NAD C 388 vs Rotel A12 MKII Detailed Comparison

NAD C 388 vs Rotel A12 MKII

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NAD C 388

Integrated Amplifier | 150 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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Rotel A12 MKII

Integrated Amplifier | 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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NAD C 388

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Rotel A12 MKII

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NAD C 388

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Rotel A12 MKII

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NAD C 388 vs Rotel A12 MKII Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing C 388 and A12 MKII, two Integrated Amplifiers from NAD and Rotel. Let's have a brief look at the main features of NAD C 388 and Rotel A12 MKII 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

Rotel A12 MKII Key Specs

60 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

USB Input

Bluetooth

Weight: 19.70 lbs / 8.95 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):3-11/16inch x 17inch x 14-7/8inch

What size room are the NAD C 388 and Rotel A12 MKII 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	Rotel A12 MKII
Near-field	Are you nuts?	Average
Small Room	Bad	Good
Mid-size Room	Poor	Average
Large Room	Good	Poor
Very Large Room	Good	Bad

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how NAD C 388 and Rotel A12 MKII 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 Rotel A12 MKII

Watts into 8-ohms	150 watts vs 60 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.009% vs 0.03%	Less Harmonic Distortion

Reasons to choose Rotel A12 MKII over NAD C 388

MSRP Price(*)	1,100USD 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
Total Analog Inputs	4 vs 2	More options for connecting Analog sources
Base Surface Area	1633.0cm²/ 253.1inch² vs 1840.1cm²/ 285.2inch²	takes less space in your room
Height	94mm 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 Rotel A12 MKII 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)

Rotel A12 MKII Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
Phono Input
2 Optical Digital Input
2 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB-A front(Connects to iOS devices)
- USB-A rear (Charging only)
- USB-B (allows connection to your Windows PC or Mac computer)

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

Outputs

Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
1/4 Headphone Output

Outputs

Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
3.5mm Headphone Output

Rotel A12 MKII 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 Rotel A12 MKII?

Here are the items that come with the A12 MKII:

Stereo integrated amplifier

58-inch AC power cord

Remote control (RR-AX1400)

2 AAA batteries

5-feet USB-B to USB-A cable

Quick Installation Guide

Warranty/Registration Card

Important Safety Instructions

Addendum For Roon Test