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NAD C 399 Review
NAD C 399

Main Features

  • 180 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • HDMI Input (eARC)
  • Bluetooth v4.0
  • Weight: 24.70 lbs / 11.23 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):4-13/16 x 17-1/8 x 16-7/16 inch
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NAD C 399 Review
NAD C 399 NAD C 399
See at AMAZON

The C 399 is an Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC by NAD that delivers 180 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 180 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the C 399 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 399 lets you connect your turntable via its Phono input and start listening to your vinyl collection without a hassle. NAD C 399 has an MSRP of 1999$.

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 C 399
180 watts4-ohmsYesYes
NAD D 3020 V2
Compare
30 watts4-ohmsYesYes
NAD C 388
Compare
150 watts4-ohmsYesYes
NAD C 368 BluOS-2i
Compare
80 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 399 is rated at 180 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:

  • 180 watts into 8-ohms (20-20k) at 0.02%
  • 180 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 399 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 399 Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the NAD C 399 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 399, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. NAD C 399 has total of 2 Analog inputs including 1 Phono Input (MM).

NAD C 399 Back View
NAD C 399 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)
  • HDMI Input (eARC)

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output

Bluetooth Connectivity

NAD C 399 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 A14 MKII - MSRP 1600$ - Compare w/ C 399
  • LEAK Stereo 230 - MSRP 1695$ - Compare w/ C 399
  • NAD C 399 - MSRP 1999$ - Compare w/ C 399
  • NAD C 368 BluOS-2i - MSRP 1749$ - Compare w/ C 399
  • JBL SA550 C - MSRP 1999$ - Compare w/ C 399

NAD C 399 supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • AptX HD

Bluetooth Transmitter:

NAD C 399 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 399 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 399 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 399 amp and your speakers.

DAC and Digital Music

The NAD C 399'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 399 is the ESS Sabre ES9028, and supports resolutions up to 32-bit, 384KHZ.

NAD C 399 External Dimensions and Weight

NAD C 399 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 4-13/16inch x 17-1/8inch x 16-7/16inch (123.0mm x 435.0mm x 418.0mm ). 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 399 is approximately 1818.3cm2 / 281.8inch2.

  • Width: 435.0mm (17-1/8")
  • Height: 123.0mm (4-13/16")
  • Depth: 418.0mm (16-7/16")
  • Weight: 11.23 kg (24.70lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~1818.3cm2 / 281.8inch2
  • Volume: ~22.4 liter / 5.9 gallon

Available colors

NAD C 399 is available in Black color options.

What's in the Box of NAD C 399?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of C 399:
  • Integrated amplifier
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control (SR 9)
  • 2 AA batteries
  • Antenna
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Card
  • Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the NAD C 399 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
    Official Product Page for NAD C 399

    Warranty

    2 Years of parts warranty and 2 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the NAD C 399 by the manufacturer.

    NAD C 399  Lifestyle
    NAD C 399 Lifestyle

    NAD C 399 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand NAD
    Full Model Name NAD C 399
    Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
    Amp Class Class D
    Performance
    Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 180 watts
    Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
    Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms 180 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 Yes

    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, Sub
    Pre-out / Main-in Loop No
    Headphone Output 1/4
    Subwoofer Output Yes
    Removable Power Cord IEC 3-prong
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height 123.0mm (4-13/16")
    Width 435.0mm (17-1/8")
    Depth 418.0mm (16-7/16")
    Weight 11.23 kg (24.70lbs)
    Available Colors Black
    OTHER
    Tone Controls Yes
    Parts Warranty 2 Years
    Labor Warranty 2 Years
    NAD C 399 Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
    Model Watts RMS (8-ohms) Minimum Impedance Built-in DAC Phono Stage
    NAD Masters Series M10 V2
    Compare
    100 watts4-ohmsYesNo
    NAD C 389
    Compare
    130 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    Marantz Model 40n
    Compare
    70 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    NAD Masters Series M33
    Compare
    200 watts4-ohmsYesMM,MC
    NAD C 368
    Compare
    80 watts4-ohmsYesMM
    NAD C 700
    Compare
    80 watts4-ohmsYesNo
    Yamaha A-S1200
    Compare
    90 watts4-ohmsNoMM,MC
    NAD C 388
    Compare
    150 watts4-ohmsYesMM
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