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NAD C 389 vs NAD C 700
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NAD C 389

Integrated Amplifier | 130 watts RMS into 8-ohms

NAD C 389
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NAD C 700

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

NAD C 700
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NAD C 389 NAD C 389
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NAD C 700 NAD C 700
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NAD C 389
See at AMAZON
NAD C 700
See at AMAZON
NAD C 389 vs NAD C 700 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by NAD. NAD C 389 is a Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC speaker whereas the C 700 is a Streaming Integrated Amplifier speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of NAD C 389 and NAD C 700 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 700 Key Specs

  • 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • HDMI Input (eARC)
  • Bluetooth v5.0
  • Weight: 10.60 lbs / 4.82 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):3-13/16inch x 8-5/8inch x 11-5/8inch

What size room are the NAD C 389 and NAD C 700 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 700
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 700 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 watts4-ohmsYes
NAD C316BEE V2
  
40 watts4-ohmsNo
NAD C 399
  
180 watts4-ohmsYes
NAD C 368 BluOS-2i
  
80 watts4-ohmsYes
NAD C 388
  
150 watts4-ohmsYes
NAD C 328
  
40 watts4-ohmsYes
NAD C 368
  
80 watts4-ohmsYes
NAD C 700
80 watts4-ohmsYes
NAD C 399 BluOS-D
  
180 watts4-ohmsYes
NAD C 388 BluOS-2i
  
150 watts4-ohmsYes

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how NAD C 389 and NAD C 700 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 700
MSRP Price(*) 1,499USD vs 1,599USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Handheld Remote Yes vs No Control the amplifier by the included RC
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 0.04% Less Harmonic Distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio 95 dB vs 84 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Total Analog Inputs 3 vs 2 More options for connecting Analog sources
PhonoInput Yes vs No Connect a turntable directly to your amp
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 No Connect Sources via USB
Headphone Output 1/4 vs No Connect your headphone to the amplifier
Max Bit Depth 32-bit vs 24-bit Play higher resolution range media
Max Sample Rate 384kHz vs 192kHz Play higher resolution media

Reasons to choose NAD C 700 over NAD C 389
Full-color Display Yes vs No Displays Album and device Info
Wi-Fi Yes vs No High quality streaming over WiFi
Apple AirPlay Yes vs No Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay
Apple AirPlay 2 Yes vs No Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay 2
Roon Ready vs No Roon Compatibility
BluOS Yes vs No Compatible with BluOS Wireless Ecosystem
Base Surface Area 651.2cm2/ 100.9inch2 vs 1705.0cm2/ 264.3inch2 takes less space in your room
Height 97mm vs 100mm 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 389 and NAD C 700 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 700 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
  • HDMI eARC
  • Ethernet Port
NAD C 389 Back View
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, Sub Preamp Outputs
  • Subwoofer Output
NAD C 700 Back View
NAD C 700 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of NAD C 700?

Here are the items that come with the C 700:
  • Integrated amplifier
  • 6.5-feet AC power cord
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Quick Setup Guide
  • Internet Update Guidelines
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • Warranty Information
  • Bluesound Brochure
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