NAD C 388 vs NAD D 3020 V2 Detailed Comparison

NAD C 388 vs NAD D 3020 V2

Amp to replace

Change

NAD C 388

Integrated Amplifier | 150 watts RMS into 8-ohms

CHECK PRICE

Change

NAD D 3020 V2

Integrated Amplifier | 30 watts RMS into 8-ohms

CHECK PRICE

NAD C 388

See at AMAZON

NAD D 3020 V2

See at AMAZON

NAD C 388

See at AMAZON

NAD D 3020 V2

See at AMAZON

NAD C 388 vs NAD D 3020 V2 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing C 388 and D 3020 V2, two Integrated Amplifiers by NAD. Let's have a brief look at the main features of NAD C 388 and NAD D 3020 V2 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 D 3020 V2 Key Specs

30 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

Bluetooth v4.0

Weight: 3.10 lbs / 1.41 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):7-3/8inch x 2-5/16inch x 9-3/4inch

What size room are the NAD C 388 and NAD D 3020 V2 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 D 3020 V2
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

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how NAD C 388 and NAD D 3020 V2 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 D 3020 V2

Watts into 8-ohms	150 watts vs 30 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.009% vs 0.1%	Less Harmonic Distortion
Total Analog Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Analog sources
Optical Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
Coaxial Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
USB Input	Yes vs ---	Connect Sources via USB
Height	121mm vs 188mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose NAD D 3020 V2 over NAD C 388

MSRP Price(*)	499USD 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
Base Surface Area	146.3cm²/ 22.7inch² vs 1840.1cm²/ 285.2inch²	takes less space in your room
Vertical use	Yes vs No	Takes less space when placed vertically

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 D 3020 V2 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 D 3020 V2 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 1
Phono Input
1 Optical Digital Input
1 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

3.5mm (2) Preamp Outputs
3.5mm Headphone Output

NAD D 3020 V2 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 D 3020 V2?

Here are the items that come with the D 3020 V2:

Hybrid digital amplifier

6-feet AC power cord

Remote control (AMP 3)

CR2025 3V battery

Minijack-to-RCA adapter

4 Self-adhesive rubber feet

Quick Setup Guide

Warranty Card