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  1. Home
  2. NAD Amplifiers
  3. Integrated Amplifiers
  4. NAD C3030S
NAD C3030S Review
NAD C3030S - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 50 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • 2-channel
  • Class D
  • Minimum impedance: 4 ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Wi-Fi (802.11ac)
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • HDMI Input (1)
  • Bluetooth v5.0
  • Weight: 12.80 lbs / 5.81 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):5-1/8 x 14-1/16 x 13-5/16 inch
MSRP: $1,499 (list price)
Check price atAmazon›
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NAD C3030S Review
NAD C3030S NAD C3030S
Check price atAmazon›

Made by NAD · Canada · since 1972 · sold through dealers

The C3030S is a streaming integrated amplifier by NAD that delivers 50 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 50 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. It was released in January 2026. It is a 2-channel design using a Class D output stage. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. It has a built-in DAC, so you can play digital sources directly with no separate DAC unit needed. It also has a phono input, so a turntable can connect straight to it. The NAD C3030S has an MSRP of $1,499.

There are 10 NAD amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

NAD Integrated Amplifier Series
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Bluetooth
NAD C316BEE V2
Compare
404ΩNoNo
NAD C 389
Compare
1304ΩYesYes
NAD C 399
Compare
1804ΩYesYes
NAD D 3020 V2
Compare
304ΩYesYes
NAD C 388
Compare
1504ΩYesYes
NAD C 368
Compare
804ΩYesYes
NAD C 328
Compare
404ΩYesYes
NAD C 368 BluOS-2i
Compare
804ΩYesYes
NAD Masters Series M10 V2
Compare
1004ΩYesYes
NAD C 700
Compare
804ΩYesYes

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 C3030S 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 Hz-20 kHz) at 0.03%
  • 50 watts into 4-ohms
  • 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
  • 90dB Signal to Noise Ratio

How loud will 50 watts actually play in your room? →

Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →

Which speakers suit the NAD C3030S?

50 W into 8 ohms, 50 W into 4, rated down to 4 ohms. We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current delivery.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Need more power?

NAD C3030S is rated at 50 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our Up to 60 watts band. The next band up is 61 to 90 watts, which is worth about 3.9dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.

  • Cambridge Audio CXA81 – 80 watts, $1,499 compare
  • Marantz PM8006 – 70 watts, $1,499 compare
  • NAD C 379 BluOS-D – 80 watts, $1,499 compare

Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room.

When pairing the NAD C3030S 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.


Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the NAD C3030S, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.

Inputs
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • USB Input

Outputs
  • Speaker Outputs
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output (Single)

Bluetooth Connectivity

NAD C3030S features built-in Bluetooth 5.0 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/ C3030S
  • Cambridge Audio CXA81 - MSRP 1299$ - Compare w/ C3030S
  • NAD C 389 - MSRP 1499$ - Compare w/ C3030S
  • Marantz PM7000N - MSRP 1299$ - Compare w/ C3030S
  • Audiolab 6000A MKII - MSRP 1099$ - Compare w/ C3030S

DAC and Digital Music

The NAD C3030S's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC.

NAD C3030S Pros and Cons

Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.

  • ✓Class D output stage, so it runs cool and wastes little power as heat - which is how it fits in a small case.
  • ✓Built-in DAC handling 32-bit / 384, so a TV, computer or streamer can connect digitally with nothing in between.
  • ✓Digital inputs cover 1 optical and USB.
  • ✓Phono stage built in, so a turntable needs no separate preamplifier.
  • ✓Streams over the network without a separate streamer: AirPlay 2, Roon and BluOS.
  • ✓Bluetooth (version 5.0) for playing straight from a phone.
  • ✓Dedicated subwoofer output (Single).
  • ✓Headphone output (1/4).
  • ✓Detachable mains lead (IEC 3-prong).
  • ✗Output rises only from 50 to 50 watts when the load halves to 4 ohms, so it is happier with an easy 8 ohm speaker than a demanding one.

NAD C3030S External Dimensions and Weight

NAD C3030S has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 5-1/8 x 14-1/16 x 13-5/16 inch (130.2 x 357.2 x 338.1 mm ). The unit weighs 5.81 kg (12.8 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 C3030S is approximately 1207.7cm2 / 187.2inch2.

  • Width: 357.2mm (14-1/16")
  • Height: 130.2mm (5-1/8")
  • Depth: 338.1mm (13-5/16")
  • Weight: 5.81 kg (12.8 lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~1207.7cm2 / 187.2inch2
  • Volume: ~15.7 liter / 4.2 gallon

Warranty

2 Years of parts warranty and 2 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the NAD C3030S by the manufacturer.

NAD C3030S Detailed Specifications

General
Brand NAD
Full Model Name NAD C3030S
Release Date January 2026
Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
Number of Channels 2
Amp Class Class D
Amplifier Technology Solid State
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 Hz-20 kHz
THD 0.03%
Minimum Impedance 4
Signal to Noise Ratio 90 dB
Digital Music
Built-in DAC Yes
Bluetooth Yes
WiFi 802.11ac
Ecosystem
Apple AirPlay Yes
Apple AirPlay2 Yes
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon Ready
HEOS No
BluOS Yes

CONNECTIONS
Phono Input Yes
Optical Digital Inputs 1
Coaxial Digital Inputs No
USB Input Yes
Preamp Outputs No
Pre-out / Main-in Loop No
Headphone Output 1/4
Removable Power Cord IEC 3-prong
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height 130.2mm (5-1/8")
Width 357.2mm (14-1/16")
Depth 338.1mm (13-5/16")
Weight 5.81 kg (12.8 lbs)
OTHER
Parts Warranty 2 Years
Labor Warranty 2 Years
NAD C3030S Alternatives in Streaming Amplifiers
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Phono
NAD C3030
Compare
504ΩYesYes
NAD C 388
Compare
1504ΩYesMM
NAD D 3020 V2
Compare
304ΩYesMM
NAD C 700
Compare
804ΩYesNo
NAD C 368 BluOS-2i
Compare
804ΩYesMM
NAD C 368
Compare
804ΩYesMM
NAD C316BEE V2
Compare
404ΩNoMM
NAD C 389
Compare
1304ΩYesMM
Frequently Asked Questions about NAD C3030S

How much power does the NAD C3030S have?

The NAD C3030S delivers 50 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 50 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms.

Does the NAD C3030S use vacuum tubes?

No. The NAD C3030S is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.

What amplifier class is the NAD C3030S?

The NAD C3030S uses a Class D amplifier design. Class D is a modern switching design that runs cool and wastes very little energy as heat, which is how makers fit high power into a compact, light chassis.

Does the NAD C3030S have a built-in DAC?

Yes. The NAD C3030S has a built-in DAC, so you can feed it a digital source directly without buying a separate converter.

Can I connect a turntable to the NAD C3030S?

Yes. The NAD C3030S has a built-in phono stage, so a turntable can be connected directly without a separate phono preamp.

Does the NAD C3030S have Bluetooth?

Yes. The NAD C3030S supports Bluetooth (Bluetooth 5.0), so you can stream straight from a phone, tablet or laptop.

Can the NAD C3030S stream music over the network?

Yes. The NAD C3030S is a streaming amplifier, with Wi-Fi (802.11ac). It plays from your network without a separate streamer.

Can I connect a subwoofer to the NAD C3030S?

Yes. The NAD C3030S has a single subwoofer output, so you can add a powered subwoofer to extend the low end below what your main speakers manage.

Does the NAD C3030S have a headphone output?

Yes. The NAD C3030S has a 1/4-inch headphone output on the front panel for private listening.

How much does the NAD C3030S cost?

The NAD C3030S has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,499.

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