NAD C 388 vs NAD C 338 Detailed Comparison

NAD C 388 vs NAD C 338

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NAD C 388

Integrated Amplifier | 150 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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NAD C 338

Integrated Amplifier | 50 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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NAD C 388

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NAD C 338

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NAD C 388

See at AMAZON

NAD C 338

See at AMAZON

NAD C 388 vs NAD C 338 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing C 388 and C 338, two Integrated Amplifiers by NAD. Let's have a brief look at the main features of NAD C 388 and NAD C 338 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

NAD C 388 Key Specs

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):4-3/4inch x 17-1/8inch x 16-5/8inch

NAD C 338 Key Specs

50 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

Bluetooth v4.0

Weight: 10.70 lbs / 4.86 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):2-13/16inch x 17-1/8inch x 12-3/16inch

What size room are the NAD C 388 and NAD C 338 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 338
Near-field	Are you nuts?	Average
Small Room	Bad	Good
Mid-size Room	Poor	Average
Large Room	Good	Poor
Very Large Room	Good	Bad

C 388 and C 338 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 C 389	130 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C316BEE V2	40 watts	4-ohms	No
NAD C 368 BluOS-2i	80 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 399	180 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 388	150 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 328	40 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 368	80 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 700	80 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 399 BluOS-D	180 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 388 BluOS-2i	150 watts	4-ohms	Yes

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how NAD C 388 and NAD C 338 compares and end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these amplifiers is the better choice for you.

**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.

Reasons to choose NAD C 388 over NAD C 338

Watts into 8-ohms	150 watts vs 50 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms	150 watts vs 50 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 338 over NAD C 388

MSRP Price(*)	799USD vs 1,499USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Signal to Noise Ratio	98 dB vs 95 dB	Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Wi-Fi	Yes vs No	High quality streaming over WiFi
Built-in Chromecast	Yes vs No	Compatible with Chromecast Streaming
Built-in Chromecast	Yes vs No	Compatible with Chromecast Streaming
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 338 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 338 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 338 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 338?

Here are the items that come with the C 338:

Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier

6-feet AC power cord

2 WiFi antennas

Bluetooth antenna

Remote control (Amp 3)

CR2025 3V battery

Quick Setup Guide

Chromecast Built-in installation instructions

Warranty Information

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