NAD C 388 Hybrid Digital Stereo Amplifier
The NAD C 388 stereo amplifier uses a custom Hypex UcD output stage operating in a balanced bridge configuration. This allows you to almost completely eliminate various distortions and noise in the audible range. And the high-efficiency power supply is capable of operating on AC voltages from 100 to 240V. And guaranteed to provide power up to 150 watts per channel. And this with a coefficient of non-linear distortion of 0.02% is quite stable for various loads.
Stereo amplifier NAD C 388 - overview, features
The NAD C 388 incorporates an MM phono stage that closely follows the RIAA curve and has a high headroom. Plus, it effectively suppresses subsonic noise thanks to the thoughtful implementation of the Subsonic filter. The amplifier has two MDC expansion slots for connecting additional modules. Currently available for the NAD C 388 amplifier are:
- BluOS 2 MDC module. It adds an Ethernet interface and support for Wi-Fi wireless technology for streaming playback. This includes support for Spotify Connect, Tidal and TuneIn music services. The module can decode the main digital audio formats (including MQA) up to 24bit/192kHz. Another nice point - the module is able to play sound files from a USB drive.
- DD HDM-1 Module – Adds three HDMI inputs (stereo, PCM 24bit/192kHz) and one video passthrough output.
- HDM-2 DD Module - Similar to HDM-1 but supports 4K resolution.
NAD C 388 Hybrid Stereo Amplifier Specifications
| channels | 2 |
| Output power (4/8 ohms) | 150W per channel
(20 kHz - 20 kHz, T.N.I. 0.02%) |
| Power Limit (4 ohms) | 350W per channel |
| Class | D |
| Signal to noise ratio | 106 dB (line); 76 dB (MM) |
| THD | 0,005% (line, 2V); 0,01% (MM, 2V) |
| Coefficient of damping | 150 |
| Direct mode | Yes (Tone Bypass) |
| Adjustment | Balance, bass, treble |
| Phono stage | MM |
| Line input | 2 |
| Linear output | — |
| Preout | Yes |
| Subwoofer output | Yes 2) |
| Digital input | S/PDIF: optical (2), coaxial (2) |
| DAC | ESS Saber (double balanced) |
| Support for digital formats (S/PDIF) | PCM 192 kHz / 24-bit |
| Additional interfaces | RS232, IR in, IR out, USB (service) |
| Wireless connection | Bluetooth (AptX), smartphone control |
| Remote control | Yes |
| Auto power off | Yes |
| Power cable | Removable |
| Trigger 12V | Enter exit |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | X x 435 390 120 мм |
| The weight | 11.2 kg |
The only pity is that there is no full-fledged DSP (Digital Signal Processor). This is still a digital amplifier, and it would be right to provide it with the appropriate functionality. For complete happiness, there are not enough spatial effects when viewing movies in high quality sound. And so, if it is already to identify shortcomings, then there is no DTS decoder. It is clear that we do not have a 5.1 system, but a stereo one. But movies with a DTS sound codec, without the MDC BluOS module, cannot be watched.