field | Average |
Small Room | Good |
Mid-size Room | Average |
Large Room | Poor |
Very Large Room | Bad |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the NAD C 338, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
NAD C 338 has total of 2 Analog inputs including 1 Phono Input (MM).
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
- Phono Input
- 2 Optical Digital Input
- 2 Coaxial Digital Input
Outputs
- Sub Preamp Outputs
- 1/4 Headphone Output
- Subwoofer Output
Bluetooth Connectivity
NAD C 338 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 338 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 338 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 338 amp and your speakers.
DAC and Digital Music
The NAD C 338's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC.
NAD C 338 External Dimensions and Weight
NAD C 338 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
4.86kg / 10.7lbs.
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 338 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: 4.86 kg (10.70lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~1348.5cm2 / 209.0inch2
- Volume: ~9.7 liter / 2.6 gallon
What's in the Box of NAD C 338?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of C 338:
Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier6-feet AC power cord2 WiFi antennasBluetooth antennaRemote control (Amp 3)CR2025 3V batteryQuick Setup GuideChromecast Built-in installation instructionsWarranty Information-inchAttention-inch note
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the NAD C 338 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for NAD C 338
Warranty
2 Years of parts warranty and 2 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the NAD C 338 by the manufacturer.
General |
Brand |
NAD |
Full Model Name |
NAD C 338 |
Amplifier Type |
Integrated Amplifier |
Amp Class |
Class D |
Performance |
Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
50 watts |
Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
50 watts |
Frequency Bandwidth |
20-20k |
THD |
0.03% |
Minimum Impedance |
4 |
Signal to Noise Ratio |
98 dB |
Digital Music |
Built-in DAC |
Yes |
Bluetooth |
Yes |
WiFi |
802.11n |
Ecosystem |
Apple AirPlay |
No |
Apple AirPlay2 |
No |
DTS Play-Fi |
No |
Chromecast built-in |
Yes |
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 3-prong |
PHYSICAL SPECS |
Height |
72.0mm (2-13/16") |
Width |
435.0mm (17-1/8") |
Depth |
310.0mm (12-3/16") |
Weight |
4.86 kg (10.70lbs) |
OTHER |
Tone Controls |
Yes |
Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
Labor Warranty |
2 Years |