NAD C 389 vs NAD D 3045 Detailed Comparison

NAD C 389 vs NAD D 3045

Amp to replace

Change

NAD C 389

Integrated Amplifier | 130 watts RMS into 8-ohms

CHECK PRICE

Change

NAD D 3045

Integrated Amplifier | 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms

CHECK PRICE

NAD C 389

See at AMAZON

NAD D 3045

See at AMAZON

NAD C 389

See at AMAZON

NAD D 3045

See at AMAZON

NAD C 389 vs NAD D 3045 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing C 389 and D 3045, two Integrated Amplifiers by NAD. Let's have a brief look at the main features of NAD C 389 and NAD D 3045 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 D 3045 Key Specs

60 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

HDMI Input (ARC)

Bluetooth v4.0

Weight: 7.90 lbs / 3.59 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):9-5/16inch x 2-13/16inch x 11-3/8inch

What size room are the NAD C 389 and NAD D 3045 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 D 3045
Near-field	Poor	Average
Small Room	Poor	Good
Mid-size Room	Good	Average
Large Room	Good	Poor
Very Large Room	Average	Bad

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how NAD C 389 and NAD D 3045 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 D 3045

Watts into 8-ohms	130 watts vs 60 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-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
Coaxial Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
USB Input	Yes vs ---	Connect Sources via USB
Max Bit Depth	32-bit vs 24-bit	Play higher resolution range media
Height	100mm vs 237mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose NAD D 3045 over NAD C 389

MSRP Price(*)	899USD 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	208.1cm²/ 32.3inch² vs 1705.0cm²/ 264.3inch²	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 389 and NAD D 3045 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 D 3045 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Phono Input
2 Optical Digital Input
1 Coaxial Digital Input
HDMI ARC

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
3.5mm Headphone Output

NAD D 3045 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of NAD D 3045?

Here are the items that come with the D 3045:

Hybrid digital amplifier

6-feet AC power cord

IR remote (AMP 3)

3V CR2025 battery (pre-installed in remote)

8 Self-adhesive rubber feet

Quick Setup Guide

Warranty Information