NAD C338 Hybrid Digital Stereo Amplifier

Description

Getting it Right

When it comes time to create a product, we never overlook the most crucial of requirements. From low noise circuits to precise volume control action, to accurate channel balance and proper input and output impedance characteristics, we here at NAD do everything we can to get these things exactly right.  We also include an MM Phono stage with precisely accurate RIAA equalization, high overload margins, extremely low noise, and an innovative circuit to suppress infrasonic noise that is present on all LPs – all without affecting bass response. Our line inputs can accommodate all kinds of analogue source components by offering ideal input impedance characteristics with linear ultra-low-noise buffer amplifiers to prevent any sonic degradation caused by inappropriate loading of the source device. We include a separate headphone amplifier with low output impedance and very high output voltage capability – enough to drive even high impedance studio monitor headphones. Low impedance line outputs that can connect to subwoofers extend the versatility of this well thought out amplifier. These are all details you can hear.

Instant Connection

As previously stated, you can connect instantly to the C338 with Bluetooth®, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled device. The high performance aptX® codec is fully supported for true CD-quality sound. Bluetooth can also be used to listen to other sources connected to the C338 via wireless headphones. There is also a control app that allows your smartphone or tablet to control all functions of your NAD.

Sophisticated Power

In recent years, NAD has moved away from the old-fashioned linear power supplies and Class AB output stages that waste energy, and have instead developed even better performing circuits based on switch mode power supplies and Class D output stages. Once thought to be inferior to traditional topologies, NAD’s advanced work in this area has created some of the best performing amplifiers regardless of basic design principle. These new designs are very linear over a wide bandwidth and provide consistent performance into all speaker loads, providing a dramatic advance over previous models.

Furthermore, the power supply is capable of 160 watts continuously and over 300 watts instantaneously to allow for short-term musical transients. It can operate with any AC mains voltage from 100 to 240 volts and provides pure DC power to all the various stages of the C338. This highly efficient supply also provides near perfect regulation of voltage across a wide range of conditions and provides a solid noise-free foundation for the amplifying stages.

Using a customized version of the proven Hypex UcD output stage, the C338 allows for massive power with nearly unmeasurable distortion and noise in the audible range. Every detail of this amplifier has been carefully designed and perfectly executed to deliver every last drop of performance