The C 388 is an Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC by NAD that delivers 150 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 150 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It was released in 2016. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the C 388 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 388 lets you connect your turntable via its Phono input and start listening to your vinyl collection without a hassle. NAD C 388 has an MSRP of 1499$.
There are 10 NAD amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
NAD Integrated Amplifier Series
**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our 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 388 is rated at 150 watts RMS into 8-ohms. NAD provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.009% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 150 watts into 8-ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz) at 0.009%
- 150 watts into 4-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
- 95dB Signal to Noise Ratio
How loud will 150 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 388?
150 W into 8 ohms, 150 W into 4, rated down to 4 ohms.
We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current
delivery.
When pairing the NAD C 388 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 388 Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the NAD C 388 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
| Listening Environment |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Are you nuts? |
| Small Room | Bad |
| Mid-size Room | Poor |
| Large Room | Good |
| Very Large Room | Good |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the NAD C 388, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
NAD C 388 has total of 2 Analog inputs including 1 Phono Input (MM).
NAD C 388 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
- USB Input:
Outputs
- Speaker Outputs (A/B switchable)
- Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
- 1/4 Headphone Output
Bluetooth Connectivity
NAD C 388 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:
NAD C 388 supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:
Bluetooth Transmitter:NAD C 388 can also act as a Bluetooth transmitter, making it possible to stream the music from the amp to your bluetooth headphones or speakers.
Phono Input
NAD C 388 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 388 has Stereo RCA preamp outputs which can be used to connect to a powered subwoofer via an RCA cable ( as long as your sub supports this connection).
Check our
Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with NAD C 388 amp and your speakers.
DAC and Digital Music
The NAD C 388's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC.
NAD C 388 External Dimensions and Weight
NAD C 388 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 4-3/4inch x 17-1/8inch x 16-5/8inch (121.0mm x 435.0mm x 423.0mm ). The unit weighs
11.23 kg (24.7 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 388 is approximately 1840.1cm2 / 285.2inch2.
- Width: 435.0mm (17-1/8")
- Height: 121.0mm (4-3/4")
- Depth: 423.0mm (16-5/8")
- Weight: 11.23 kg (24.7 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~1840.1cm2 / 285.2inch2
- Volume: ~22.3 liter / 5.9 gallon
What's in the Box of NAD C 388?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of C 388:
- Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier
- 6-feet AC power cord
- Bluetooth antenna
- Remote control (SR 9)
- 2 AA batteries
- Quick Setup Guide
- Warranty Information
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the NAD C 388 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for NAD C 388
Warranty
2 Years of parts warranty and 2 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the NAD C 388 by the manufacturer.
| General |
| Brand |
NAD |
| Full Model Name |
NAD C 388 |
| Release Date |
2016 |
| Amplifier Type |
Integrated Amplifier |
| Amp Class |
Class D |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
150 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
150 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20 Hz-20 kHz |
| THD |
0.009% |
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
95 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 |
Yes |
| USB Type |
USB-A(Service Only) |
| Preamp Outputs |
Stereo RCA |
| Pre-out / Main-in Loop |
No |
| Headphone Output |
1/4 |
| Removable Power Cord |
IEC 3-prong |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
121.0mm (4-3/4") |
| Width |
435.0mm (17-1/8") |
| Depth |
423.0mm (16-5/8") |
| Weight |
11.23 kg (24.7 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Tone Controls |
Yes |
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |