NAD C 389 vs NAD C 368 Detailed Comparison

NAD C 389 vs NAD C 368

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NAD C 389

Integrated Amplifier | 130 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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NAD C 368

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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NAD C 389

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NAD C 368

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NAD C 389

See at AMAZON

NAD C 368

See at AMAZON

NAD C 389 vs NAD C 368 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing C 389 and C 368, two Integrated Amplifiers by NAD. Let's have a brief look at the main features of NAD C 389 and NAD C 368 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

NAD C 389 Key Specs

130 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

USB Input

Bluetooth

HDMI Input (eARC)

Weight: 19.10 lbs / 8.70 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):3-15/16 x 7-1/8 x 15-7/16 inch

NAD C 368 Key Specs

80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

USB Input

Bluetooth v4.0

Weight: 17.20 lbs / 7.82 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):4inch x 17-1/8inch x 16-5/8inch

What size room are the NAD C 389 and NAD C 368 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 389	NAD C 368
Near-field	Poor	Poor
Small Room	Poor	Average
Mid-size Room	Good	Good
Large Room	Good	Average
Very Large Room	Average	Poor

C 389 and C 368 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 399	180 watts	4-ohms	Yes
NAD C 368 BluOS-2i	80 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 389 and NAD C 368 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 389 over NAD C 368

Watts into 8-ohms	130 watts vs 80 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms	130 watts vs 80 watts	Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.02% vs 0.03%	Less Harmonic Distortion
Total Analog Inputs	3 vs 2	More options for connecting Analog sources
Base Surface Area	1705.0cm²/ 264.3inch² vs 1840.1cm²/ 285.2inch²	takes less space in your room
Height	100mm vs 102mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose NAD C 368 over NAD C 389

MSRP Price(*)	1,199USD 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

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 389 and NAD C 368 differs from each other.

NAD C 389 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
Phono Input
2 Optical Digital Input
2 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB-A(Service Only)
HDMI eARC

NAD C 368 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 389 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs

Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
1/4 Headphone Output
Subwoofer Output

Outputs

Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
1/4 Headphone Output

NAD C 368 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of NAD C 368?

Here are the items that come with the C 368:

Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier

6-feet AC power cord

Bluetooth antenna

Remote control (SR 9)

2 AA batteries

Quick Setup Guide

Warranty Information