The C 389 is an Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC by NAD that delivers 130 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 130 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the C 389 compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. Thanks to its built-in ESS Sabre ES9028 DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. NAD C 389 lets you connect your turntable via its Phono input and start listening to your vinyl collection without a hassle. NAD C 389 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
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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 389 is rated at 130 watts RMS into 8-ohms. NAD provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.02% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 130 watts into 8-ohms (20-20k) at 0.02%
- 130 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 389 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 389 Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the NAD C 389 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
| Listening Environment |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Poor |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Good |
| Very Large Room | Average |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the NAD C 389, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
NAD C 389 has total of 3 Analog inputs including 1 Phono Input (MM).
NAD C 389 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
- Phono Input
- 2 Optical Digital Input
- 2 Coaxial Digital Input
- USB Input:
- HDMI Input (eARC)
Outputs
- Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
- 1/4 Headphone Output
- Subwoofer Output
Bluetooth Connectivity
NAD C 389 features built-in Bluetooth 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 389 supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:
Bluetooth Transmitter:NAD C 389 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 389 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 389 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 389 amp and your speakers.
DAC and Digital Music
The NAD C 389's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the C 389 is the
ESS Sabre ES9028, and supports resolutions up to
32-bit, 384KHZ.
NAD C 389 External Dimensions and Weight
NAD C 389 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 3-15/16 x 7-1/8 x 15-7/16 inch (100 x 435 x 392 mm ). The unit weighs
8.70kg / 19.1lbs.
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 389 is approximately 1705.0cm2 / 264.3inch2.
- Width: 435.0mm (17-1/8")
- Height: 100.0mm (3-15/16")
- Depth: 392.0mm (15-7/16")
- Weight: 8.70 kg (19.10lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~1705.0cm2 / 264.3inch2
- Volume: ~17.1 liter / 4.5 gallon
Available colors
NAD C 389 is available in Black color options.
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the NAD C 389 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for NAD C 389
Warranty
2 Years of parts warranty and 2 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the NAD C 389 by the manufacturer.
NAD C 389 Lifestyle
| General |
| Brand |
NAD |
| Full Model Name |
NAD C 389 |
| Amplifier Type |
Integrated Amplifier |
| Amp Class |
Class D |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
130 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
130 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20-20k |
| THD |
0.02% |
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
95 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
Yes |
| DAC Specs |
ESS Sabre ES9028 |
| 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 |
3 |
| Phono Input |
Yes |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
2 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
2 |
| USB Input |
Yes |
| USB Type |
USB-A(Service Only) |
| Preamp Outputs |
Stereo RCA, Sub |
| Pre-out / Main-in Loop |
No |
| Headphone Output |
1/4 |
| Subwoofer Output |
Yes |
| Removable Power Cord |
IEC 3-prong |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
100.0mm (3-15/16") |
| Width |
435.0mm (17-1/8") |
| Depth |
392.0mm (15-7/16") |
| Weight |
8.70 kg (19.10lbs) |
| Available Colors |
Black |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |