NAD C379
Overview
The NAD C 379 is the latest addition to NAD Electronics’ Classic series. This stereo integrated amplifier positions itself as a full-featured, affordable unit that combines innovation and performance. It features a carefully engineered Class D output stage, an ESS SABRE digital-to-analog converter, and 2nd-generation MDC (Modular Design Construction) technology for exceptional upgradeability.
Design and construction
The C 379 sports a clean, purposeful design typical of NAD’s Classic range. Its chassis is made entirely of anodized aluminum, with a thick front panel and rounded edges. The user interface includes a monochrome display, a multidirectional navigation knob, a source selector, and a volume control dial.
Hybrid digital amplification
At the heart of the C 379 is a custom UcD output stage using NAD’s HybridDigital technology. This Class D amplification can deliver a continuous power of 80 W into 8 and 4 ohms, with dynamic power reaching 120 W into 4 ohms. All with extremely low noise and distortion.
The amplifier can also be bridged with the NAD C 268 in a fully symmetrical configuration, raising power to 300 W continuous and over 500 W peak. Enough to handle the most demanding musical passages with ease.
Highly efficient power supply
The C 379’s power supply stands out for its high energy efficiency. It consumes less than half the power of conventional amplifiers in its class while providing clean power to all amplification stages. This balanced design also ensures near-perfect voltage regulation across a wide range of operating conditions.
High-performance digital-to-analog conversion
The C 379’s digital section is built around the renowned ESS SABRE ES9028 converter, one of the highest-performing 32-bit DACs on the market. With its exceptional dynamic range and ultra-low distortion, it delivers highly precise musical reproduction free from clock jitter.
The result is a detailed sound, precise soundstage, and remarkable clarity across the entire audio spectrum. The DAC supports PCM streams up to 32-bit / 384 kHz.
Comprehensive connectivity
The NAD C 379 is equipped with extensive analog and digital connectivity:
- 3 analog inputs including 1 phono MM input
- Preamp outputs
- 2 independent subwoofer outputs
- Bluetooth aptX HD
- HDMI eARC input
- 2 digital coaxial inputs
- 2 optical digital inputs
The phono input features precise RIAA equalization and an extremely low noise floor. Support for aptX HD Bluetooth enables easy reception of 24-bit audio streams from any compatible device.
The HDMI eARC input allows direct connection to a TV with seamless control via the TV remote. Finally, the amplifier includes a dedicated headphone output driven by a specific stage with low output impedance and high voltage swing, compatible with a wide range of headphones.
Modularity and upgradeability
One of the C 379’s major assets lies in its 2nd-generation modular design, known as MDC 2. Thanks to its two expansion slots, the amplifier can accommodate optional modules to add features and keep pace with emerging technologies.
BluOS module
The optional MDC2 BluOS-D module brings compatibility with the BluOS high-resolution multiroom audio streaming ecosystem. Once installed, it connects the C 379 to the home network via Wi‑Fi or Ethernet and enables advanced management of audio streams up to 24-bit / 192 kHz.
The BluOS app, available on smartphone, tablet, and computer, provides access to over 20 streaming services including Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, Amazon Music, and Spotify. Support for Apple AirPlay 2 and bidirectional aptX HD Bluetooth is also included.
Dirac Live room correction
The BluOS module also integrates Dirac Live room correction technology. This optimizes the amplifier’s frequency response according to the listening room’s acoustics. Calibration is performed using a microphone and the Dirac software, for a custom fit to the room’s characteristics.
Key advantages of the NAD C 379
- Powerful, musical hybrid digital amplification
- High-performance ESS SABRE ES9028 digital-to-analog conversion
- Comprehensive connectivity with phono input, HDMI eARC, and subwoofer outputs
- Built-in headphone amplifier compatible with a wide range of impedances
- MDC 2 modular design for exceptional upgradeability
- Optional compatibility with BluOS, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth aptX HD
- Dirac Live acoustic correction available
- Low power consumption and high energy efficiency
- Clean, elegant design with meticulous build quality
What the press says
The C 379 may be “just” the entry-level amplifier in NAD’s range, but it’s a device that offers almost everything its more expensive big brothers do, at its price point. The C 399 may be a step up in terms of amplification, but the C 379 gives you a lot for your money. Above all, the NAD C 379 is a very comprehensive proposition—a powerful amplifier capable of handling both your TV audio and your vinyl. And with the added BluOS-D module, you’re looking at an all-in-one amplifier that does almost everything.
Automatically translated — Show original (French)
Documentation
French
Technical Specifications
General Features
- Custom HybridDigital UcD digital amplifier with stereo and mono modes
- Continuous power: 2 × 80 W per channel (8 and 4 Ω)
- Dynamic power: 2 × 120 W per channel (4 Ω)
- Bridged mono mode: up to 300 W per channel
- SABRE ESS 32-bit / 384 kHz converter
- Compatibility: rates up to 32-bit / 384 kHz
- Frequency band: 2.402 GHz - 2.480 GHz
- Maximum transmission power: 7 dBm ± 2 dBm
Line Preamplifier
Line input, preamplifier output (analog bypass enabled)
- Total harmonic distortion: < 0.002% at 2 V output (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: > 106 dB
- Channel separation:
-
100 dB (1 kHz)
-
90 dB (10 kHz)
-
- Input impedance: 56 kΩ + 100 pF
- Maximum input signal: > 4.6 V RMS
- Output impedance: Z source + 320 Ω
- Input sensitivity: 65 mV
- Frequency response: ± 0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Maximum output voltage: > 5 V
Phono Preamplifier
Phono input, preamplifier output (analog bypass enabled)
- Total harmonic distortion: < 0.01% at 2 V output (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: > 84 dB
- Input impedance: 46 kΩ / 100 pF
- Frequency response: ± 0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Maximum input signal at 1 kHz: > 80 mV RMS
Headphone Section
Line input, headphone output (analog bypass enabled)
- Total harmonic distortion: < 0.005% at 1 V output (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: > 107 dB
- Frequency response: ± 0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Channel separation: > 62 dB at 1 kHz
- Output impedance: 2.2 Ω
Amplification
Line input, speaker output (analog bypass enabled)
- Continuous output power: 2 × 80 W (8 Ω and 4 Ω)
- Total harmonic distortion: < 0.03% (250 mW to 80 W)
- Signal-to-noise ratio: > 95 dB
- Clipping power: 150 W
- IHF dynamic power:
- 120 W (8 Ω)
- 200 W (4 Ω)
- 250 W (2 Ω)
- Peak output current: > 26 A
- Damping factor: > 100
- Frequency response: ± 0.3 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
- Channel separation:
-
90 dB (1 kHz)
-
75 dB (10 kHz)
-
- Input sensitivity: 750 mV / 50 kΩ
Connectivity
Digital Inputs
- 1 HDMI eARC
- 2 Toslink optical
- 2 RCA S/PDIF
- Bluetooth with coaxial antenna connector
Analog Inputs
- 1 stereo RCA phono (moving magnet - MM)
- 2 stereo RCA line
Analog Outputs
- RCA preamplified output
- 2 RCA subwoofer outputs
- Front headphone jack
- Dual speaker binding posts
Other Connections
- RS-232 interface
- 1 infrared input and 1 output (3.5 mm mini-jack)
- 1 12 V trigger input and 1 output (3.5 mm mini-jack)
- Two slots for MDC2 modules
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions (W × H × D): 435 × 100 × 390 mm
- Net weight: 8.7 kg
- Gross weight: approximately 11 kg
- Eco-contribution of €0.84 included in the sale price.
- GTIN / EAN: 786357002194














