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NAD C 338 Review
NAD C 338

Main Features

  • 50 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • Bluetooth v4.0
  • Weight: 10.70 lbs / 4.86 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):2-13/16 x 17-1/8 x 12-3/16 inch
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NAD C 338 Review
NAD C 338 NAD C 338
See at AMAZON

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
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 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-fieldAverage
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomBad

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).

NAD C 338 Back View
NAD C 338 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

NAD C 338 connection
NAD C 338 Connections

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:

  • Audiolab 7000A - MSRP 999$ - Compare w/ C 338
  • Denon PMA-900HNE - MSRP 949$ - Compare w/ C 338
  • Rotel A11 Tribute - MSRP 800$ - Compare w/ C 338
  • Arcam A15 - MSRP 999$ - Compare w/ C 338
  • Rotel A12 - MSRP 722$ - Compare w/ C 338

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 Amplifier
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • 2 WiFi antennas
  • Bluetooth antenna
  • Remote control (Amp 3)
  • CR2025 3V battery
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Chromecast Built-in installation instructions
  • Warranty 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.

    NAD C 338 Detailed Specifications

    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
    NAD C 338 Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
    Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Phono Stage
    NAD C 328
    Compare
    40 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    NAD C 368
    Compare
    80 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    Audiolab 6000A
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    50 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    NAD C316BEE V2
    Compare
    40 watts4-ohmsNoMM
    Bluesound POWERNODE
    Compare
    80 watts4-ohmsYesNo
    Rotel A11 Tribute
    Compare
    50 watts4-ohmsNoMM
    Denon PMA-900HNE
    Compare
    50 watts4-ohmsYesMM,MC
    NAD C 388
    Compare
    150 watts4-ohmsYesMM
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