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NAD C 388 Review
NAD C 388

Main Features

  • 150 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Bluetooth v4.0
  • Weight: 24.70 lbs / 11.23 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):4-3/4 x 17-1/8 x 16-5/8 inch
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NAD C 388 Review
NAD C 388 NAD C 388
See at AMAZON

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. 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
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
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 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 (20-20k) 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

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-fieldAre you nuts?
Small RoomBad
Mid-size RoomPoor
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomGood

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
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:
    • USB-A(Service Only)

Outputs
  • 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:

  • Rotel A12 MKII - MSRP 1100$ - Compare w/ C 388
  • Audiolab 6000A - MSRP 899$ - Compare w/ C 388
  • NAD C 389 - MSRP 1499$ - Compare w/ C 388
  • Cambridge Audio CXA81 - MSRP 1299$ - Compare w/ C 388
  • Cambridge Audio CXA61 - MSRP 999$ - Compare w/ C 388

NAD C 388 supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • AptX

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 11.23kg / 24.7lbs.

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 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 (24.70lbs)
  • 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.

    NAD C 388 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand NAD
    Full Model Name NAD C 388
    Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
    Amp Class Class D
    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 20-20k
    THD 0.009%
    Minimum Impedance 4
    Signal to Noise Ratio 95 dB
    Digital Music
    Built-in DAC Yes
    Bluetooth Yes
    WiFi N/A
    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 (24.70lbs)
    OTHER
    Tone Controls Yes
    Parts Warranty 2 Years
    Labor Warranty 2 Years
    NAD C 388 Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
    Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Phono Stage
    NAD C 399 BluOS-D
    Compare
    180 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    NAD C 389
    Compare
    130 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    NAD C 368
    Compare
    80 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    NAD C 399
    Compare
    180 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    NAD C 700
    Compare
    80 watts4-ohmsYesNo
    NAD C 338
    Compare
    50 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    Cambridge Audio CXA81
    Compare
    80 watts4-ohmsYesNo
    NAD C 368 BluOS-2i
    Compare
    80 watts4-ohmsYesMM
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