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NAD C 389 vs Rega Elex-R
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NAD C 389

Integrated Amplifier | 130 watts RMS into 8-ohms

NAD C 389
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Rega Elex-R

Integrated Amplifier | 72 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Rega Elex-R
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NAD C 389 NAD C 389
See at AMAZON
Rega Elex-R Rega Elex-R
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NAD C 389
See at AMAZON
Rega Elex-R
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NAD C 389 vs Rega Elex-R Integrated Amplifier Comparison

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

Let's have a brief look at the main features of NAD C 389 and Rega Elex-R 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

Rega Elex-R Key Specs

  • 72 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Phono Input
  • Weight: 24.90 lbs / 10.90 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):3.15inch x 16.9inch x 12.6inch

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

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how NAD C 389 and Rega Elex-R 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 Rega Elex-R
Watts into 8-ohms 130 watts vs 72 watts Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Buil-in DAC Yes vs No Connect digital sources without an external DAC
Bluetooth Yes vs No Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Optical Digital Inputs 2 vs No More options for connecting Digital sources
Coaxial Digital Inputs 2 vs No More options for connecting Digital sources
USB Input Yes vs No Connect Sources via USB

Reasons to choose Rega Elex-R over NAD C 389
MSRP Price(*) 1,395USD vs 1,499USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Total Analog Inputs 4 vs 3 More options for connecting Analog sources
Base Surface Area 1376.0cm2/ 213.3inch2 vs 1705.0cm2/ 264.3inch2 takes less space in your room
Height 80mm 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 Rega Elex-R 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
Rega Elex-R Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
  • Phono Input
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 Preamp Outputs
  • 1/4-inch Headphone Output
Rega Elex-R Back View
Rega Elex-R Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

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