NAD C 388 vs NAD C 328 Detailed Comparison

NAD C 388 vs NAD C 328

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NAD C 388

Integrated Amplifier | 150 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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NAD C 328

Integrated Amplifier | 40 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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NAD C 388

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NAD C 328

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NAD C 388

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NAD C 328

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NAD C 388 vs NAD C 328 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing C 388 and C 328, two Integrated Amplifiers by NAD. Let's have a brief look at the main features of NAD C 388 and NAD C 328 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Key Specs	NAD C 388	NAD C 328
Power	150 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 150 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms	40 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 40 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms
Amplifier class	Class D	Class D
Built-in DAC	Yes	Yes
Phono input	Yes	Yes
Headphone output	1/4	1/4
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes
Weight	11.23kg / 24.7lbs	4.91kg / 10.8lbs
Dimensions (H x W x D)	4-3/4" x 17-1/8" x 16-5/8" 121.0mm x 435.0mm x 423.0mm	2-13/16" x 17-1/8" x 12-3/16" 72.0mm x 435.0mm x 310.0mm

What size room are the NAD C 388 and NAD C 328 Amplifiers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these amplifiers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their max power parameters:

Listening Environment	NAD C 388	NAD C 328
Near-field	Are you nuts?	Good
Small Room	Bad	Good
Mid-size Room	Poor	Average
Large Room	Good	Poor
Very Large Room	Good	No way

C 388 and C 328 are members of NAD's Classic series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.

NAD Classic Series History

Model	Watts RMS (8-ohms)	Minimum Impedance	Built-in DAC
NAD C316BEE V2	40 watts	4-ohms	No
NAD C 389	130 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 399	180 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 388	150 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 368	80 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 328	40 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 368 BluOS-2i	80 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 700	80 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 338	50 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 3050	100 watts	4-ohms	Yes

The sections below take each area in turn: power output, inputs and outputs, features and physical size.

**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.

Reasons to choose NAD C 388 over NAD C 328

Watts into 8-ohms	150 watts vs 40 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms	150 watts vs 40 watts	Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.009% vs 0.03%	Less Harmonic Distortion
USB Input	Yes vs No	Connect Sources via USB

Reasons to choose NAD C 328 over NAD C 388

MSRP Price(*)	699USD vs 1,499USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Signal to Noise Ratio	100 dB vs 95 dB	Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Base Surface Area	1348.5cm²/ 209.0inch² vs 1840.1cm²/ 285.2inch²	takes less space in your room
Height	72mm vs 121mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Inputs and Outputs

The input and output selections that are offered is an important factor when comparing two amplifiers. Here you can find how the I/O selections of the NAD C 388 and NAD C 328 differs from each other.

NAD C 388 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Phono Input
2 Optical Digital Input
2 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB-A(Service Only)

NAD C 328 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Phono Input
2 Optical Digital Input
2 Coaxial Digital Input

NAD C 388 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs

Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
1/4 Headphone Output

Outputs

Sub Preamp Outputs
1/4 Headphone Output
Subwoofer Output

NAD C 328 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

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

What's in the Box of NAD C 328?

Here are the items that come with the C 328:

Stereo integrated amplifier
6-feet AC power cord
Remote control (AMP 3)
CR2025 3V battery (installed in remote)
Bluetooth antenna
Quick Setup Guide
Warranty Card